Vegetarian and Vegan Picnic Food

Here I have compiled all of my best vegetarian and vegan picnic food ideas and recipes so you can have the perfect picnic this summer. I have a range of super easy recipes, some healthy some indulgently delicious, for you to bring along to your next picnic.

What to put in a vegan or vegetarian picnic?

The best kind of picnic foods are handheld foods which travel well and are delicious eaten cold. For me, the best picnic foods are sandwiches, pastries and sweet treats. If you’re having a fancy picnic with plates and cutlery salad is another great addition. Salads are easily transportable and delicious served cold.

Picnics are usually enjoyed on a hot summers day. For this reason the best picnic foods are light and refreshing. That’s why I like to include sandwiches filled with healthy spreads and vegetables, and salads with fresh, zingy dressings.

And don’t forget the drinks! You don’t want to dehydrate in the sun – why not bring your favourite squash or cordial to wash down your delicious picnic snacks?

How to serve a picnic

If it’s a hot day you’ll want to make sure your food stays chilled. I recommend using a cool bag like this one on Amazon. You’ll also need containers to pack your food in. I like to use glass containers as these are best for your health, plus they are more durable than plastic containers.

Picnic food for vegans

All of these yummy picnic recipes are 100% plant based.

Vegan Sausage Rolls

These vegan sausage rolls are flavoured with caramelised onions, apple and sage. To make these vegan I simply used vegan sausage meat and plant-based puff pastry and they taste even better than the real thing!

Vegan Afternoon Tea Sandwiches

These vegan afternoon tea sandwiches are the perfect, easily transportable, picnic snack. Filled with pesto mayo and roasted pepper, vegan cheese and onion, hummus and cucumber, and vegan chickpea ‘tuna’ salad, there’s a sandwich for everyone to enjoy.

Vegan Greek Pasta Salad

Salads are the perfect picnic snack. This salad is fresh and vibrant and perfect enjoyed outside in the sun. Ensure you bring the dressing separately to prevent your salad from getting soggy!

Vegan Sushi

Vegan sushi rolls filled with crispy mushrooms, cucumber, beetroot, carrot, red pepper and spring onion. Delicious brought on a picnic and dipped in soy sauce and wasabi.

Vegan Crostini

These vegan crostini topped with lemon and basil avocado spread, caramelised onion and mushrooms, roasted pepper and almond spread, and mini bruschetta make perfect picnic food. To make these crostini more transportable you can serve the toppings separately and build your own crostini at the picnic!

Picnic food for vegetarians

Here are my picnic recipe ideas for lacto-vegetarians and ovo-vegetarians.

Vegetarian Afternoon Tea Sandwiches

These dainty finger sandwiches are filled with cucumber and cream cheese, Cheddar and pickle, egg mayo, and coronation chickpeas. With such a delicious selection there will be a sandwich here for everyone to enjoy.

Pesto Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Homemade sun-dried tomato pesto and feta puff pastry pinwheels. These cheesy, buttery snacks make the perfect transportable picnic treat.

Puff Pastry Pizza Twists

Simple cheese and tomato pizza twists. These are sure to be a hit for kids and adults alike!

Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

Supermarket tortellini tastes oh so good in this pasta salad with homemade basil and almond pesto. Packed with tomatoes, olives, red onion, and mozzarella this is the perfect summery picnic salad.

Halloumi and Pesto Sandwich

A ciabatta loaf spread with pesto and garlic mayo. Filled with roasted peppers, courgette, and aubergine and topped with olives and fried halloumi. The perfect sandwich for sharing at your next summer picnic.

Raspberry and Lemon Drizzle Cake

Marbled lemon and raspberry drizzle cake. Topped with pink lemon icing and fresh raspberries.

Vegetarian Kimchi Sausage Rolls

A delicious twist on the traditional sausage roll. Kimchi and gochujang add a spicy kick whilst mozzarella adds cheesy goodness.

Cheese and Garlic Crescent Rolls

These cheesy garlic butter crescent rolls are the perfect portable snack essential for your next picnic.

Smashed Honey Mustard Potato Salad

Honey mustard smashed potato salad packed with whole foods and greens. Although delicious warm, this salad still tastes fantastic after a day in the fridge and is perfect for picnics.

Feta and Sweet Potato Pastries

Puff pastry parcels filled with mashed sweet potato, feta and spinach. They are topped with seeds for a crunchy texture.

Pea and Potato Curry Puffs

Mini puff pastry pasties filled with a spicy pea and potato curry. This handheld snack is easily packed up in a picnic hamper.