Must-have foods for an epic picnic basket

Behind every great picnic is an even greater food-filled picnic basket just waiting to be opened! You can go as big and fancy as you want, but remember eating outside is a casual affair, so the food itself should be tasty and fuss-free.

It goes without saying that picnic food needs to be easy to transport with minimal prep involved and keep its freshness over time, but there are a few picnic basket must-haves to include the next time you’re planning a great picnic get-together.

Our food must-haves for an unforgettable picnic

Nothing screams awesome picnic basket like uniquely flavoured refreshing drinks! Our top make-ahead drinks to pack for your next picnic are granadilla cordial or seasonal strawberry and basil lemonade.

Go big on dips n bits – these are great picnic basket fillers. Storebought hummus served with a selection of fresh crudité and fruit always goes down a treat or attempt to make this beetroot dip yourself – it adds a vibrant colour to the picnic as a whole.

Never underestimate the power of a well-baked quiche – they’re quintessential to any well-thought-out picnic basket. Choose between a veg option like this butternut, spinach and feta quiche or a meaty classic like a quiche Lorraine. Include some epic sandwiches because who doesn’t love a good sarmie? We love the simplicity of this chickpea toastie or tuna sandwich stack as a great picnic addition.

Stock up on finger foods – a variety of bite-sized snacks are perfect for refuelling and make for a moreish picnic basket! You can never go wrong with these bobotie-flavoured lamb riblet rolls or beef lollipop pies.

Go-to salads make all the difference! Try these Caprese salad skewers or low-carb salad jars to keep your picnic basket crisp and fresh.

Lastly, a few must-have dessert options to finish the picnic on a long-lasting sweet note. Bite-sized picnic-ready sweets we’d recommend are these fudgy Milo brownies and lemon vanilla cupcakes.READ: Everything you need for an at-home garden picnic