Delicious and Easy Vegan Food for Your Next Picnic

Going on a picnic doesn’t mean you have to leave your plant-based diet behind! There are tons of delicious and easy vegan food options that are perfect for enjoying outdoors.

Picnic-Perfect Vegan Recipes

Here are some of my favorite vegan picnic recipes that are sure to impress your friends and family:

1. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

This refreshing salad is packed with protein and flavor, making it a satisfying and healthy picnic option.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, cooked and cooled
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cucumber, red bell pepper, olives, parsley, and mint.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
4. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Vibrant Mediterranean quinoa salad in a bowl

Chef’s Tip: For a heartier salad, add chickpeas or crumbled vegan feta cheese. – Chef Anya Sharma

2. Rainbow Veggie Wraps with Creamy Avocado Spread

These colorful wraps are easy to assemble and are bursting with fresh vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 4 large tortillas (your choice of flour or gluten-free)
• 1 avocado, mashed
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
• 1 cup spinach leaves

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine mashed avocado, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
2. Spread avocado mixture evenly over each tortilla.
3. Layer carrots, cabbage, and spinach leaves on top of the avocado spread.
4. Roll up tortillas tightly and slice in half.

Freshly made rainbow veggie wraps sliced in half

3. Spicy Peanut Noodles

These flavorful noodles are a crowd-pleaser and are perfect for a warm day.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces soba noodles, cooked and cooled
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce (or more to taste)
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts, for garnish
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, and sriracha sauce.
2. Add cooked noodles to the sauce and toss to coat.
3. Garnish with chopped peanuts and green onions.

Chef’s Tip: For a fun twist, try using spiralized zucchini noodles instead of soba noodles! – Chef Anya Sharma

Spicy peanut noodles served in a bowl

Picnic-Ready Snacks and Sides

Don’t forget the snacks! These simple additions round out any vegan picnic spread.

• Fresh Fruit: Watermelon, berries, and grapes are all refreshing and easy to pack.
• Vegan Chips and Dip: Choose from a variety of veggie chips, plantain chips, or pita chips and pair them with hummus, guacamole, or salsa.
• Vegan Cookies or Brownies: No picnic is complete without a sweet treat!

Vegan Picnic Tips

• Pack it right: Use reusable containers and a cooler bag with ice packs to keep your food fresh and safe.
• Keep it simple: Choose recipes that are easy to transport and eat.
• Don’t forget the drinks! Pack a thermos of iced tea, lemonade, or infused water.

Colorful vegan picnic spread on a blanket

FAQ

Can I make these recipes ahead of time?

Absolutely! All of these recipes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to pack your picnic basket.

What are some other vegan-friendly picnic ideas?

Other great vegan picnic options include sandwiches on crusty bread with vegan deli slices, chickpea salad sandwiches, pasta salad, and fruit salad.

What are some tips for keeping food cold at a picnic?

Use a well-insulated cooler bag and pack plenty of ice packs. Freeze water bottles to use as ice packs – they’ll keep your food cold and you can drink them as they melt!

What are some eco-friendly picnic tips?

Use reusable containers, utensils, and cloth napkins instead of disposable ones. Pack your food in a reusable cooler bag and bring your own reusable water bottles.

What are some fun activities to do at a vegan picnic?

Besides enjoying delicious food, you can play outdoor games, listen to music, or simply relax and enjoy the company of friends and family.

With a little planning, you can enjoy a delicious and stress-free vegan picnic. So grab your blanket, pack your basket, and enjoy the great outdoors!