The best picnic mantra is always ‘easy to carry, delightful to eat,’ and a romantic picnic date shouldn’t be any different.
My tips for romantic picnic ideas show you how to dial up the charm for some alfresco romance. But what about when it comes to picnic date food ideas?
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How to Plan a Romantic Picnic Menu for Two
When it comes to a dreamy picnic date or surprise Valentine’s picnic, my tip is to avoid any heavy main dishes in favor of bite-sized, easy-to-manage, elegant offerings.
Let’s face it: juggling a mammoth mayonnaise-slathered sandwich or balancing plates on your lap hardly screams ‘romance.’ These tips will help you plan the perfect picnic date menu, so romance is the star of the day.
- Aim for petite, stylish starters like stuffed mushrooms and Cucumber Roll Ups, dainty tea sandwiches like smoked salmon and avocado heart-shaped sandwiches, and elegant salads like a pear and goat’s cheese salad (individual serve salad containers are perfect for romantic picnic salads).
- Bonus points for grazing dishes like an exquisite cheese and charcuterie spread, ideal for a wine-paired picnic or various petite shared appetizers. (See my pick of the most beautiful and practical picnic wine totes and baskets to help set the scene).
- What’s a romantic date without a touch of sweetness? Choose between light, delicate desserts or decadent treats, but remember that they are portable and easy to eat, like my gorgeous Raspberry Cupcakes topped with lush Lemon Mascarpone Frosting or Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies.
- Naturally, a sip of bubbly champagne or a fine wine always adds romantic flair. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic tipple, homemade lemonade is about as sweet as it gets. Or rustle up a thermos of cold fruit punch, which you could serve in insulated champagne flutes.
Romantic Picnic Foods For a Date
Here, you’ll discover a selection of romantic picnic menu ideas covering savory and sweet treats designed for two, all of which are a breeze to whip up.
Smoked Salmon and Avocado Heart Shaped Sandwich
Set the scene with these adorable yet elegant heart-shaped sandwiches. Topped with lightly spiced avocado and smoked salmon, they are so easy to make yet make a very romantic statement.
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Fig and Chicken Baguette Sandwich Recipe
Looking for a romantic picnic sandwich, look no further than the baguette. Add tender slices of smoked chicken, sweet figs, and salty manchego cheese, and you have a baguette picnic romantics will swoon for. I've got loads more chicken sandwich ideas for picnic romantics.
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Easy Pear, Blue Cheese, and Fennel Tart
A super simple sheet tart this versatile dish that only needs a few ingredients to make it special. It makes a great main paired with a salad or a sophisticated finger food idea.
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Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches
Tea sandwiches are always elegant, and these Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches with a little fresh lemon zest are the perfect finger food solution to a chicken sandwich.
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Easy Homemade Pesto Cheese Bread
This Basil Pesto Cheese Bread recipe shines for its fresh, homemade appeal. A blend of fresh aromatic herbs with salty feta and melty cheddar wrapped in a freshly baked loaf. The recipe is very simple, and the homemade aspect of the bread adds a charming personal touch to your romantic picnic spread.
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Chicken Waldorf Salad Sandwich
Take a classic salad and make it portable and easy to eat. This Chicken Waldorf Salad makes a great filling for romantic tea sandwiches.
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Classic Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich
The classic chicken club sandwich becomes a very versatile and delicious finger food idea when cut into triangles. Maybe add a little romantic flourish with some heart topped sandwich picks.
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Prosciutto Wrapped Figs with Goats Cheese and Arugula
Prosciutto-wrapped figs with goat's cheese and crisp arugula are a perfect bite for two.I love the elegance and simplicity of these delightfully salty, sweet picnic appetizers—an elegant dish to impress any picnic romantic.
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Salmon Avacado Cucumber Roll Ups
Cucumbers make such elegant dishes, and these Cucumber Roll-Ups with smoked salmon and avocado are about as dainty as they get. Whip up these fresh and tasty cucumber rolls in under 20 minutes.
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Vegetarian Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms
Another no-mess, easy to eat morsel perfect for a romantic picnic, stuffed mushrooms make delicious picnic companions.Switch up your fillings to suit the occasion, serve them hot or cold, and break out the picnic Pinot Noir to pair with this tasty yet delicate finger food.
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Smoked Duck Summer Rolls
Romantic finger food should be elegant dishes that aren't messy to eat and look beautiful on your picnic spread. What's more elegant than a rice paper roll? These smoked duck rice paper rolls make a lovely meal for two or a sweet starter for a romantic Asian-inspired picnic.
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Green Pea and Mint Dip Recipe
Put a sweet splash of color on your romantic picnic spread with a pea and mint dip. With light and fresh Middle Eastern flavor profiles of tahini, garlic, and mint, you can whip up this delightfully cheery dip in minutes. You can even use frozen peas for an impromptu picnic dip if you don't have any fresh peas on hand.
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Pear and Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Pecans
I love the simple sophistication of this salad for a romantic menu. Crispy pears with salty goat cheese and candied pecans – the perfect balance of texture and flavor. As these ingredients tend to lean into the winter months, it's a gorgeous salad for a cozy winter picnic.
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Smoked Duck, Fig & Grilled Pear Salad
Tender slices of smoked duck breast with sweet figs and sticky grilled pears topped with salty goats cheese. A simple yet elegant salad that is easy to pre-prepare and pull together.
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Savory Charcuterie Board
Bring the elegance of an overflowing charcuterie board to your picnic for two. The perfect grazing plate for long, lazy picnics with a loved one. Don't forget the wine.
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Photo credit: straighttothehipsbaby.com
Easy Homemade Lemonade
What's more romantic than whipping up a jug of homemade lemonade for your date? This simple recipe can also be adjusted to make it a very sweet alcoholic tipple.
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Coffee & Irish Cream Mini Bundt Cakes
These Coffee and Irish Cream Mini Bundt Cakes are effortlessly elegant desserts ready in under an hour. The sweet whisky-scented flavors of Baileys Irish cream and coffee in a dainty and adorable mini bunt cake.
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Crostini with Balsamic Strawberries and Ricotta
I love this dish because it is beautifully romantic, and it lives between the realms of sweet and savory. Sweet strawberries are finished in a balsamic reduction on top of smooth ricotta. Serve this elegant dish as a semi-sweet finish or appetizer alongside some salty Proscuitto or a good strong cheese. Either way, this dish goes beautifully with champagne or prosecco.
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Photo credit: www.shekeepsalovelyhome.com
Dark Chocolate Sweet Potato Fudge
A rich and decadent Dark Chocolate Sweet Potato Fudge hits the mark for a romantically sweet finish– Yep! Sweet potato is the secret hero of this no-bake fudge recipe.
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Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies
Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies add a dash of dessert pizzaz to the humble brownie and make the cheesecake very portable. What's not to love? See my collection of unique brownie recipes for more inspiration.
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Easy White Chocolate Fudge
For a simple yet elegant dessert, fudge makes a great romantic picnic dessert. This White Chocolate Fudge recipe is sweet, super creamy, and incredibly adaptable. Switch almonds for macadamias for something a little more decadent, or sprinkle with heart-shaped sprinkles for a romantic touch.
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Pink Chocolate Covered Strawberries
What's more romantic than pink chocolate-covered strawberries? An easy-to-make-ahead treat, dip whole strawberries in decadent pink chocolate and chill until set. Serve with champagne for extra romance points.
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Photo credit: www.thegayglobetrotter.com
Dark Chocolate Avocado Truffles
Add a dash of chocolate decadence to your romantic picnic without the guilt. These sweet and creamy chocolate truffles use avocado instead of heavy cream for a smooth, chocolatey, and healthy sweet bite. You would never even know they are made with avocado.
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Key Lime Pie Bars
These dainty Key Lime Pie Bras make a sweet and fresh addition to any romantic picnic. Cut them into small bars and decorate them with edible flowers for a very delicate dessert.
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Rose Scented Shortbread
Quality shortbread is one of the most elegant and unpretentious cookies around. Rose scented shortbread is a delightfully delicious and romantic spin on the original which will be sure to win the heart of any picnic romantic.
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Photo credit: whatagirleats.com
Raspberry Cupcakes With Lemon Mascarpone Frosting
Let’s face it, anything raspberry and this cute is the perfect romantic dessert –Dainty, portable, and sweet, topped with lush lemon mascarpone frosting.
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More Romantic Picnic Tips & Ideas
Remember that the key to a memorable romantic picnic menu lies in the details. Choose delicious dishes that easy to handle and visually appealing. Embrace the beauty of shared plates, which add an element of intimacy and ease to the dining experience.
And don’t forget the setting and your company are just as important as the food, whether under a starry sky or in a sun-dappled park.
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