Vegetarian Picnic Recipes That Travel Well

Looking for the best vegetarian picnic recipes that travel well? This collection of easy picnic food ideas includes flavour packed make ahead dishes, portable salads, puff pastry treats, crunchy savoury snacks, wraps and sweet treats that are easy to transport and are perfect for enjoying outdoors.

collage of nine vegetarian picnic recipes with text overlay in the centre.

Whether you are planning a summer picnic, family gathering outdoors, park lunch or beach day, these vegetarian recipes are simple to pack, easy to transport, full of flavours and stay fresh for longer. These dishes are sure to make your next picnic effortless and memorable.

The best part of this collection is the kid friendly vegetarian picnic recipe section, where kids can prepare these dishes with an adult’s supervision. Many of these recipes are easy enough for kids to participate in most steps of the process. Kids active participation transforms meal preparation into a memorable family activity.

Getting kids involved in planning a picnic menu, prepping ingredients, making simple dishes and packing them helps them feel like a valued contributor to the family outing. It also encourages them to be independent, boost their confidence in the kitchen and teach valuable life skills in a fun and engaging way.

Picnic Salad Recipes

Greek Vegetable Pasta Salad
Colourful, crunchy and appealing Mediterranean inspired Greek vegetable pasta salad is packed with fresh vegetables, tender pasta, crumbled feta and zesty dressing. Perfect for potlucks, parties or any gatherings.
Check out this recipe
Greek vegetable pasta salad in a white bowl placed on marble along with a fork and a bowl of olives.
10 Minute Cold Basil Veggie Pasta Salad
Basil vegetable pasta salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish packed with colourful vegetables tossed in fragrant basil dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, summer gatherings or a light meal. It is a vegan dish.
Check out this recipe
basil vegetable pasta salad in a square bowl placed on a tile along with a spoon.
Butter Bean Salad With Garlic Herb Dressing
Creamy, buttery, protein rich butter bean salad with garlic herb dressing, perfect for meal prep, lunch or light dinner. This nutritious salad is vegan and gluten free.
Check out this recipe
top view of a bowl of butter bean salad with garlic herb dressing placed on white marble along with a glass of water with lemon slice.
Greek Vegetable Salad
Try this fresh and flavourful Greek vegetable salad, perfect as a side dish or light meal. This gluten-free and nut-free recipe can be prepared in just 10 minutes.
Check out this recipe
white plate of greek vegetable salad placed on granite along with a fork.
Corn Cucumber Tomato Salad
A refreshing and crunchy salad made with colourful vegetables and simple enriching homemade dressing. A bowl of this vegetable salad without mayo is a great summer salad to enjoy as a side dish or as a main meal.
Check out this recipe
white bowl filled with corn, cucumber, tomato, onion, capsicum salad placed on a granite background.
Simple Chickpea Salad
Chickpea salad or chana salad is a delicious, healthy and perfect summer salad. This tasty and refreshing salad comes together quickly, it’s packed full of flavours and filled with nutrients and healthy proteins and fibre.
Check out this recipe
simple chickpea salad in a white bowl
No Mayo Coleslaw
A simple, lighter no mayo coleslaw made with fresh cabbage, carrot, spring onion and dijon mustard dressing. This quick and easy coleslaw salad is egg-free, dairy-free and gluten-free.
Check out this recipe
mayo free coleslaw in a white bowl placed on a tile.
Watermelon Salad
Watermelon salad without feta cheese is a refreshing and flavourful summer salad made with few ingredients, minimal efforts and in just 5 minutes! A colourful salad that is healthy, oil free, gluten free and vegan.
Check out this recipe
watermelon salad in black bowl.

Crunchy Picnic Nibbles

Crispy Spiced Tahini Roasted Butter Beans
Crispy spiced tahini roasted butter benas – golden, crunchy and Middle Eastern inspired flavourful dish perfect as a high protein snack, side dish or as salad topper. It is gluten free, vegan and oil free dish.
Check out this recipe
white bowl of spiced tahini roasted butter beans placed on grey backdrop.
Crispy Spicy Roasted Chickpeas
Looking for a nutritious, crunchy and flavourful snack? These vegan and gluten free crispy spicy roasted chickpeas is the perfect solution. They are easy to make, packed with protein and incredibly addictive.
Check out this recipe
close up image of crunchy spicy oven roasted chickpeas in a white bowl.
Maple Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas
Maple cinnamon roasted chickpeas – protein rich guilt free snack made with five simple ingredients. It is a vegan and gluten free snack.
Check out this recipe
white bowl of maple cinnamon roasted chickpeas placed on grey granite.
Masala Peanuts Recipe (Air Fryer)
Masala peanut is a spicy and super crunchy savoury treat with an outer crispy texture is a tea time snack perfect to enjoy with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Check out this recipe
Top shot of masala peanuts in a white bowl placed on a tile along with a cup of tea.
Spicy Roast Almonds
Spicy roast almonds – crunchy and flavourful snack perfect to nibble on evenings or to serve unexpected guests. The best part is that it is made with just 5 ingredients and gets ready in 20 minutes.
Check out this recipe
white bowl of spicy roast almonds placed on granite.

Sweet And Savoury Picnic Snack Recipes

Pesto Puff Pastry Pinwheels
Pesto puff pastry pinwheels – a perfect party appetiser and a great option to pack for picnic or long drives. 
Check out this recipe
pesto pinwheels in a plate placed on black granite.
No Bake Coconut Almond Balls
No bake coconut almond balls are a fabulous, nutrient-packed sweet treat. A food processor, 6 simple ingredients and 5 minutes are all you need to make these sweet delights. These are vegan and gluten free treats.
Check out this recipe
coconut almond flour ball placed on marble.
Chocolate Energy Balls
Chocolate energy balls – a decadent sweet treat made with just 6 ingredients and comes together in 10 minutes. These chocolate coconut energy balls are the vegan, refined sugar-free and guilt-free freezer-friendly snack that makes a great healthy alternative to oil-fried snacks.
Check out this recipe
brown bowl of chocolate energy balls placed on a granite.
Coconut Date Balls
Coconut date balls – a vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, no-bake snack. These little treats are great all natural healthy snack perfect to enjoy evening snack as desserts after meals or after school snacks for kids.
Check out this recipe
Jeera Biscuits (Cumin Cookies)
Jeera Biscuits – a crunchy slightly sweet and salt biscuits flavoured with cumin that makes a perfect snack for kids and a teatime munchies for adults. This bakery biscuits recipe is one of the easy snacks to bake with kids.
Check out this recipe
close up image of stack of jeera biscuits with one on the side in a white plate.
Eggless Coconut Cookies
Coconut Cookies – simple, tasty, crunchy and easy recipe made from pantry ingredients. A delectable coconut butter cookies with coconut flavour, coconut texture and nutty aroma is a delightful treat for coconut lovers. This is one of the super easy crunchy coconut cookies recipes with few ingredients and minimal efforts for kids to make. 
Check out this recipe
coconut butter cookies placed on pink napkin.
Spicy Baked Tofu
Yogurt marinated tofu is a flavour-packed dish with crispy on the outside and soft inside. This protein-rich dish is perfect as a snack, in wraps and salads.
Check out this recipe
white bowl of spicy baked tofu placed on blue backdrop.
Crispy Baked Tofu Without Flour
Crispy baked tofu without flour – Seasoned tofu baked until golden with crispy outside and soft inside. Perfect as a snack, in salads or wraps.
Check out this recipe
close up image of crispy baked tofu without cornflour.
Pan Fried Tofu Recipe With Sesame Seeds
Craving a healthy yet irresistible snack? Try this pan fried tofu recipe with sesame seeds. Perfect as a snack, appetiser, in wraps or salads. It is a vegan and nut free dish.
Check out this recipe
close up image of a white plate of pan fried tofu with sesame seeds.

Picnic Dessert Recipes

Mini Apple Turnovers with Puff Pastry
Apple turnovers are one of the easiest puff pastry desserts to make with just 5 ingredients. These perfectly baked crispy, flaky outer and sweet, juicy apple filling are amazing treats to serve family and friends in a party or on special occasions.  
Check out this recipe
Mini apple turnovers on a plate placed on a marble along with a green apple and cinnamon.
Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls are the flaky sweet treat perfect as a dessert after a meal, after school snack or a simple breakfast. Air fryer cinnamon rolls are a perfect treat for kids to cook with minimal help from adults.
Check out this recipe
top shot of air fryer with well baked cinnamon rolls
Mango Pudding
Mango Pudding – luscious, soft and fruity dessert that is incredibly easy to make with just 4 ingredients. It is a gluten free, dairy free and gelatine free crowd-pleasing vegan dessert that can be made in advance.
Check out this recipe
round mango puddings with mint and dry fruit toppings placed on a white plate.
Maple Cinnamon Roasted Figs
Try this simple and irresistible fig dessert – maple cinnamon roasted figs. Made with just 5 basic ingredients and ready in only 10 mins. Perfect as topping on yogurt, oatmeal, pudding or enjoy it on its own as a dessert after a meal. It is a gluten free and dairy free dish.
Check out this recipe
top view of white yogurt bowl topped with oven baked figs and nuts.
3 Ingredient Pan Fried Nectarines
Craving a sweet treat? Try this simple and nutritious 3 ingredient pan fried nectarines. It gets ready in 20 minutes and is a perfect snack or light guiltfree dessert to indulge.
Check out this recipe
two halves of caramelised nectarines on a white plate placed on a granite along with a pinch bowl of almonds and a plate of nectarines
Vegan Date Caramel Sauce Recipe
Date caramel sauce- an absolutely delicious, sticky and sweet sauce made with Medjool dates. This vegan caramel recipe is refined sugar-free, nut-free, gluten-free and made with just 3 natural ingredients.
Check out this recipe
close up shot of pouring a spoon of caramel sauce into a white bowl filled with date caramel sauce.

Kid Friendly Picnic Recipes

15 Minute Kid Friendly Vegetable Pasta Salad
Kid friendly vegetable pasta salad is a nutritious and colourful dish prepared with vegetables, pasta and a simple dressing. It is a vegan and nut-free dish that children love, perfect for packing in a lunchbox or as a filling summer meal.
Check out this recipe
wooden bowl of kid friendly pasta salad placed on a tile along with a wooden spoon.
Homemade Healthy Trail Mix
Homemade Healthy Trail Mix – A fun and simple recipe that's perfect for kids. Filled with nutritious ingredients and chocolate chips to make it exciting for little ones.
Check out this recipe
white bowl of healthy trail mix placed on black tile.
Roast Vegetable Hummus Wrap
Looking for a quick bite for lunch or a snack on the go? Try this roast vegetable hummus wrap loaded with creamy hummus, oven roasted vegetables and lettuce. It is a vegan and nut free dish.
Check out this recipe
roast vegetables wrap with hummus on a white plate placed on marble along with half lemon and a bowl of hummus.
No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Balls
Oatmeal energy balls are quick, simple, make ahead snack perfect after-school treat. These tasty little energy balls are packed with fiber, nutrients, healthy fats and a bit of proteins.
Check out this recipe
oatmeal-energy-balls
3 Ingredient No Bake Date Bars (Oil Free and Kid Friendly)
3 ingredient no bake date bars – simple and naturally sweet, soft, chewy and satisfying treat that comes together in minutes with no baking required. It is gluten free, vegan and oil free snack that feels indulgent while staying completely wholesome.
Check out this recipe
child holding top date bar from the stack of no bake date bars placed on granite.
Puffed Rice Vegetable Salad
Puffed rice vegetable salad – light, crunchy and refreshing savoury treat perfect as afterschool snack. It is a gluten free and vegan dish.
Check out this recipe
wooden bowls of puffed rice vegetable salad placed on a wooden board with a stripped napkin next to it.
3 Ingredient Almond Flour Chocolate Cookies (Eggless & OilFree)
Looking for an easy and indulgent treat to make with kids? Then try these 3 ingredient almond flour chocolate cookies with no eggs, no refined sugar. It is also gluten free, no butter added and oil free recipe. Perfect afterschool treat or to pack in a snack box.
Check out this recipe
stack of kid friendly almond chocolate cookies placed on a white plate with a broken cookie on top.
3 Ingredient Banana Almond Cookies
Soft, naturally sweet and ridiculously easy to make, these 3 ingredient banana almond cookies are perfect for after school snack or to pack in a snackbox. These kid friendly cookies are gluten free, refined sugar free, flourless and vegan.
Check out this recipe
child holding banana almond cookie from the stack of cookies placed on granite.
Kid-Friendly 3-Ingredient Orange Almond Cookies
Try these kid-friendly 3-ingredient orange almond cookies to keep little hands and brains busy and away from screens for a while. It contains no eggs, no oil, gluten free, and vegan. Perfect afterschool treat or to pack in a snack box.
Check out this recipe
child picking orange almond cookie from a stack placed on a granite along with cut oranges.
collage of six vegetarian kid friendly picnic recipes with text overlay in the centre.

Indian Picnic Recipes

Sprouted Mung Bean Salad (Green Gram Sprouts Salad)
The goodness of vegetables and sprouted green gram is packed into the healthy and crunchy sprouted mung bean salad. A nutritious and protein rich vegan salad to enjoy anytime.
Check out this recipe
close up shot of white bowl of moong sprouts salad with 2 lemon wedges placed on a brown tile with a coriander sprig.
Spinach Chapati
Spinach chapati – A nutritious and vibrant dish perfect as a weeknight dinner or to pack in the lunchbox. It is a healthy twist to regular chapati and a great way to incorporate spinach in the diet.
Check out this recipe
palak chapatis on a plate.
Masala Roti
Masala roti – a spicy twist to the usual roti! It is a vegan dish packed with aromatic spices and wholesome ingredients. Perfect as a weeknight dinner or to pack in a lunchbox.
Check out this recipe
rolled up masala rotis placed on top of stack of rotis on a plate along with a bowl of raita and a bowl of curry on marble.
Moringa Paratha (Drumstick Leaves Flatbread)
Tired of usual food? Try this vibrant and nutritious moringa leaves paratha. It is a healthy spin on the classic paratha, perfect for breakfast or any meal with a side dish of your choice.
Check out this recipe
moringa leaves paratha stacked on a grey plate.
Avakaya (Mango Pickle)
Avakaya – a popular variety of mango pickle originating from south India, particularly the Telugu-speaking regions. This classic pickle is renowned for its unique flavour and fiery spice level.
Check out this recipe
avakaya in a ceramic pot placed on placemat.
Andhra Allam Pachadi (Ginger Chutney)
Andhra’s special dish allam pachadi is a spicy, sour and sweet dish. This is a traditional condiment made of fresh ginger, tamarind, jaggery, and a few basic spices. A classic accompaniment to a main meal and south Indian breakfast dishes.
Check out this recipe
a small bottle of ginger chutney placed on a wooden board along with a few dried chillies and ginger root next to it and a plate of dosa and idlis behind it.
Nellikai Thokku (Amla Dry Chutney)
Nellikai Thokku – spicy and lightly sour South Indian condiment made with Indian gooseberry and Indian pantry ingredients. Perfect as a side dish with rice and curry or to serve with idli and dosa. It is a vegan and nut free dish.
Check out this recipe
white bowl filled with amla thokku placed on textured tile.
Lemon Rice
Lemon rice is one of the simple and easy dishes to make. It is most popular and often prepared rice in South India.
Check out this recipe
A white bowl of lemon rice topped with 2 half lemon slices, red chilli placed on a marble with a coriander leaves and squeezed lime on the side.
Puliyogare
Puliyogare is a popular South Indian dish known for its tangy and flavourful taste. It's often made during festivals, auspicious occasions, parties and to pack in a lunchbox. This is a classic karnataka style recipe made with homemade puliyogare premix that has the perfect balance of tanginess, spiciness, and subtle sweetness.
Check out this recipe
puliyogare in a bowl placed on wooden mat with a wooden spoon.
Raw Mango Rice
Raw mango rice is a tangy and flavourful south Indian rice prepared with raw (unripe) mangoes, rice and basic spices.
Check out this recipe
raw mango rice in a brown rice placed on a marble along with a raw mango.
Masala Peanuts Recipe (Air Fryer)
Masala peanut is a spicy and super crunchy savoury treat with an outer crispy texture is a tea time snack perfect to enjoy with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Check out this recipe
Top shot of masala peanuts in a white bowl placed on a tile along with a cup of tea.
Mint Murmura Chivda (Spicy Puffed Rice)
Murmura Chivda also known as spicy puffed rice snack, is a popular Indian snack made with puffed rice (murmura), peanuts, and variety of spices. The unique twist to the classic version is this mint murmura chivda perfect as a tea time snack that gets ready in under 20 minutes. 
Check out this recipe
mint murmura chivda in a paper cone placed on brown mat.
Paneer Puffs
Paneer puffs – simple yet delicious dish made with paneer, puff pastry sheet and basic spices. Golden flaky and crispy outer texture with soft savoury paneer filling makes it incredibly tasty and enticing.
Check out this recipe
cut paneer puff placed on a plate of puffs.
Peanut Chaat
Peanut chaat – a healthy, vegan and gluten-free street side snack perfect to enjoy with masala chai and the best substitute for fried snacks.  This delicious and utterly irresistible snack is a versatile dish that is easy to make with few ingredients.

Check out this recipe
peanut chaat in a wooden spoon and in a bowl on a cloth with half cut lime, spice mix in a bowl.
Masala Corn
Masala corn is a spicy and flavourful snack prepared with sweet corn, lemon juice and some spices. It is one of the quick and easy dishes to prepare and one of the best snacks to enjoy during cold and rainy days.
Check out this recipe
Peanut Jaggery Laddu
Peanut Jaggery Laddu is a traditional Indian sweet that is easy to make with just 5 ingredients. It is a gluten-free and protein-rich snack.
Check out this recipe
silver oval tray filled with peanut laddos placed on blue cloth.
Dry Fruit Laddu
Dry fruit laddu – wholesome, nutritious, and utterly delicious treat made with various nuts and dried fruits.
Check out this recipe
nut and dry fruit laddus in a basket placed on marble with a cloth next to it.

How To Pack Picnic Food?

Proper packing makes the picnic stress free and helps maintain texture and freshness of food.

  • Use airtight, leakproof containers to prevent food spills.
  • Pack wraps tightly in parchment paper followed by cling wrap.
  • Pack napkins, serving spoons, reusable or eco friendly cutlery, plates/bowls for convenience.

Make Ahead Tips

Many picnic friendly dishes can be prepared in advance to save time on the day of the outing.

  • Prep pasta, dressing and chop/slice vegetables for salads up to a day ahead and store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Toss everything and pack just before an outing.
  • Bake sweet and savoury puff pastry treats the evening before.
  • Roast vegetables the evening before for wraps.
  • Prepare chapati and roti a day ahead, let them cool completely, wrap them in parchment paper followed by cling wrap or fold and pack in an airtight container.
  • Make no bake energy bites up to two days ahead and store in an airtight container.

Vegetarian Foods To Avoid For Summer Picnics

Not all vegetarian dishes are suitable for summer picnics and they don’t travel well. High temperatures can spoil the food or affect the texture by the time you’re ready to eat. I wouldn’t suggest dishes with these ingredients unless you plan to carry an insulated cooler.

  • Yogurt based dishes such as my yogurt herb dip, raita, creamy pasta salad and yogurt fruit salad don’t travel well on warm days as these dishes become runny and get sour after a few hours.
  • Coleslaw, salads and dips made with mayonnaise can spoil quickly if left out in the sun for an extended period.
  • Avoid dishes made with fresh soft cheese such as mozzarella, cream cheese, ricotta and cottage cheese as they lose their texture in hot weather. Choose firm cheese such as feta that holds shape and texture well.
  • Leafy salads that contain lettuce, spinach and mixed greens as they tend to wilt quickly in hot weather.
  • Fresh cut fruits that tend to brown, such as apples, pears, bananas and avocados. Discoloured fruits can become unappealing over time. Choose fruits that hold up shape like grapes, oranges, berries and cherries for fresh fruit salad. If you want to include either chop them just before serving or take precautions such as a light squeeze of lemon juice or dipping in sugar syrup to slow browning process for a few hours. This works best if your outing is short or dishes with fruits are eaten within a couple of hours.
  • Fresh cream cakes, pastries, desserts with whipped cream, cream cheese frosting and cream based dishes such as my fresh fruit salad with cream and nuts.
  • Foods that are best served hot as they need reheating.

KEEP IN TOUCH

Do let me know if you try any of these vegetarian picnic recipes that travel well, kindly consider rating it using stars in the comment section or on the recipe card to help more people find this recipe online. You can stay up to date by following me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram or subscribing to my Youtube channel. Or why not subscribe to my blog and get simple recipes straight to your inbox?

Welcome to Flavours Treat. I share vegetarian recipes made with wholesome, mostly fresh ingredients. Every recipe has easy-to-follow instructions with process shots (detailed step-wise pictures), a short video and lots of tips to help your cooking journey. Read more

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I’m Geetha, an Indian living in the UK. I’m a cook, photographer, videographer, editor and voice behind the Flavours Treat.

I created this blog as a resource to find simple and real food recipes. All recipes made with wholesome, mostly healthy and fresh ingredients that are easily available. Most of the ingredients are easy to swap out with whatever is available in your pantry or fridge/freezer.

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