Perfect Picnic Sandwiches For Your Next Outdoor Feast

Picnics are a delightful way to enjoy the outdoors while savoring delicious food in the company of friends and family. One of the best things about picnics is the array of sandwiches you can bring along, each offering a unique taste and experience. Whether you prefer classic combinations, gourmet flavors, healthy options, or kid-friendly delights, there’s a perfect sandwich for every picnic. In this blog post, we’ll explore a variety of the best picnic sandwich ideas, along with the ideal side dishes and beverages to complement each one. Let’s dive in and discover these mouth-watering picnic essentials!

Classic Picnic Sandwiches

Ham and Cheese Sandwich

The ham and cheese sandwich is a timeless classic that never fails to satisfy. It’s simple, delicious, and easy to make, making it a perfect choice for a picnic.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of bread (whole grain or white)
• 4 slices of ham
• 4 slices of cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon of mustard
• Lettuce leaves
• Tomato slices

Instructions:

1. Spread mayonnaise on one side of two slices of bread and mustard on one side of the other two slices.
2. Layer ham, cheese, lettuce, and tomato on the mayonnaise-coated slices.
3. Top with the mustard-coated slices of bread.
4. Cut the sandwiches in half and wrap them tightly for the picnic.

Best Side Dish: Potato Salad Creamy potato salad is a great accompaniment to the ham and cheese sandwich. The richness of the salad complements the savory flavors of the sandwich.

Best Beverage: Lemonade A refreshing glass of lemonade pairs perfectly with this classic sandwich, balancing the flavors with its citrusy tang.

Turkey and Avocado Sandwich

This sandwich offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, with the creamy avocado adding a rich contrast to the lean turkey.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of whole grain bread
• 8 slices of turkey breast
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• 4 slices of Swiss cheese
• Lettuce leaves
• 1 tomato, sliced
• 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise

Instructions:

1. Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.
2. Layer turkey, avocado, Swiss cheese, lettuce, and tomato on two slices of bread.
3. Top with the remaining slices of bread.
4. Cut the sandwiches in half and wrap them for the picnic.

Best Side Dish: Coleslaw Crispy and tangy coleslaw is a fantastic side dish that adds a refreshing crunch to the meal.

Best Beverage: Iced Tea A chilled glass of iced tea, whether sweetened or unsweetened, complements the turkey and avocado sandwich beautifully.

Vegetarian Caprese Sandwich

For a light and fresh option, the Caprese sandwich is perfect. It features the classic Italian combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of ciabatta bread
• 1 large tomato, sliced
• 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Drizzle olive oil on one side of each slice of ciabatta bread.
2. Layer tomato slices, mozzarella slices, and fresh basil leaves on two slices of bread.
3. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the ingredients and season with salt and pepper.
4. Top with the remaining slices of bread.
5. Cut the sandwiches in half and wrap them tightly for the picnic.

Best Side Dish: Pasta Salad A light and flavorful pasta salad complements the fresh ingredients of the Caprese sandwich.

Best Beverage: Sparkling Water A refreshing sparkling water with a hint of lemon or lime adds a delightful fizz to your picnic meal.

Gourmet Picnic Sandwiches

Prosciutto and Fig Sandwich

This gourmet sandwich combines the savory flavor of prosciutto with the sweetness of figs, creating a delightful taste experience.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of artisan bread
• 8 slices of prosciutto
• 4 fresh figs, sliced
• 4 ounces of goat cheese
• Arugula leaves
• 2 tablespoons of honey

Instructions:

1. Spread goat cheese on one side of each slice of bread.
2. Layer prosciutto, fig slices, and arugula on two slices of bread.
3. Drizzle honey over the ingredients.
4. Top with the remaining slices of bread.
5. Cut the sandwiches in half and wrap them for the picnic.

Best Side Dish: Arugula Salad An arugula salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the rich flavors of the prosciutto and fig sandwich.

Best Beverage: Prosecco A glass of chilled Prosecco adds a touch of elegance and pairs wonderfully with this gourmet sandwich.

Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagel

A sophisticated yet easy-to-make option, the smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel is a picnic favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 bagels, halved
• 8 ounces of smoked salmon
• 4 ounces of cream cheese
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Capers
• Fresh dill

Instructions:

1. Spread cream cheese on each half of the bagels.
2. Layer smoked salmon, red onion slices, and capers on the bottom halves.
3. Garnish with fresh dill and top with the other bagel halves.
4. Wrap the bagels tightly for the picnic.

Best Side Dish: Cucumber Salad A light and refreshing cucumber salad complements the smoked salmon perfectly.

Best Beverage: White Wine A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, pairs excellently with the smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel.

Grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich

This flavorful sandwich features grilled chicken and fresh pesto, making it a delicious choice for a gourmet picnic.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of ciabatta bread
• 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
• 4 tablespoons of pesto
• 4 slices of mozzarella cheese
• Roasted red peppers
• Arugula leaves

Instructions:

1. Spread pesto on one side of each slice of ciabatta bread.
2. Layer grilled chicken slices, mozzarella cheese, roasted red peppers, and arugula on two slices of bread.
3. Top with the remaining slices of bread.
4. Cut the sandwiches in half and wrap them for the picnic.

Best Side Dish: Quinoa Salad A nutritious quinoa salad with vegetables and a light dressing is a perfect side dish for this sandwich.

Best Beverage: Herbal Iced Tea A refreshing herbal iced tea, such as mint or chamomile, complements the flavors of the grilled chicken pesto sandwich.

Healthy Picnic Sandwiches

Hummus and Veggie Wrap

This healthy and delicious wrap is packed with fresh vegetables and creamy hummus, making it a great choice for a nutritious picnic.

Ingredients:

• 2 large whole wheat tortillas
• 1 cup of hummus
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, shredded
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Fresh spinach leaves

Instructions:

1. Spread hummus evenly over each tortilla.
2. Layer cucumber slices, bell pepper slices, shredded carrot, avocado slices, and spinach leaves on each tortilla.
3. Roll up the tortillas tightly and cut them in half.
4. Wrap the wraps securely for the picnic.

Best Side Dish: Fresh Fruit Salad A vibrant and refreshing fruit salad adds a sweet contrast to the savory wrap.

Best Beverage: Infused Water Water infused with fresh fruits and herbs, such as lemon and mint, keeps you hydrated and complements the wrap.

Turkey and Hummus Sandwich

Combining lean turkey with creamy hummus, this sandwich is both healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of whole grain bread
• 8 slices of turkey breast
• 1 cup of hummus
• Lettuce leaves
• Tomato slices
• Cucumber slices

Instructions:

1. Spread hummus on one side of each slice of bread.
2. Layer turkey, lettuce, tomato, and cucumber on two slices of bread.
3. Top with the remaining slices of bread.
4. Cut the sandwiches in half and wrap them for the picnic.

Best Side Dish: Carrot Sticks with Hummus Crispy carrot sticks with a side of hummus for dipping make a healthy and tasty side dish.

Best Beverage: Green Smoothie A nutrient-packed green smoothie provides a refreshing and healthy drink option.

Grilled Veggie Sandwich

Packed with a variety of grilled vegetables, this sandwich is a delicious and healthy choice for any picnic.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of whole grain bread
• 1 zucchini, sliced and grilled
• 1 eggplant, sliced and grilled
• 1 red bell pepper, grilled
• 4 ounces of feta cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Drizzle olive oil on one side of each slice of bread.
2. Layer grilled zucchini, eggplant, bell pepper, and feta cheese on two slices of bread.
3. Add fresh basil leaves and season with salt and pepper.
4. Top with the remaining slices of bread.
5. Cut the sandwiches in half and wrap them for the picnic.

Best Side Dish: Kale Chips Crispy kale chips provide a healthy and crunchy side dish that complements the grilled veggie sandwich.

Best Beverage: Kombucha A bottle of kombucha offers a refreshing and probiotic-rich beverage option.

Kid-Friendly Picnic Sandwiches

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

A classic favorite among kids, the peanut butter and jelly sandwich is always a hit at picnics.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of whole wheat bread
• 4 tablespoons of peanut butter
• 4 tablespoons of jelly (any flavor)

Instructions:

1. Spread peanut butter on one side of two slices of bread.
2. Spread jelly on one side of the other two slices.
3. Combine the slices to make sandwiches.
4. Cut the sandwiches into fun shapes and wrap them for the picnic.

Best Side Dish: Apple Slices Fresh apple slices add a sweet and crunchy side dish that kids love.

Best Beverage: Milk A cold bottle of milk pairs perfectly with this classic sandwich.

Chicken Salad Sandwich

This tasty sandwich is easy to make and loved by kids, offering a delicious mix of chicken, mayo, and veggies.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of whole grain bread
• 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1/4 cup of grapes, halved
• Lettuce leaves

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, diced celery, and grapes.
2. Spread the chicken salad mixture on two slices of bread.
3. Top with lettuce leaves and the remaining slices of bread.
4. Cut the sandwiches into halves or quarters and wrap them for the picnic.

Best Side Dish: Veggie Sticks A selection of veggie sticks, such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers, makes a healthy and crunchy side dish.

Best Beverage: Fruit Punch A kid-friendly fruit punch adds a fun and fruity drink option.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

This warm and gooey sandwich is a childhood favorite that’s perfect for a picnic.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of white or whole wheat bread
• 4 slices of cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons of butter

Instructions:

1. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
2. Place two slices of cheese between the unbuttered sides of two slices of bread.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the sandwiches until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
4. Cut the sandwiches into quarters and wrap them in foil for the picnic.

Best Side Dish: Tomato Soup A thermos of warm tomato soup pairs perfectly with grilled cheese sandwiches.

Best Beverage: Lemonade A refreshing lemonade is a great drink option for kids enjoying grilled cheese sandwiches.

Unique Picnic Sandwiches

Vietnamese Banh Mi

This flavorful sandwich combines Vietnamese flavors with a crunchy baguette, offering a unique and delicious picnic option.

Ingredients:

• 2 baguettes, cut in half
• 1 cup of cooked pork, sliced thin
• Pickled carrots and daikon
• Cucumber slices
• Fresh cilantro
• Jalapeño slices
• Mayonnaise
• Soy sauce

Instructions:

1. Spread mayonnaise on one side of each baguette half.
2. Layer cooked pork, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber slices, cilantro, and jalapeño slices on the bottom halves.
3. Drizzle with a little soy sauce.
4. Top with the other baguette halves and wrap the sandwiches tightly.

Best Side Dish: Spring Rolls Fresh spring rolls with a dipping sauce add a light and refreshing side dish.

Best Beverage: Thai Iced Tea A sweet and creamy Thai iced tea pairs wonderfully with the flavors of the banh mi.

Mediterranean Falafel Pita

This flavorful and healthy sandwich features crispy falafel and fresh veggies, making it a perfect picnic choice.

Ingredients:

• 4 pita pockets
• 12 falafel balls
• 1 cup of hummus
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 tomato, diced
• Lettuce leaves
• Tzatziki sauce

Instructions:

1. Cut the pita pockets in half and spread hummus inside each half.
2. Fill each pita half with falafel balls, diced cucumber, diced tomato, and lettuce.
3. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce.
4. Wrap the pita sandwiches tightly for the picnic.

Best Side Dish: Tabbouleh A fresh and tangy tabbouleh salad complements the Mediterranean flavors of the falafel pita.

Best Beverage: Mint Lemonade A refreshing mint lemonade enhances the Mediterranean experience.

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich

This hearty sandwich features tender pulled pork in a tangy BBQ sauce, making it a flavorful picnic option.

Ingredients:

• 4 hamburger buns
• 2 cups of pulled pork
• 1 cup of BBQ sauce
• Coleslaw
• Pickles

Instructions:

1. Mix the pulled pork with BBQ sauce.
2. Divide the pulled pork evenly among the hamburger buns.
3. Top with coleslaw and pickles.
4. Wrap the sandwiches tightly for the picnic.

Best Side Dish: Cornbread A slice of sweet cornbread is the perfect side dish for a BBQ pulled pork sandwich.

Best Beverage: Root Beer A cold bottle of root beer adds a classic touch to this hearty picnic meal.

Conclusion

From classic favorites to gourmet delights, healthy options to kid-friendly treats, these picnic sandwich ideas offer something for everyone. Pairing each sandwich with the perfect side dish and beverage enhances the picnic experience, making it a memorable outing. Whether you’re planning a family picnic, a romantic date, or a fun day with friends, these recipes are sure to impress. Try them out, enjoy the delicious flavors, and create wonderful picnic memories. Don’t forget to share your favorite picnic sandwiches with us!

Happy picnicking!