Top picnic food ideas

Pack up the hamper with all your favourite picky bits – we’re talking crowd-pleasing snacks, irresistible dips and next-level picnic recipes to impress your pals. Whether you’re heading to the park, the beach or your own back garden, we’ll show you how to set the scene and pick up everything you need in store.

Assistant Copywriter

Florence Head

The season of picky bits has arrived

We're summer loving... levelled-up picnics. From spring park meet-ups to spontaneous beach days, we’ve got everything you need to make your picnic or al fresco picky bits feast taste amazing. After all, M&S is the home of picky bits, whether you're throwing together a grazing board or want delicious deli snacks to pack, we've got you covered.

Browse our deli range

Best mains at a picnic

You can't go wrong with a crunchy baguette, houmous, cured meats and fresh salad. But if you're in the mood to mix things up, try this Mediterranean-style ciabatta sandwich stuffed with creamy mozzarella, crisp salad and savoury charcuterie.

Or build the charcuterie board of dreams with your favourite picky bits. We're talking our artisan dry-cured Italian Antipasto Special Reserve Selection, Antipasti and Cheese Grazing Platter, and Spanish Chorizo and Chilli Cheddar Rollitos for a little heat and a lot of flavour.

Best food for kids at a picnic

Keep it fun with a build-your-own snack plate. Let them choose their favourites or pick from a spread of tasty, ready-to-grab bits, like our kid-approved Taste Buds snacks.

If you’d rather prep ahead, try our kids' snack plate ideas: quick frittata egg bites (full of goodness and easy to pack), pesto, cheese and ham pinwheels made for little hands, and a smooth, zingy butterbean, tahini and lemon dip for dunking crunchy veg – there's something to please even the pickiest eaters.

See the recipes

Best salads for a picnic

No picnic is complete without something fresh, vibrant and packed with flavour – and a great salad ticks every box. Pick up one of our Foodhall favourites, like our Green Goddess Salad with its creamy, herby dressing, or our Orzo and Slow-Roasted Tomato salad, bursting with Mediterranean flavours.

Fancy making your own? It's all about letting seasonal veg shine. Our antipasti pasta salad recipe is packed with punchy ingredients and travels well – ideal for those sunny park lunches. Or for something extra fresh, whip up a bright and beautiful Isle of Wight tomato salad using the juiciest toms around.

Best sides for a picnic

Is there anything better than crisps and dips? We don’t think so. Grab a bag of your faves and get dunking. Try our Collection Extra Smooth Houmous and Labneh Yogurt Dip with a basil and mint dressing.

Want to make your own? Follow our simple recipe to whip up a zingy fresh pea and avocado dip or creamy homemade houmous. Serve with fresh and crunchy crudités.

Best desserts at a picnic

No picnic is complete without a little something sweet.

If it’s a scorcher, grab a fruity ice lolly – just make sure you eat it before it melts, or pick one up from your nearest M&S en route to the park. Or pick up easy-to-transport pre-prepared fruit, from juicy watermelon to tropical mango.

If you’re in the mood for a proper pud, our indulgent dessert pots are made for picnics. Just don’t forget to pack spoons, or you’ll be scooping out the chocolate mousse with a carrot stick.

How to pack up your picnic

You've stocked up on delicious food – make sure you can enjoy it in style in a chic cool bag. See our top tips for packing your picnic:

Pack fresh food with ice packs to keep it cool in the cool bag.
Bring salad dressings separately, ready to shake up and dress your leaves at the last minute.
Pick up fruit or chilled drinks on the way to keep them cool.
Add ice cubes to your water so it will stay chilled for longer.
Don't forget plenty of kitchen paper, bags for rubbish and cutlery as well as reusable plastic cups – cheers.

Published 4.25.2025