sandwiches for picnic

When it comes to picnics, there’s hardly anything to match the adventure of biting into a perfectly designed sandwich amidst nature’s beauty. Whether you think of a family day out, a romantic escape, or just a simple get-together with friends, sandwiches are the classic picnic fare.

These sandwich ideas for outdoor picnics are portable, versatile, and can be made beforehand. Below, we’ve curated a list of the best options we know for many ideas for your next outing—from classic picnic sandwiches to modern twists.

1. The Classic BLT Sandwich

One of my favorite picnic foods is the BLT, loved for its simplicity and dense flavor. This sandwich, filled with crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes between toasted bread, makes for a full meal that is prepared easily. Add a swipe of mayo or mustard for that extra zing.

Ingredients:

• A strip of crisp bacon
• Fresh leaves of lettuce
• Sliced tomatoes
• Mayonnaise
• Whole wheat or white bread

Why it works?

Well, BLTs are one of the easiest picnic sandwiches to put together and hold really well out of doors. The crispy, fresh, savory meld makes them a big hit.

2. Turkey and Cranberry Sauce Sandwich

If you love the taste of Thanksgiving, this turkey and cranberry sauce sandwich is going to be right up your alley. The tartness of the cranberry sauce combined with tender slices of turkey makes for a flavor bomb of an experience.

Ingredients:

• Sliced turkey breast
• Cranberry sauce
• Swiss cheese
• Lettuce
• Multigrain bread

Why it works?

These sandwiches can be wrapped tightly in parchment paper to hold the filling in place, making them one of the best make-ahead picnic sandwiches.

3. Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich

If you are looking for a colorful and healthy picnic sandwich, the Mediterranean veggie sandwich is one of the greatest options. This veggie picnic sandwich, with ingredients like roasted red peppers, hummus, cucumbers, and feta cheese, really lets the cat out of the bag by simply being full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• Roasted red peppers
• Cucumber slices
• Hummus
• Feta cheese
• Fresh spinach leaves
• Whole grain bread or pita

Why it works?

This delicious sandwich is one of the most supremely healthy picnic sandwiches. It is nutrient-packed and full of refreshing crunch.

4. Caprese Sandwich

A Caprese sandwich is like having a little bit of Italy on your picnic. Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil leaves lay bedded in a glass of balsamic glaze and cradled between slices of ciabatta bread.

Ingredients:

• Fresh mozzarella sliced
• Ripe tomatoes
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze
• Ciabatta bread

Why it works?

Caprese sandwiches are another great cold sandwich recipe for a picnic. The ingredients meld together beautifully over time, enhancing the flavor.

5. Chicken Caesar Wraps

Wraps vs. sandwiches for picnics? Chicken Caesar wraps are the perfect compromise. They are as hearty as a sandwich but have the convenience of a wrap. Grilled chicken, crisp romaine, Parmesan, and Caesar dressing rolled in a tortilla. Need I say more?

Ingredients:

• Grilled chicken strips
• Romaine lettuce
• Shredded Parmesan cheese
• Caesar dressing
• Flour tortillas

Why it works?

One of the best kid-friendly picnic sandwiches, these wraps are easy to eat and mess-free.

6. Ham and Cheese Croissant Sandwiches

Ham sandwiches for picnics get gussied up when served on a flaky, buttery croissant—layer with Swiss cheese and Dijon mustard for a limited yet indulgent picnic sandwich.

Ingredients:

• Sliced ham
• Swiss cheese
• Dijon mustard
• Croissants

Why it works?

These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be prepped as make-ahead picnic sandwiches if the croissants are wrapped well to prevent drying out.

7. Pesto Chicken Sandwich

Level up your picnic with a gourmet sandwich that’s full of flavor. This pesto chicken sandwich, featuring grilled chicken, fresh pesto, and arugula on ciabatta, adds a refreshing twist to the more traditional sandwiches you might find at picnics.

Ingredients:

• Grilled chicken breast
• Fresh pesto
• Arugula
• Provolone cheese
• Ciabatta bread

Why it works?

The pesto adds a vibrant, herby kick that really makes it one of the best picnic sandwich spreads you can use.

8. Tuna Salad Sandwich

Tuna salad sandwiches are a wondrous mix of creamy tuna, celery crunch, and just a hint of mayo. Serve them on your favorite bread for satisfying, budget friendly picnic sandwiches.

Ingredients:

• Canned tuna
• Mayonnaise
• Diced celery
• Pickle relish, optional
• Lettuce
• Whole grain bread

Why it works?

These sandwiches are pretty cheap and easy to make in bulk if you have to feed an army.

9. Roast Beef and Horseradish Sandwich

In the picnic sandwich category, the roast beef and horseradish combination wins easily. Tender roast beef, sharp cheddar, and spicy horseradish sauce combine for a robust flavor profile.

Ingredients:

• Sliced roast beef
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Horseradish sauce
• Arugula
• Rye bread

Why it works?

These sandwiches are best for those who love bold, savory flavors. Plus, they hold up well when packed for an outdoor picnic.

10. Vegetarian Hummus and Veggie Sandwich

Yet another great picnic sandwich option in vegetarian genre is this hummus and veggie sandwich that is colorful and crunchy. Use seasonal vegetables of your choice and layer it with some creamy hummus and avocado.

Ingredients:

• Hummus
• Avocado-sliced
• Shredded carrots
• Cucumbers
• Bell peppers
• Sprouted grain bread

Why it works?

The nutritional profile of this sandwich is perhaps the best of all picnic sandwiches because, besides being fresh, vegetables would be plentiful, and the avocado would provide healthful monounsaturated fats.

11. Italian Sub Sandwich

An Italian sub sandwich is a hearty and flavorful creation of deli meats, cheese, and vegetables, usually layered one on the other.

Ingredients:

• Salami
• Ham
• Provolone
• Lettuce
• Tomatoes
• Pepperoncini
• Hoagie rolls
• Italian dressing

Why it works?

Wrap this in aluminum foil—nice and tightly—to let the flavors meld while allowing it to sit for one more hour or so in the cooler. This sandwich has to be one of the best make-ahead picnic sandwiches.

12. Egg Salad Sandwich

Egg salad sandwiches are one of my favorites. They’re creamy and rich. Combine your chopped hard-boiled eggs with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and a bit of paprika. Serve it on some real soft bread.

Ingredients:

• Hardboiled eggs
• Mayo
• Dijon mustard
• Paprika
• Lettuce
• Soft white bread

Why it works?

Egg salad is one of the most kid-friendly picnic sandwiches. Serve them in a fun shape using cookie cutters.

13. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich

This sandwich is a great sweet treat and ideal for picnics you want to make a little fancier. Creamy peanut butter with sliced bananas is an incredible filling combo.

Ingredients:

• Creamy peanut butter
• Sliced bananas
• Honey (optional)
• Whole wheat bread

Why it works?

One of the more budget-friendly options is simple picnic sandwiches with low-cost ingredients.

14. Capicola and Provolone Sandwich

Capicola, a hot sandwich meat from Italy, used with provolone and a dash of spicy mustard, makes a rich, full-flavored picnic sandwich. Throw in some arugula to get a nice peppery crunch in every bite.

Ingredients:

• Sliced capicola
• Provolone
• Mustard, spicy
• Arugula
• Baguette

Why it works?

Without a doubt, one of the best gourmet sandwiches for picnics, the Capricolla offers a sophisticated and unique taste.

15. Mozzarella and Sun-Dried Tomato Sandwich

These vegetarian picnic sandwiches pair the richness of sun-dried tomatoes with fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. In light of Italian tradition, it’s a great combination that should be experienced with focaccia.

Ingredients:

• Fresh mozzarella
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Focaccia bread

Why it works?

The sundried tomatoes and mozzarella form the best combination for the sandwich; it compounds all of the picnics with the contained savoriness and freshness.

16. Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagel

A smoked salmon bagel gives you a luxurious and delicious alternative for picnics. On a bagel, cream cheese, red onions, capers, and smoked salmon make a rich, flavorful experience.

Ingredients:

• Smoked salmon
• Cream cheese
• Sliced red onions
• Capers
• Bagels

Why it works?

This sandwich is a gourmet delight and gives the best sandwiches for summer picnics with its cool, refreshing flavor.

17. Chicken Salad Sandwich

Chicken salad sandwiches never go out of style. This tender chicken, mixed with mayonnaise, celery, and grapes, creates a sweet and savory combination. Place on a croissant or sandwich roll for an added touch of elegance.

Ingredients:

• Cooked chicken breast
• Mayonnaise
• Diced celery
• Grapes, halved
• Croissants or sandwich rolls

Why it works?

Think picnic sandwich wrapping ideas like wrapping it with parchment paper and twine or wax paper with sticker seal for a more polished look.

How to Make Sandwiches for a Picnic

Generating the perfect picnic sandwich doesn’t mean filling in between two slices of bread. It is about making perfect picnic sandwich combinations, preparing them properly, and packaging them to stay fresh and delicious until it is time to eat. This step-by-step guide will help you make sandwiches for a picnic that’s as delicious as it is picnic-perfect.

1. Pick the proper bread

The foundation of any good sandwich, of course, is the bread. Now, when you’re going on a picnic, you want to make sure you get bread that won’t be soggy and will stand up to being packed and moved around.

• Crusty breads: These are those like baguettes, ciabatta, or even rolls. They hold well in shape and won’t let their filling get them soggy.
• Whole grain bread: This is a healthy option that will provide texture and flavor and be sturdy enough to hold sandwiches like turkey and roast beef.
• Tortillas and wraps: If you are considering wraps vs sandwiches for a picnic, tortillas will do an admirable job of holding everything together and will not fall apart.

2. Pick tasty fillings

Your fillings can make or break your sandwich. Find a balance of flavors and textures, and consider how well they’ll hold up.

• Proteins: Choose grilled chicken, turkey, ham, or tofu. These will hold up well and provide a good, full feeling in your sandwich.
• Veggies: Add some crunch and freshness from vegetables like lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers. Add roasted veggies like red peppers or zucchini for more filling options.
• Cheese: Hard cheeses will work best since they sweat less or get soft during transport. Good choices would be cheddar, Swiss, or provolone.

3. Add tasty spreads

Picnic sandwich spreads add flavor and moisture but need to be applied correctly to prevent soggy bread.

• Butter or olive oil: Apply a thin layer to the inside of the bread, which forms a sort of barrier to the moisture, hence avoiding sogginess.
• Mustard or mayo: Timeless spreads that add tangy creaminess. Apply sparingly or between layers of fillings so the bread doesn’t turn soggy.
• Pesto or hummus: These flavorful spreads’ gourmet-ify’ your picnic sandwich. They go really well with meat and veggie options alike.

4. Assemble with care

How you layer your ingredients can make all the difference for when you’re ready to eat; at times, the texture and taste of your sandwich can vary.

• Layer smartly: In between, place moist-filled ingredients like tomatoes or pickles. Start with a layer of either cheese or lettuce to create a barrier on the bread.
• Balance the ingredients: The filling should be placed on the bread to make each bite identical. Excess filling can make the sandwich fall apart.
• Think about wraps: For wraps, spread your fillings evenly, and roll tightly to ensure everything holds in place.

5. Wrap and store properly

Proper wrapping ensures your sandwiches stay fresh and are easy to transport.

• Use parchment paper: Parchment paper is breathable and helps keep the texture of the bread in place. It’s easy to unwrap, so great for picnics.
• Add a layer of foil: For added security, wrap the sandwich with foil over the parchment. This works brilliantly for sandwiches with a particularly delicate filling or if you want to layer them.
• Label and pack: If you are making more than one type of sandwich, label them—at least if you are presenting them to people with different tastes or needs. Pack them in a cooler with ice packs to keep them cool and fresh.

6. Think make-ahead

If you’re preparing sandwiches in advance, here are some tips to keep them fresh.

• Assemble just before you go: If at all possible, prepare all the filling ingredients in advance but assemble the sandwiches right before leaving for work. This will retain freshness.
• Use moisture-resistant ingredients: Avoid ingredients that ooze out too much moisture. Roasted meats, hard cheeses, and leafy greens like spinach work very well.
• Pack separately: To avoid making the bread soggy, pack lettuce and tomato separately. Add these to your sandwich upon arrival at the picnic.

7. Presentation and serving

The final touch to your picnic sandwiches is how you present and serve them.

• Use picnic sandwich wrapping ideas: You could try wrapping sandwiches with twine or even attach a little personalized label to make them look special.
• Serve with sides: To make this picnic experience a little more rewarding, serve your treats with fresh fruit, chips, or a light salad.
• Cut and portion: If you will be serving a group, you may want to cut the sandwiches into smaller portions so that everyone can sample a little of each flavor.

Picnic sandwiches are more than food; they are a tool for bonding, celebrating, or just savoring the moment. From the Classics like BLT and egg salad to gourmet picnic sandwiches such as smoked salmon bagels and Caprese sandwiches, there is certainly something for everyone.

From savory to sweet and everything in between, these 17 sandwiches will satisfy all sorts of tastes and diets, making your next picnic full of flavor and long in memory.

Remember to experiment with spreads, picnic sandwich fillings, and bread until you find the perfect combination. Happy picnicking!