7 Budget-Friendly Picnic Food Ideas for Under $20

Picnics are a great way to enjoy the outdoors without breaking the bank. With just $20, you can whip up some tasty and budget-friendly picnic foods that will keep everyone satisfied and happy. From easy sandwiches to delicious snacks, here are some simple ideas that won’t empty your wallet!

Savory Sandwiches That Won'T Break The Bank

When planning a picnic, savory sandwiches are a must-have. They are easy to make, transport, and eat outdoors. The image showcases a delightful spread of colorful sandwiches, each packed with fresh ingredients. You can see layers of lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and deli meats, all nestled between slices of bread. This variety not only looks appealing but also offers something for everyone.

Making sandwiches for your picnic doesn’t have to be expensive. You can create delicious options using budget-friendly ingredients. Think about using whole grain bread, fresh veggies, and your favorite spreads. These sandwiches can be customized to suit different tastes, whether you prefer classic ham and cheese or a veggie delight.

To keep things simple, consider preparing a few different types of sandwiches. You can make a classic turkey and cheese, a veggie sandwich with hummus, or even a simple peanut butter and jelly for the kids. Pair them with some chips and a refreshing drink, and you have a complete meal that won’t break the bank.

Ingredients

• 8 slices of whole grain bread
• 4 slices of turkey or ham
• 4 slices of cheddar cheese
• 1 cup of lettuce
• 1 tomato, sliced
• 1/2 cucumber, sliced
• 1/4 cup of mayonnaise or mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Start by laying out the slices of bread on a clean surface.
2. Spread mayonnaise or mustard on each slice, depending on your preference.
3. Layer turkey or ham on four of the slices, followed by cheese, lettuce, tomato, and cucumber.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Top with the remaining slices of bread to complete the sandwiches.
6. Cut the sandwiches in half or quarters for easy handling.
7. Pack them in a container and enjoy your picnic!

Filling Pasta Salads To Satisfy Any Hunger

Pasta salads are a fantastic choice for picnics. They are easy to prepare, filling, and can be made with a variety of ingredients. The image shows a vibrant bowl of pasta salad, featuring colorful rotini pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and black olives. Fresh herbs add a nice touch, making it not just tasty but also visually appealing.

This dish is perfect for a budget-friendly picnic. You can whip it up for under $20 and feed a crowd. Plus, it’s versatile! You can mix and match ingredients based on what you have at home or what’s in season.

To make your own filling pasta salad, gather your favorite ingredients. You can use any type of pasta, fresh vegetables, and a simple dressing. This way, you can customize it to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Ingredients

• 3 cups rotini pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, black olives, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley.
3. Add Dressing: Pour the Italian dressing over the salad. Toss everything together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve: Enjoy your pasta salad at your picnic, and watch it disappear!

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Refreshing Fruit Salads For A Sweet Treat

Fruit salads are a fantastic way to add a refreshing touch to your picnic. They are colorful, tasty, and easy to prepare. Picture a bowl filled with juicy watermelon, sweet strawberries, and tangy blueberries. This vibrant mix not only looks great but also tastes amazing!

Making a fruit salad is simple. You can use whatever fruits you love or have on hand. The best part? You can prepare it ahead of time and let it chill in the fridge until you're ready to go. This way, you’ll have a sweet treat waiting for you at your picnic.

Here’s a quick and easy recipe for a delightful fruit salad that will impress your friends and family without breaking the bank!

Ingredients

• 2 cups watermelon, diced
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup kiwi, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fruit: Start by washing all the fruits thoroughly. Dice the watermelon and kiwi, and slice the strawberries.
2. Mix Together: In a large bowl, combine the diced watermelon, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi.
3. Add Sweetness: If you like, drizzle honey over the fruit and gently toss to combine.
4. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
5. Serve: Before serving, give it a gentle stir and garnish with fresh mint leaves. Enjoy your refreshing fruit salad!

Easy-To-Make Wraps For On-The-Go Eating

Wraps are a fantastic option for a budget-friendly picnic. They are easy to make, portable, and can be filled with a variety of ingredients. The image shows colorful wraps filled with fresh veggies, making them not only tasty but also visually appealing.

To create your own delicious wraps, start with a soft tortilla. You can use whole wheat, spinach, or regular flour tortillas based on your preference. Layer in some leafy greens like lettuce or spinach, add your choice of protein such as grilled chicken or beans, and top it off with diced vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and carrots. A drizzle of your favorite dressing or hummus can add extra flavor.

These wraps are perfect for picnics because they are easy to hold and eat. You can prepare them ahead of time and wrap them in foil or parchment paper for easy transport. Plus, they can be made for under $20, making them a great choice for a budget-friendly outing.

Ingredients

• 4 large tortillas
• 2 cups mixed salad greens
• 1 cup cooked chicken, diced (or chickpeas for a vegetarian option)
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing or hummus
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface.
2. Spread a layer of ranch dressing or hummus over the tortilla.
3. Add a handful of mixed salad greens in the center.
4. Top with diced chicken (or chickpeas), bell peppers, carrots, and cucumber.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it up tightly from the bottom to the top.
7. Wrap in foil or parchment paper for easy transport.
8. Repeat with remaining tortillas and ingredients.

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Budget-Friendly Cheese And Crackers Pairings

Cheese and crackers are a classic picnic staple that never disappoints. They are easy to prepare, affordable, and can be customized to suit your taste. The image showcases a beautiful spread of various cheeses, crackers, and fresh grapes, making it a delightful addition to any outdoor meal.

When choosing cheeses, consider a mix of textures and flavors. Soft cheeses like brie pair well with crunchy crackers, while sharper cheeses like cheddar offer a nice contrast. Adding some fresh fruit, like grapes, not only enhances the flavor but also adds a pop of color to your picnic spread.

Don't forget to pack a small knife for slicing the cheese and a cutting board for easy serving. This simple yet elegant pairing can be enjoyed by everyone, making it a perfect choice for gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 wheel of brie cheese
• 1 block of sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 log of goat cheese
• 1 box of assorted crackers
• 1 cup of fresh grapes
• 1 tablespoon of honey (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cheese: Slice the brie and cheddar into bite-sized pieces. Leave the goat cheese in its log form for easy spreading.
2. Arrange the Crackers: On a serving board, place the assorted crackers in a circular pattern around the cheeses.
3. Add the Grapes: Scatter fresh grapes around the cheeses and crackers for a refreshing touch.
4. Drizzle with Honey: If desired, drizzle a little honey over the goat cheese for added sweetness.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Grab a cracker, add your favorite cheese, and enjoy this delicious pairing outdoors!

Simple Veggie Platters For Healthy Snacking

Veggie platters are a fantastic way to keep things fresh and healthy during your picnic. They are colorful, easy to prepare, and perfect for sharing. Just look at that vibrant spread! You’ll find a variety of vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, all beautifully arranged around a bowl of creamy dip.

Creating a veggie platter is simple and budget-friendly. You can pick seasonal vegetables to save even more. Arrange them on a large platter, and don’t forget the dip! A yogurt-based dip or hummus pairs wonderfully with crunchy veggies. This not only adds flavor but also makes snacking more fun.

For a picnic, you can prepare the platter ahead of time. Just cover it with plastic wrap and keep it chilled until you’re ready to go. This way, you’ll have a healthy snack option that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 2 carrots, cut into sticks
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup celery sticks
• 1 cup ranch or yogurt dip

Instructions

1. Wash and prepare all vegetables by slicing or cutting them into sticks and florets.
2. Arrange the vegetables on a large platter in a circular pattern for a colorful display.
3. Place a bowl of dip in the center of the platter.
4. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Homemade Dips To Complement Your Snacks

Picnics are all about enjoying good food in a relaxed setting. Homemade dips can elevate your snack game without breaking the bank. Picture a sunny day with friends, surrounded by delicious dips and crispy snacks. It’s a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy your time outdoors.

In the image, you can see a variety of colorful dips like guacamole, hummus, and a creamy dip, all paired with crunchy crackers and fresh veggies. These dips not only look inviting but also offer a range of flavors that everyone will love. Making your own dips is easy and can be done for under $20!

Let’s get into a simple recipe for a classic hummus that pairs perfectly with pita chips or fresh veggies. It’s creamy, flavorful, and a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed

Instructions

1. Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, combine chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt.
2. Process: Blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the hummus and adjust salt or lemon juice as needed.
4. Serve: Transfer to a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Enjoy with pita chips or fresh veggies!

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