Enjoy fresh picnic ideas to make the most of al fresco dining this summer. We’ve got salads with a twist, whole-loaf sandwiches to feed the masses and dinky desserts that won’t take up too much room in the basket - as well as a quirky cake we think you’ll love. Get picnic ready and check out the recipe ideas below.


Picnic Sandwiches

The fourth Earl of Sandwich is said to have ‘invented’ this picnic stalwart back in the 1800s, as a means of having a bite to eat without having to leave the gaming table - where he stayed for a full 24 hours. We’re not sure how successful he was in his marathon session, but his idea soon caught on and it’s always winner at picnics to this day.


Picnic Bloomer

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Picnic Bloomer

A great one for bigger gatherings or family outings, this picnic bloomer can be made as a single sandwich and cut up whenever you’re all ready.

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Bacon & Pesto

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Bacon & Pesto Sandwich

Delicious at home for brunch, this quirky sandwich tastes just as good when left to cool and packed for a picnic.

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Pastrami Bagel

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New York Pastrami Bagel

Bagels make great picnic sandwiches - and you can mix up the fillings as much as you want. Our favourite is a New York style bite with cream cheese, pastrami and salad.

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Turkey Baguettes

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Asian-style Turkey Baguettes

For something a little different at your outdoor gathering, try an Asian-style baguette - full of turkey and veggies with a garlic tang and a chilli kick.

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Picnic Wraps

A twist on tradition, wraps are just as popular as ‘sliced’ sandwiches - and great for letting the kids get involved in the picnic preparations without having to use knives or butter lots of bread. Plus, you can use anything that will wrap around your ingredients to make them, from tortillas to lettuce leaves.




Picnic Finger Food

Keep it simple this summer and pack you picnic with little picks that are great for sharing out with friends and family. From firm favourites like sausage rolls to savoury muffins, spicy tortillas and tartlets, these little picks are ideal for picnics.


Sausage Rolls

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Sausage Rolls

Homemade sausage rolls will have everyone tucking in at your gathering. Great for kids to make and eat, and ideal for dipping into houmous, sauce or salsa too.

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Savoury Muffins

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Savoury Carrot and Parmesan Muffins

Savoury Carrot & Parmesan Muffins will bring something different to the table - or blanket - this summer.

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Cheesy Tortillas

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Red Pepper and Cheddar Tortillas

These tortillas are easy to pack up and easy to eat, which makes them the ideal summertime snack for all the family at an outdoor get-together.

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Peach & Brie Tartlets

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Peach and Brie Tartlets

These fruity, cheesy mini tarts are the perfect picnic pick.

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Picnic Salads 

The beauty of a salad lies in the freedom to create all kinds of flavour combinations. Go simple with all the usual ingredients, or add fruit for a unique flavour and sweetness.


Layered Pasta

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Layered Pasta Salad

For an easy salad on those last minute picnic outings, a layered ‘pot’ is a great choice. This pasta version brings together ingredients you might keep in your fridge, so just pack them into a jar, and pack them into the car.

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Broad Bean Salad

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Stilton & Broad Bean Salad

If you love your greens, you’ll soon be making this salad a firm fixture in your hamper. Our Stilton & Broad Bean Salad is just the thing for a lazy-day lunch.

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Jewelled Rice

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Jewelled Rice Salad

This dish tastes as good as it looks. The red chilli adds a little spice while the mango, apricots and cranberries deliver a nice bold flavour.

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Plum Salad

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Plum & Goat's Cheese Salad

Fancy something fruity? This Plum & Goat’s Cheese salad is fresh, tangy and full of flavour - ideal for relaxed picnic dining all through the summer.

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Picnic Desserts

If you have plenty of time on your hands, desserts can add a tasty finishing touch to your outdoor lunch. Choose a jar-trifle, a cake to slice and share, or mini-nibbles for everyone to enjoy.