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Recipes

17 quick and easy recipes for a kid-friendly picnic

We've done all the planning for you with this kid-friendly picnic menu. There are easy recipes for bite-sized nibblies, grilled meat and dessert, too.

17 quick and easy recipes for a kid-friendly picnic

Photo: Roberto Caruso

Easy kid-friendly picnic recipes

Caesar Salad Devilled Eggs

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

plate of devilled eggs topped with crispy baconPhoto: Roberto Caruso

Creamy Macaroni Salad

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

three dixie cups filled with macaroni salad on a picnic blanketPhoto: Roberto Caruso

“Fried” Chicken and Coleslaw

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

crispy breaded drumsticks with coleslawPhoto: Erik Putz

Crispy Tofu Nuggets

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

plate of breaded tofu croutons with dipPhoto: Erik Putz

Sweet Chili Chicken Sticks

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

three skewers with chicken, asparagus and cherry tomatoesPhoto: Erik Putz

SPONSORED: Summer Picnic Pasta Salad

Get the recipe: Summer Picnic Pasta Salad

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17 quick and easy recipes for a kid-friendly picnicPhoto courtesy of Barilla

Spiced Hummus

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

small container of hummus with basket of veggiesPhoto: Roberto Caruso

Big Batch Oatmeal Chocolate Raisin Cookies

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

Cooling tray with oatmeal chocolate chip and raisin cookiesPhoto: Erik Putz

Ham and Cheese Muffaletta

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

thick sandwich filled with ham, cheese, apple and lettucePhoto: Roberto Caruso

“Fried” Chicken Fingers

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

plate of chicken fingers and dipPhoto: Roberto Caruso

Rocky Road Brownies

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

plate of marshmallow-topped browniesPhoto: Roberto Caruso

Greek Pork Kebabs

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

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skewers with marinated and grilled porkPhoto: Jodi Pudge

Creamy Cheddar and Apple Bites

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

plate with small cheese balls, crackers and apple slices

Fruit and Nut Energy Bars

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

fruit and nut bars tied up with stringPhoto: Andrew Grinton

Cheesy Star Crackers

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

crackers in the shape of starsPhoto: Roberto Caruso

Tortilla Sushi

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

Plate with wrap filed with ham and veggies, sliced to look like sushiPhoto: Maya Visnyei

Salted Brown Butter Puffed Rice Treats

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

cutting board with marshmallow-y puffed rice squaresPhoto: Erik Putz

Read more: 17 delicious camping recipes 20 kid-friendly salad recipes 12 essential grilled chicken recipes

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This article was originally published on May 25, 2019

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Amy is a freelance writer and editor based in Toronto, Ontario. Her work can also be found in publications like Chatelaine, Toronto Life and The Globe and Mail

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