By Megan Edwards,
Grab a checkered blanket, round up your friends, and dine al fresco at the park with these picnic-perfect vegan recipes. From classic potato salads to hearty tortilla roll-ups and fruit-forward desserts, your basket will be packed full of munchies that feature fresh ingredients and bold flavors. All of our vegan picnic recipes taste delicious served chilled or at room temperature, which makes them ideal for packing into a cooler and enjoying outdoors under the sun. Mix and match a few to create your perfect menu, and then dig into your epic outdoor feast!
Vegan Soba Noodle Salad
This simple soba noodle salad is perfect for making ahead of time and packing into individual Tupperware to take on your vegan picnic. The nutty buckwheat noodles get a major flavor boost from spicy-sweet ginger, tangy brown rice vinegar, and citrusy yuzu ponzu, while shredded carrots and bell peppers add delicious crunch. Garnish with fresh chives and start slurping!
“No-Tuna” Salad Sandwich
One of our most beloved recipes of all time, this hunger-busting sandwich is the ultimate picnic power move. Mashed chickpeas get a makeover to mimic classic tuna salad: A winning combo of tahini, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup ensures you won’t miss the mayo. Pickles, capers, and red onion deliver the briney tang you’re looking for, while chopped celery adds a delightful crunch. Press a few spoonfuls of the mixture between two slices of whole wheat bread, and you’re all set for an outdoor feast.
Orzo-Stuffed Tomatoes with Pesto Fluff
Every proper vegan picnic should feature eye-catching appetizers, and these adorable stuffed tomatoes are the perfect summertime canapé. Hearty orzo pasta is mixed with sweet peas, crisp bell pepper, and crunchy pine nuts before being stuffed inside juicy campari tomatoes. A creamy homemade pesto made with cannellini beans and fresh basil tops off each tomato to complete this delightful Mediterranean munchie.
Stone Fruit Pasta Salad with Fennel
When you want a recipe that’s ideal for passing around at a potluck, this fruit-forward salad will be the star of your picnic blanket. The base of peppery arugula is dressed up with licorice-like fennel, tangy shallots, sweet nectarines, and tart cherries to create a summertime cornucopia. Whole wheat pasta and chickpeas add extra heft, while a simple lemony vinaigrette ties it all together. Say goodbye to unsatisfying salads: This one is here to quench all your cravings!
Vegan Strawberry Blondies
Is there any fruit more perfect for snacking on when the weather gets warm than strawberries? We sure don’t think so, and these mouthwatering vegan blondie bars are a great way to indulge in the season’s bounty. The cakey vanilla base is infused with subtle notes of cinnamon and then studded with crunchy walnuts and fresh berries for the ultimate healthy dessert. You’ll love ending your meal with these sweet treats, which are perfect for transporting to any outdoor location.
Chickpea Wraps with Homemade Spinach Tortillas
If you think picnics are all about small bites and dainty nibbles, think again: These hearty chickpea wraps provide the same satisfaction as a knife-and-fork meal all while being completely portable. The savory filling is drizzled in a homemade cashew lemon sauce and topped with fresh greens, carrot, and cucumbers to keep your tummy satiated. While we love the homemade spinach tortillas, feel free to save on time by buying your own oil-free wraps from the store.
Spiced-Couscous Cucumber Bites
Pretty and petite, these cucumber bites are a tasty addition to your next plant-based picnic. Each refreshing round is hollowed out to make room for the couscous, which is infused with ras el hanout, a North African blend of ginger, cumin, cayenne, cinnamon, and other mouthwatering seasonings. The warming spices are complemented by tangy dried apricots and aromatic mint so each bite serves up an explosion of incredible flavors that turn your meal into a gourmet experience.
Potato and Artichoke Heart Pasta Salad
No proper picnic is complete without this summertime favorite. Hearty whole grain pasta, tender potatoes, and creamy artichokes create the trifecta of pasta salads that is guaranteed to win over the hearts (and taste buds) of all your friends. Silken tofu is the secret ingredient behind the unbelievably velvety sauce that ties everything together, while fresh dill and scallions elevate the garden-fresh taste of this tantalizing side dish.
Roasted Cauliflower Hummus
If your vegan picnic is focused on grazing rather than cooking a full-on feast, then flavorsome dips are essential for a successful spread. This roasted cauliflower hummus adds intrigue to your basket of snacks and is ideal for pairing with crackers, fresh veggies, or pita bread. Cannellini beans and tahini add a creamy texture to the blended cauliflower while pine nuts and fresh herbs make for a centerpiece-worthy garnish.
Vegan Black Forest Brownies with Cherries
Brownies are a surefire crowd-pleaser that will delight kids and adults alike, so why not whip up a batch of these tantalizing plant-based delicacies for your next picnic. The rich chocolate batter is studded with tart dried cherries and topped with flaky coconut to create an indulgent dessert that wraps up your meal on a sweet note. One reader says, “They turned out great and my whole family enjoyed them!”
Zucchini-Bulgur Sushi Rolls
Elevate your picnic menu to a whole new level of elegance with these veggie-packed sushi rolls. Each nori-wrapped parcel is stuffed with chewy bulgur (but you could easily substitute brown rice, if preferred) and a crunchy combo of zucchini, red onion, carrot, and cilantro. The make-ahead nature of this recipe is perfect for bringing along to your al fresco feast, and you can easily transport sushi accouterments in little containers to ensure you have all the fixings.
Creamy Pasta Primavera
In Italian, the word “primavera” means spring, so why not celebrate the changing seasons by including this perfect pasta salad in your picnic lineup. Curly rotini pasta is coated in a spicy, herbaceous sauce and tossed with tons of fresh veggies so each forkful is bursting with flavor. This dish tastes good at any temperature, so don’t be afraid of serving it chilled or room temp as you tuck into your open air meal.
Black Bean-Avocado Wraps
Treat yourself to this scrumptious grab-and-go meal that’s equal parts filling and refreshing. Each tortilla is slathered in a generous portion of spicy mashed black beans and then layered with fresh spinach, sweet mango, and creamy avocado. Halfway between a burrito and veggie wrap, this tropical roll-up is ideal for a vegan picnic where enjoying finger foods takes priority over table manners. Feel free to add an extra drizzle of hot sauce if you like the heat!
Thai Fruit Skewers with Coconut and Lime
This no-cook appetizer is your golden ticket to throwing an A+ plant-based picnic. Kiwi, pineapple, papaya, and mango are soaked in a cayenne- and lime-infused coconut marinade before being threaded onto skewers to create the tastiest kebabs you’ve ever had. Sprinkling chopped mint or basil over the finished product really takes the wow-factor over the top and ensures your picnic guests won’t soon forget these eye-catching hors d’oeuvres.
Veggie Summer Rolls
Take advantage of summer’s bounty by whipping together a batch of these colorful summer rolls. Each rice paper parcel is stuffed with chewy vermicelli noodles and tons of fresh veggies, including beets, asparagus, and carrots. Sliced avocado adds a delectable creamy component to each wrap and the ginger-infused dipping sauce perfectly complements the fresh flavors. Pack a few in your picnic basket the next time you want to have a snack under the sun.
Indian-Spiced Potato Salad
If you typically find potato salad bland, this unique recipe is bound to change your mind. Potatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper are tossed in tangy lime juice and warming cumin to deliver an Indian-inspired flavor combo that delights the senses. Cilantro adds herbaceous tasting notes while chopped jalapeño brings the heat, ensuring each bite is more delicious than the last. One satisfied reader raves, “This is simply delicious!”
Vegan BLTA with Carrot Bacon
Creamy avocado slices, juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and savory carrot bacon—you just can’t go wrong with these plant-based BLTA sandwiches! Pack up a few of these colorful sandos for your next vegan picnic for a no-fuss meal that everyone will love. The zesty sandwich spread adds an extra layer of complex flavor that will leave you licking your fingers and wishing you had made a double batch.
Spicy Tomato Sushi Rolls
A bento box full of these savory sushi rolls would make for the perfect addition to your next plant-based picnic. The addition of butternut squash to the brown rice gives it a creamy texture and eye-catching orange hue. But the star of these little rolls are the spicy marinated tomatoes, which are so good that even the most staunch carnivore won’t miss the meat. Cool cucumber and crunchy carrot add extra tasty texture so each seaweed-wrapped round is like a little bite of heaven.
Vegan Strawberry Cupcakes
Cupcakes are a top-tier picnic treat, and these vegan strawberry cuties are just what you need to end your meal on a high note. The wholesome batter is naturally sweetened with maple syrup and stays deliciously moist through the baking process thanks to the addition of creamy almond butter. Top each cake with the homemade strawberry frosting that’s bursting with fruity goodness, and don’t forget to add a berry or two on top for a tasty garnish.
Strawberry-Mint Salad with Easy Maple-Dijon Dressing
Switch up your salad routine with this drool-worthy recipe that centers strawberries as the star ingredient. A crunchy jumble of jicama and red onion complement the jammy fruit slices while a simple Dijon mustard vinaigrette adds a savory coating that will leave you licking your fingers. Chopped mint finishes off this picnic-worthy dish with a sprinkling of garden fresh herbs to pay homage to the flavors of summer.
Curried Roasted Carrot Hummus
Bored with plain ol’ hummus? Add some pizzazz to your favorite chickpea dip with curry roasted carrots! This creamy orange spread gets an extra boost of flavor from tangy lime juice so you get the perfect combo of spice and citrus in each bite. Serve with toasted pita triangles or fresh veggies, and watch how quickly this picnic snack disappears!
White Bean Wraps with Pickled Cucumber and Mint
These white bean wraps are ideal for keeping the rumbling tummies of kids at bay, but their elegant flavors are also well suited to the upscale palates of parents! Mashed cannellini beans are infused with fresh mint and spread across whole wheat tortillas before being piled with tangy pickled cucumbers, red onion, and leafy greens. Fresh and filling, your vegan picnic will go off without a hitch when you include these tasty wraps on the menu.
Quick-Pickled Japanese Cucumbers
If you want to keep picnic preparation to a minimum, quick-pickled cucumbers make for an excellent side dish that tastes good at any temperature. Brown rice vinegar, lemon juice, and maple syrup join forces to create a lip-smacking brine that will tingle your taste buds. Sesame seeds add a delicate crunch while shiso leaves bring bright herbal panache, but chopped mint or basil would work perfectly in its place.
Almost Egg Salad
It might seem impossible upon first glance, but the dynamic duo of potatoes and tofu mimic the distinct texture of a traditional egg salad. The cashew-based cream sauce is infused with cheesy nutritional yeast and tangy mustard to take the place of mayo and sprinkled with paprika as a nod to deviled eggs. Celery, radishes, and onion add a delicious crunch to balance out the velvety texture. Serve with crackers or simply enjoy it by the spoonful!
Tortilla Roll-Ups with Lentils and Spinach
Lentil and spinach roll ups should be at the top of your list for vegan picnic entrées for two main reasons: They’re packed with nutrients, and they are undeniably delicious. Each little pinwheel features Moroccan-spiced lentils, creamy hummus, fresh greens, and a tender whole wheat tortilla. The best part? They’re ready in just 20 minutes, so you can whip together the perfect picnic finger food even when you’re short on time.
Key Lime Oat Bites
If you don’t have a big sweet tooth, these Key lime oat bites will give you the perfect dose of sweetness at the end of your meal without overwhelming your taste buds with sugar. Toasted oats are pulsed with dates, golden raisins, sunflower seed butter, and Key lime zest until they can be rolled into balls and coated in powdered sugar. Halfway between a granola bar and a citrus truffle, these tangy snacks make a fantastic palate cleanser after a savory meal.
Mason Jar Salad with Creamy Pesto Dressing
There’s no better place for a Mason jar salad than at a vegan picnic. This simple and colorful recipe layers each glass with a creamy pesto dressing, baby spinach, cooked wheat berries (or any other whole grain of choice), carrots, squash, and tomatoes. A crack of salt and pepper at the top is all it takes to finish off this tasty stack of produce. Enjoy by mixing everything together in the jar, or dump it onto a plate to get a perfectly portioned salad.
Spicy Tempeh Mango Spring Rolls
Your plant-based picnic will be the prettiest of them all if you serve these eye-catching spring rolls. Each wrap includes a piece of spicy marinated tempeh, sweet mango, crunchy bell pepper, and aromatic herbs to create a symphony of flavors that will leave everyone asking for the recipe. Serve them with a spicy-sweet dipping sauce to really kick things up a notch.
Stacked Vegetable Sandwiches with Cilantro Chutney
Cute stacked sandwiches are the perfect picnic food because they require minimal effort, don’t need cutlery, and can be enjoyed at any temperature. These tasty sandos are loaded with all your favorite veggies and slathered in a homemade cilantro chutney. The sauce gets a spicy kick from jalapeño, so if you’re not a fan of heat feel free to leave it out. Cut each sandwich into bite-sized squares, and pack them up in your basket for a ready made feast.
Pistachio-Orange Stuffed Dates
Simple and sweet, these stuffed dates are ideal for snacking on as you lounge on a picnic blanket in the warm sun. A trio of nuts—chopped almonds, walnuts, pistachios—make up the bulk of the filling, while orange zest infuses everything with delicious notes of citrus. The natural sweetness of the dates is all you need to satisfy your hankering for dessert, so go ahead and have a few!
Moroccan Carrot-Beet Salad
Present this show-stopping salad at your next vegan picnic and prepare for all the oohs and aahs you’ll get from friends. Grated beets and carrots are tossed in Moroccan spices to complement their earthy flavors while the addition of golden raisins adds surprising pockets of sweetness. Serve the mixture over a bed of fresh greens and top with pistachios to finish everything off with a satisfying crunch.
For more vegan picnic inspiration, check out our collections of vegan pasta salad and potato salad recipes.
About the Author
About the Author
Megan Edwards
Megan Edwards is a staff writer and content producer for Forks Over Knives. She is also a certified RYT-500 yoga teacher who is passionate about cultivating holistic wellness through plant-based eating, mindful movement, and meditation. With a background in journalism and marketing, she supports both the online presence and quarterly print magazine for Forks Over Knives.
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