17 quick and easy recipes for a kid-friendly picnic

If you’re not bringing devilled eggs to the party, you’re doing it wrong. Egg yolks are whipped into a frenzy with capers, mayo and Dijon then topped with crispy prosciutto. Perfecto. Get the recipe: Caesar Salad Devilled Eggs

What’s a picnic without a heaping helping of creamy macaroni salad? Serve it alongside that fried chicken you brought. Get the recipe: Creamy Macaroni Salad

Sure it’s a little messy, but these chicken legs have a built-in handle—perfect for little paws to grip so they can chow down. This baked-not-fried version gives that guilty-pleasure place (that starts with “K” and ends with “FC”) a run for their money. Get the recipe: “Fried” Chicken and Coleslaw

If chicken isn’t your thing, breaded tofu is here to be your friend. It’s not bland, just make sure to press your tofu for 10 minutes before prepping to remove excess water. Get the recipe: Crispy Tofu Nuggets

Veggies go down easier with a marinated piece of chicken on the skewer. Get the recipe: Sweet Chili Chicken Sticks

Get the recipe: Summer Picnic Pasta Salad

Listen, we’re not telling you what to do, but here is a mere suggestion: making your own hummus is a quick and painless operation. Try it instead of store-bought. If you want. Whatever, though. Get the recipe: Spiced Hummus

What could be better than munching a cookie on a blanket? We can’t think of much. Thanks to this big-batch recipe you made ahead of time, you just had to pull the leftover dough from your freezer, slice it and bake. Get the recipe: Big Batch Oatmeal Chocolate Raisin Cookies

Muffaletta is the perfect picnic sandwich because the resting time is key—the longer it sits, the tastier it is. Like its cousin the Italian sub, a classic muffaletta stars layers of meat and cheese, and loads of crunch and flavour. Get the recipe: Ham and Cheese Muffaletta

If eating chicken off the bone is too fussy for your crew, these chicken tenders are your new fave portable protein. Dunk them in honey, barbecue sauce or, your kid’s fave, ketchup. Get the recipe: “Fried” Chicken Fingers

Brownies topped with sticky-sweet mini marshmallows? Sold. Get the recipe: Rocky Road Brownies

These kebabs are perfect for grilling outdoors, making them a great choice for spring and summer picnics. Slide them off the skewer and tuck them inside a pita with fresh veg and tzatziki. Get the recipe: Greek Pork Kebabs

These creamy cheddar and apple bites may be unusual, but they’re sure to please any budding cheese aficionado. Get the recipe: Creamy Cheddar and Apple Bites

Look at you making your own energy bars at home. The food processor and five minutes of prep is all you need. Get the recipe: Fruit and Nut Energy Bars

Parent of the Year award goes to you for making homemade crackers. These cheesy bites are a fun project to work on as a team. Get the recipe: Cheesy Star Crackers

Anything goes with a wrap. It’s easy to pack when sliced up into pinwheels. Get the recipe: Tortilla Sushi

Once you go salted brown butter, you never go back. Let the melted butter get all nutty and brown, and then add salt. Life changing. Get the recipe: Salted Brown Butter Puffed Rice Treats

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