35 Picnic Recipes

Somehow, food always tastes better outdoors. Whether you're heading to the beach, mountains, meadow or just the back yard, pack up these foods for a fabulous "take-out" meal.

For the perfect picnic-me-up, pack up your meal and take it outside. Skip the usual tuna sandwiches and try some new dishes--whether it's empanadas, ribs or a succotash salad. Finish off the meal with baklava or an apricot tart, and wash it all down with one of our fruity punches. And don't forget to read our tips to make sure your al fresco dining experience is a breeze.

Try these recipes for a fabulous "take-out" meal:

Starters Copper Pennies Pimiento Cheese Puff Pastry Cheese Twists Emeril's Spiced Nuts 4-Pepper Deviled Eggs Fruit Butter

Sides Antipasti Salad Creamy Cole Slaw Black-eyed Pea Salad Macaroni Salad Ratatouille with Feta, Green Olives, and Almonds Veronica's Potato Salad

Main Dishes Miss Leslie's Ham Salad on Biscuits West 52nd Street Steak Sandwich Muffuletta Sandwich on Sourdough Bread Corn on the Cobb Salad Wrap with Grilled Onion Blue Cheese Dressing Gussie's Fried Chicken with Pecan-Honey Glaze Greek Orzo and Grilled Shrimp Salad with Mustard-Dill Vinaigrette Grilled Tuna Salad Sandwiches with Lemon-Habanero Mayonnaise and Watercress Caponata Picnic Sandwiches

Desserts Summer Fruit with Wine and Mint Bittersweet Double Chocolate Coconut S'mores Chocolate Crusted Coconut Bars Chocolate Toffee Bites Paper Cupcakes Super Lemony Lemon Squares Watermelon and Cantaloupe Salad with Mint Vinaigrette

Beverages Italian Lemonade Blackberry Lemonade Summertime Litchi Iced Tea Mint Iced Tea Mango Iced Tea Iced Tea with Grenadine Half and Half with Lemonade Ice Cubes Aqua Fresca di Frutta

Keep these simple tips in mind to ensure your day is all about rest and relaxation.

• Freeze drinks the night before. Not only will your drinks stay cold the next day, they'll help keep your food chilled.
  
• To keep your picnic festive, bring a colorful and comfortable blanket. Extra towels can serve as pillows when sunbathing or napping.
  
• Set up your picnic in the shade.
  
• Although baskets can be quite stylish, a cooler packed with ice is safer.
  
• Make sure foods that are meant to be served cold are thoroughly cooled before packing.
  
• If you're driving, transport your cooler in the air-conditioned car, not in the trunk.
  
• Throw away any food that's been out of the cooler for more than an hour.

When packing a picnic, don't forget these essentials:

• Blanket
  
• Insect repellent
  
• Napkins
  
• Plates
  
• Silverware
  
• Serving utensils
  
• Cups and wine glasses
  
• Corkscrew or bottle opener
  
• Paring knife
  
• Cutting Board
  
• Condiments
  
• Damp wipes or cloths for washing up
  
• Garbage bag