10 perfect cold recipes for a homemade picnic

For a successful picnic, opt for simple, fresh and easy-to-carry recipes!

Wraps, salads, savory cakes, or brownies can be prepared in advance and keep well in the refrigerator. You save time while enjoying delicious meals. Good organization makes all the difference: in addition to airtight containers, investing in a practical accessory for your picnics allows you to better manage your outdoor meals.

Here are 10 ideas to try for a stress-free picnic.

Quick and easy takeaway ideas

Pasta salad with pesto, cherry tomatoes and mozzarella

This salad takes 15 minutes to prepare. Cook 150g of short pasta, then let it cool. Add 100g of halved cherry tomatoes, a ball of buffalo mozzarella cut into pieces, and two tablespoons of pesto Genovese. Mix well and chill.

It will keep for 2 days in the refrigerator. You can also add toasted pine nuts or a few rocket leaves.

Grilled chicken and raw vegetable wraps

Grill two chicken fillets, then slice them thinly. Spread cream cheese on two large tortillas, add carrot and cucumber sticks, and lettuce. Roll up tightly and cut in half.

These wraps will keep for 24 hours in the refrigerator and remain soft. Use a rectangular container to prevent them from unrolling.

Crustless zucchini and feta quiche

Grate 2 courgettes and squeeze out the excess water. Mix with 3 eggs, 100g of crumbled feta cheese, and a little mint. Pour into a greased baking dish and bake for 30 minutes at 180°C (350°F).

This light quiche is best eaten cold. It holds its shape well when cut into squares, making it ideal for taking along in a container.

Smoked salmon, cream cheese and chive sandwiches

Spread 4 slices of wholemeal bread with cream cheese. Add a slice of smoked salmon, a squeeze of lemon juice, and chopped chives. Close the sandwiches and cut into triangles.

Store them in a cloth or an airtight container, they will stay fresh until the next day.

Lebanese tabbouleh with fresh herbs

Soak 100g of bulgur in lemon water for 30 minutes. Drain, then add 3 tomatoes, 1 spring onion, plenty of flat-leaf parsley, mint, lemon and olive oil.

This fragrant dish stays delicious for 2 days. Transport it in an airtight container to prevent leaks.

Savory cake with olives, ham and Emmental cheese

Beat 3 eggs with 150g of flour, 1 sachet of baking powder, 100ml of milk, and 50ml of olive oil. Add 100g of diced ham, 50g of pitted black olives, and 80g of grated Emmental cheese. Bake for 40 minutes at 180°C.

Once cooled, slice and wrap in baking paper. This cake will keep for three days.

Lentil salad with grated carrots and hard-boiled eggs

Cook 150g of Puy green lentils. Grate two carrots, add a chopped shallot and a mustard vinaigrette. Serve with two hard-boiled eggs cut into quarters.

It can be prepared the day before. Perfect for a complete and satisfying meal.

Tuna and cucumber rillettes in small glasses

Mash a can of tuna in water with 2 tablespoons of cream cheese. Add a squeeze of lemon juice, pepper, and dill. Dice half a cucumber, place it in the bottom of small jars, then add the tuna mixture.

These verrines can be kept for 24 hours in the refrigerator. Use jars with lids to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Appetizer skewers with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil

Thread a mozzarella ball, a cherry tomato, and a basil leaf onto small toothpicks. Drizzle with olive oil.

These mini skewers are easy to transport in a flat box. Perfect for an outdoor appetizer.

Dark chocolate brownies (unfrosted version)

Melt 150g of dark chocolate with 100g of butter. Add 100g of sugar, 2 eggs, and 50g of flour. Bake for 20 minutes at 180°C. Let cool before cutting.

Without icing, they keep better at room temperature. Wrap them in baking paper or a metal tin.