Have you ever wondered what food qualifies as “picnic date food”? It can be tough to come up with a menu for a romantic picnic! These picnic ideas for couples will inspire you to pack up and enjoy a romantic picnic for two!
Tips for planning a romantic picnic:
I like to think of planning a picnic for two just like I would any meal, minus the main dish. From there I modify the appetizer, side dishes and desserts to be simplified and more snack-like.
Even though this is a meal, treat it more like you would a cocktail hour or holiday party, create a menu that is meant for snacking.
It’s also important to avoid the sack-lunch mentality and instead choose dishes that are more hands-on and collaborative.
For the most romantic picnic, choose recipes that you don’t make very often or feature higher-end ingredients. This can be hard to imagine, so here are a few ideas to get the ball rolling.
Simple Recipe Swaps to Create a Romantic Picnic
- Swap ham sandwiches for build-your-own crostini featuring prosciutto, extra sharp white cheddar, honey and orange zest.
- Swap apples for fresh cherries, figs or grapes.
- Swap chips for a bowl of popcorn or a baguette.
- Swap water and soda for wine or sparkling wine.
- Swap cookies for a fancy bar of dark chocolate.
- Swap veggies and dip for a fresh herby salad.
- Swap sandwiches for a charcuterie board featuring cured meats, a variety of cheese, olives and honey. (Check out my guide for creating the perfect cheese board!)
Romantic Picnic Ideas: Places
- Local park (a site to find local parks)
- Local lake/beach
- Backyard
- Living room
- Drive-in theater
- Star Gazing
- Kayaking or canoeing
- Frisbee golf
What to bring on a picnic date:
- Find a fun, old-school picnic basket
- Use an insulated cooler for things that need to stay cold (use frozen water bottles—they acts as freezer packs and you get water out of the deal).
- Bring any flatware you need, try to avoid plastic (cheese knife, serving spoons, etc)
- Pack cloth napkins
- Bring stemless wine glasses or champagne flutes
- Pack a large blanket
- Bug spray and sun screen!
- Wet wipes and/or hand sanitizer
- Flowers (very optional but very romantic!)
Super fresh and flavorful, this gorgeous salad is simple to throw together while also being incredibly elegant. This salad is a must-try! Cheesy, savory and slightly sweet, these toasts have got it going on! Grilled cheese just got more delicious and elegant. Serve this delicious whipped ricotta with cranberry curd, or opt for something a little easier like honey or jam. Perfect with crostini or crackers. Salad just got more interesting. This fennel salad is fresh and crunchy, can be prepped ahead, and travels well! Picnic ready I'd say! The one sandwich that is unique enough for a romantic picnic. Fresh basil and juicy peaches make this sandwich unlike any turkey sandwich you've had before. Simple yet spectacular. This green salad might be simple, but it's packed with fresh flavors and textures that make any green salad look boring in comparison. Opting for a cheese-board picnic? I've got you covered with the ultimate guide for creating the perfect cheese board, no matter the occasion. This panini is heaven! Cheesy, jammy and crunchy, these are make-ahead friendly and travel well. Make them right before heading out for your picnic. Fruit salad gets a major upgrade with this recipe! Fresh strawberries pair perfectly with a crunchy, nutty pine nut brittle (you may find yourself making the brittle just for snacking)! Three main ingredients make up this cocktail. It comes together in just a couple of minutes and no prep is needed! The perfect summer drink! Mix this up and get it chilling before heading out for your picnic. It's sweet, slightly tart and very refreshing! These elegant mini cakes are perfect for a romantic picnic. Featuring bitter Campari and grapefruit, they're uniquely flavored and perfectly sweet. Does it get any more romantic that red wine and dark chocolate?! I don't think so! Combine the two in this decadent treat. Salted caramels are always a delicious treat. But add some fresh rosemary and you really up the ante! Romantic Picnic Menu Ideas
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Thank you for the excellent ideas and the wonderful recipes. I created a perfect romantic picnic for my wife on our one-year anniversary and much of the credit goes to your ideas here.