40 Picnic Recipes for Two

40 Picnic Recipes for Two

Read Time: 18 mins

40 Picnic Recipes for Two1/40 Greek Brown and Wild Rice Bowls 3 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Greek Brown and Wild Rice Bowls Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 12 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This fresh rice dish tastes like the Mediterranean in a bowl! It is short on ingredients but packs in so much flavor. For a hand-held version, leave out the rice and tuck the rest of the ingredients into a pita pocket. —Darla Andrews, Boerne, Texas Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 433 calories, 25g fat (4g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol,

1355mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 8g protein

1355mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 8g protein. 2/40 Spicy Peanut Butter and Pork Sandwich Test Kitchen Approved Spicy Peanut Butter and Pork Sandwich Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 10 min Servings 1 serving Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: A little spicy, a little sweet, with just a hint of curry, this flavor combo is something you just have to try. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin Nutrition Facts: 1 open-faced sandwich: 215 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein. 3/40 Deli Turkey

Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat,

Lettuce Wraps 2 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Deli Turkey Lettuce Wraps Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 25 min Servings 6 lettuce wraps Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I used to make these during my training days when I worked at a restaurant in Hawaii. They’re low fat, low carb, high protein, quick and delicious—a great choice before or after a workout. —Duncan Omarzu, Astoria, New York Nutrition Facts: 3 lettuce wraps: 270 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 799mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat,

1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable

1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable. 4/40 Mixed Fruit Shortcakes 1 Review Test Kitchen Approved Mixed Fruit Shortcakes Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This delightful downsized recipe makes just two biscuitlike shortcakes. Fill them with fresh fruit of your choice and top with whipped cream for an impressive dinner finale. —Sue Ross, Casa Grande, Arizona Nutrition Facts: 1 shortcake: 329 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 311mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein. 5/40 Buffalo Sloppy Joes 28 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved

Diabetic exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch

Buffalo Sloppy Joes Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Lean ground turkey makes this a lighter sloppy joe than the standard ground beef version. A hefty splash of hot sauce and optional blue cheese provide an authentic Buffalo-style flavor. —Maria Regakis, Saugus, Massachusetts Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 279 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 475mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch. 6/40 Watermelon-Blueberry Salad 6 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time

It’s so refreshing on a hot summer evening

5 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: People love the unique combination of flavors in the dressing that tops the fresh fruit in this salad. It’s so refreshing on a hot summer evening. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 78 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 starch. 7/40 Easy Macaroni Salad 9 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Easy Macaroni Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 15 min Servings 34 servings Go to Recipe

And it goes together in minutes flat!

From the Recipe Creator: This hearty pasta salad is sure to please appetites of all ages—and it serves a lot of folks! —LaVerna Mjones, Moorhead, Minnesota Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 380 calories, 26g fat (4g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 615mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein. 8/40 Crab-Stuffed Avocados 2 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 20 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: We enjoy having this creamy and crunchy salad out on our deck on summer evenings. And it goes together in minutes flat! —Gail VanGundy, Parker, Colorado Nutrition Facts: 1/2

This no-fuss, no-bread riff on a classic is perfect during tomato season

stuffed avocado: 326 calories, 26g fat (4g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 654mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein. 9/40 Hasselback Tomato Clubs 3 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Hasselback Tomato Clubs Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 15 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This no-fuss, no-bread riff on a classic is perfect during tomato season. Make it for lunch or pair it with pasta salad for a light dinner. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen Nutrition Facts: 2 stuffed tomatoes: 272 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 803mg sodium,

9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein

9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein. 10/40 Chicken Quinoa Bowl 3 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Chicken Quinoa Bowls with Balsamic Dressing Recipe photo by Diana Rattray for Taste of Home Total Time 40 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I love this recipe because its simplicity allows me to spend time with my family while not sacrificing taste or nutrition. Plus the fresh spring flavors really shine through! —Allyson Meyler, Greensboro, North Carolina Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 491 calories, 21g fat (5g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 715mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 6g

fiber), 42g protein

fiber), 42g protein. 11/40 Peach Cobbler for Two 21 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Peach Cobbler for Two Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 35 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Everyone notices a special taste in this cobbler. It’s orange zest, which enhances the color and gives this traditional dessert a delicious distinction. Cobblers usually are scaled to feed a crowd, so it’s convenient to have a recipe that makes just enough for two. — Betty Clark, Mount Vernon, Missouri Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 402 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol,

334mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein

334mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. 12/40 Classic Egg Salad 38 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Classic Egg Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 10 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Egg salad is a refreshing, tasty change from lunchmeat or peanut butter sandwiches. The touch of mustard and lemon juice gives it extra zip. —Annemarie Pietila, Farmington Hills, Michigan Nutrition Facts: 1 open-faced sandwich: 332 calories, 24g fat (5g saturated fat), 281mg cholesterol, 530mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein. 13/40 Chocolate Mousse 29 Reviews

A friend shared this rich, velvety mousse recipe with me

Test Kitchen Approved Semisweet Chocolate Mousse Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 20 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: A friend shared this rich, velvety mousse recipe with me. I love to cook and have tons of recipes, but this one is a favorite. Best of all, it’s easy to make. —Judy Spencer, San Diego, California Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 366 calories, 30g fat (18g saturated fat), 160mg cholesterol, 23mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. 14/40 Cod Tacos 9 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved EMILY DAVIS for Taste of Home

The recipe has been on my family’s most requested list for years

Total Time 20 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: These bright tacos take me on an instant trip to sunny Southern California. The recipe has been on my family’s most requested list for years. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas Nutrition Facts: 2 tacos: 506 calories, 38g fat (8g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 852mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein. 15/40 Thai-Inspired Roast Beef Sandwich Test Kitchen Approved Thai-Inspired Roast Beef Sandwich Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 5 min Servings 1 serving Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator:

The result is anything but plain—it’s just darn delicious

I love Thai food, but I wanted to see how its flavors would translate in a plain ol’ peanut butter sandwich. The result is anything but plain—it’s just darn delicious. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor Nutrition Facts: 1 open-faced sandwich: 239 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein. 16/40 Rustic Fruit Tart 4 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 45 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I love pie, but we can’t eat a

whole 9-inch pie by ourselves

whole 9-inch pie by ourselves. So I make these easy tarts using rhubarb and raspberries picked at home. Sometimes I substitute apples, peaches or our garden blueberries for the rhubarb. —Naomi Olson Hamilton, Michigan Nutrition Facts: 1/2 tart: 852 calories, 30g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 602mg sodium, 141g carbohydrate (77g sugars, 7g fiber), 8g protein. 17/40 Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus 42 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Recipe photo by Laura Scherb for Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I grill dinner almost every night, and

💡 Frequently Asked Questions

Ramen-Veggie Chicken Salad 3 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Ramen-Veggie Chicken Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 40 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Like a salad with plenty of crunch?

Answer coming soon. We are working on detailed responses to this common question.

Garden Chickpea Salad 13 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 25 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Looking for a summer dish with a difference?

Answer coming soon. We are working on detailed responses to this common question.

⭐ Expert Tips

  • Include seasonal or trendy variations to keep your meals exciting.

  • Highlight prep shortcuts or time-saving techniques for busy cooks.

  • Consider dietary restrictions and include substitution suggestions.

✅ Key Takeaways

  • These dinner ideas are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying special occasions.

  • Choose recipes that match your skill level and available kitchen tools.

  • Presentation and taste both contribute to a memorable dining experience.

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