• Menu
  • Skip to left header navigation
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Picnic Lifestyle Logo

A Lifestyle Guide Dedicated to Creating Perfect Picnics and Al fresco dining.

  • Picnic Tips & Ideas
  • Picnic Accessories
  • Picnic Food
    • Picnic Salads
    • Picnic Sandwiches
    • Picnic Finger Food
    • Picnic Dips
    • Picnic Sides
    • Picnic Desserts
    • Seasonal Picnic Food Ideas
    • Vegetarian Picnic Food Ideas
    • Vegan Picnic Food Ideas
    • Keto Picnic Ideas
  • About Picnic Lifestyle
    • Contact Us
  • Picnic Tips & Ideas
  • Picnic Accessories
  • Picnic Food
    • Picnic Salads
    • Picnic Sandwiches
    • Picnic Finger Food
    • Picnic Dips
    • Picnic Sides
    • Picnic Desserts
    • Seasonal Picnic Food Ideas
    • Vegetarian Picnic Food Ideas
    • Vegan Picnic Food Ideas
    • Keto Picnic Ideas
  • About Picnic Lifestyle
    • Contact Us
Home » Picnic Food » Scrumptious Vegan Picnic Ideas

Scrumptious Vegan Picnic Ideas

Dated: May 22, 2021Last Updated: April 4, 2022

Disclaimer: Our articles may contain affiliate links. See end of article for more details

When thinking about vegan picnic food, the principle is the same as with any picnic food. We don’t have to settle for boring food just because it needs to be portable or it’s vegan. 

Forget ho-hum salads and sandwiches; we have you covered with mouthwatering vegan picnic recipes that meet the picnic criteria as we discuss in our essential picnic tips – picnic food should be easy to prepare, portable and transportable, keep well alfresco, and most of all, delicious. These vegan picnic ideas tick all the boxes no matter the style of picnic you have planned.

Collage of vegan picnic foods with text overlay - "50+ scrumptious vegan picnic food ideas".

Vegan Picnic Food Ideas

We've rounded up the best vegan picnic recipes to take the guesswork out of making the perfect vegan portable feast. From vegan appetisers to unique and hearty vegan salads, picnic-perfect vegan sandwich ideas as well as picnic portable vegan desserts.

Vegan Picnic Finger Food, Appetisers & Snacks

Finger food, dips, and snack platters are perfect picnic food. You can create an entire feast with an assortment of snacks and appetisers. We have rounded up everything from vegan crackers and other assorted dippers to vegan dips and savoury snacks to help you create the perfect vegan finger food picnic menu and vegan appetizers.

1

Oven Baked Beet Chips

Photo Credit: pinkfortitude.com

Why settle for substandard store-bought potato chips when it is so easy to make tasty home-baked beet chips. Beets are such versatile little bundles of goodness, and these delicious oven-baked beet chips are a testament to that.

Vegan, Paleo, Whole30, and Keto approved, these delicious snacks make an excellent picnic addition.

2

Easy Hummus Recipe

Hummus is the champion of picnic dips. It's also one of the most versatile vegan dips around.

Hummus makes a great addition to any picnic menu as part of a Mediterranean style DIY platter (we give you all the recipes below for some great antipasto additions).

You can use it in wraps, on a vegan burger, as a dipper for croquettes. Add it to salad cups or even as a topper for little appetizers. If you have hummus, you have a meal. Hummus gets the picnic nod every time from us.

3

Easy Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip

Want a vegan alternative to the crowd-pleasing Spinach and Artichoke Dip? This deliciously creamy, easy to make vegan spinach artichoke dip is super tasty and a much healthier alternative to the original.

This spinach and artichoke dip recipe is light and creamy with all the delicious flavours, but without the heavy cream and cheese – this recipe doesn't even rely on vegan cheese to make it a standout appetiser, just quality healthy ingredients.

A perfect all-around dip for a vegan picnic menu, serve it with assorted bread, a crudité platter or crackers. It also makes a hearty centre dish for a vegan mezze or antipasto platter.

4

Easy Creamy Vegan Mushroom Pate 

Photo Credit: nutsandpumpkin.com

I don't think mushrooms get enough air time when it comes to picnic planning - unless, of course, it is in a savoury tart or the like.

What better way to incorporate these flavourful fun guys into your vegan picnic menus than with an easy to make mushroom pate.

This creamy mushroom pate recipe is packed with flavour and quite a versatile little side. Serve it as an appetiser with bread or veggie dippers, add it to wraps or even use it as a spread in crepes which you can serve hot or cold with salad. We give you all the tips on keeping picnic food warm here.

5

Easy Focaccia with Olives (No-Knead)

Photo Credit: theclevermeal.com

There is something special about any kind of homemade bread. This focaccia with olives is certainly no exception.

A perfect addition to an antipasto platter or as a side, this easy to make vegan focaccia is deliciously moist with a golden oil-scented crust, studded with tasty, juicy olives.

So easy to make, it is mixed in one bowl, no kneading is required and so easy to switch up the flavours– this will become a go-to vegan recipe for all occasions.

6

Pea and Mint Dip Recipe

With light and fresh Middle Eastern flavour profiles of tahini, garlic and mint, you can whip up this bright and cheery vegan dip in minutes. You can even use frozen peas for an impromptu picnic dip if you don't have any fresh peas on hand.

A delightfully fresh dip, you can also use this green goddess of dips as a sandwich or wrap spread or the basis for little finger food appetisers.

7

Grilled Eggplant Dip - Baba Ganoush Recipe

Another of our favourite picnic dips, baba ganoush has so much flavour and, like hummus, works with so many menu ideas.

Another reason I love baba ganoush is eggplant (aubergine) is one of those veggies that keep well in the fridge and you can do so much with it. If you have an eggplant in the fridge, you have the makings for some great vegan picnic food.

8

Smoky Pumpkin Hummus Recipe

Want a different take on hummus or want to add a seasonal spin for a fall picnic? Look no further than smoky pumpkin hummus.

If you don't like smoke flavours, simply switch for roast pumpkin; it will also impart a much deeper flavour profile to your pumpkin and hummus.

9

Muhammara Recipe (Red Pepper and Walnut Dip)

Photo Credit: theforkedspoon.com

Muhammara is a creamy roasted red pepper and walnut dip bursting with delicious Middle Eastern flavours – pomegranate, molasses and Aleppo chilli flakes for a sweet, tangy, smoky, and a little spicy finish.

This slightly sweet but sassy vegan dip is a great contender for a vegan platter of crisp, fresh veg chunks and warm flatbread.

10

Super Crispy Sesame Crackers

Photo Credit: nutsandpumpkin.com

With all these amazing vegan dips to add to your picnic menu list, you need some stand out crackers to match.

These crispy sesame crackers are so easy to make and will have you wondering why you ever settled for store-bought crackers.

11

Super Simple Mexican Salsa Roja Recipe

Salsa Roja is easy to make, takes only a few fresh ingredients and works well with so many dishes - that's a winner in anyone's book.

Add this red beauty to your dip platter as an appetizer or use it as a topper for vegan tacos, wraps or even sandwiches. It's also a great side sauce or topping for anything done on the grill.

12

Creamy Vegan Avocado Lime Sauce

Photo Credit: elisetriestocook.com

Fresh, simple Avocado Lime Sauce with only two ingredients, it doesn't get easier than that. Avocados are great like that; they don't need much to make a statement.

This creamy sauce is perfect for drizzling, spreading or dipping and is naturally gluten-free and vegan.

13

Grissini Breadsticks Recipe

Photo Credit: mymorningmocha.com

Need more ideas for dippers beyond crackers, veggies and bread - cue Grissini. This crispy Grissini breadsticks recipe is the perfect snack for dipping.

No fancy equipment required, you can whip up these Grissini Breadsticks from scratch in no time with minimal fuss. A delicious vegan picnic snack.

14

Vegan Tzatziki

Photo Credit: nourishplate.com

You don't have to miss out on the joy of Tzatziki just because you prefer vegan. This Greek-style Vegan Tzatziki is ready in under 10 minutes and makes a great accompaniment to so many picnic dishes.

Dip falafels in it as a snack – better yet, load them all in a wrap for a delicious picnic lunch. Drizzle it over a crunchy veggie platter or have it as a salad dressing. There are so many more uses for Tzatziki than just a dip.

15

How to Make Roasted Red Peppers

Roasted peppers are my go-to for so many menu ideas. They are perfect picnic companions because they keep well in the fridge for quite a few days, even more, if properly stored.

Put them on a platter with dips, roast tomatoes, grilled eggplant and bread for a Mediterranean DIY feast. Slice them up into salads or load them into wraps or sandwiches for a great alternative to standard sandwich fillings. They are also great in tarts and as an addition to so many appetizers ideas.

16

Delicious Garlic Herb Marinated Mushrooms

Photo Credit: dishnthekitchen.com

Take it up a notch with these delicious Herb Marinated Mushrooms. It's so easy to make these tasty morsels; you'll be surprised at how flavourful they are.

Serve them as part of a vegan charcuterie, as a side dish, put them on skewers and grill them or toss them through a salad.

17

Roasted Vine Tomatoes

Roasted vine tomatoes are another of my go-to's because you roast up a batch and keep them in the fridge for all kinds of recipes.

They make sumptuous sandwich fillings for picnics, are so tasty in salads and make perfect additions to an antipasto or vegan charcuterie platter. They are also delicious smeared on pieces of bread as a side to a main.

18

Roasted Beet Recipe

Roasted beets are one of the most versatile ingredients you can have in your picnic arsenal.

So easy to make and they keep well in the fridge, serve them on their own, throw them in salads and sandwiches, make them into dips, these hearty and nutritious veg are worth their weight in gold when it comes to picnic recipes.

19

Vegan Rice Paper Rolls (Vietnamese Spring Rolls)

Photo Credit: thepeskyvegan.com

Rice paper rolls (Vietnamese Spring Rolls) are perfect picnic food. They travel well and make excellent finger food, so no hassle with extra utensils.

Serve them as a light meal, appetiser or pair them with any one of our vegan Asian salads for a complete vegan Asian picnic spread.

20

Easy Pineapple Salsa Recipe

Photo Credit: nourishplate.com

Add a sweet spin to your picnic appetizers with this easy pineapple salsa recipe. Sweet and spicy, this fresh and fancy salsa is a perfect summer picnic idea.

Pair this sassy salsa with guacamole and corn chips as a starter, or add it to tacos or Mexican style wraps as a light picnic lunch.

21

Strawberry Cucumber Salsa

Photo Credit: fitmealideas.com

Another wonderful way to make use of seasonal produce and very pretty addition to a summer or spring picnic spread.

This fresh and vibrant homemade strawberry and cucumber salsa makes a great side dish or filler for tacos. Team it with avocado in a wrap or spoon it over grilled tofu.

22

Vegan Zucchini Muffins

Photo Credit: thecookiedoughdiaries.com

Soft and fluffy, these vegan zucchini muffins make a great picnic basket addition. The wonderful thing about any muffin - sweet or savoury is they are picnic perfect. They are super portable, don't require utensils, and are really satisfying.

These zucchini muffins make a great picnic snack and are perfect for either a light vegan brunch picnic or afternoon tea alfresco occasion.

23

Samosa Pinwheels

Photo Credit: www.mrsjoneskitchen.com

A really simple and tasty snack using vegan puff pastry, these flaky samosa pinwheels have a fragrant vegetable filling that works perfectly with a dipper such as beetroot raita or a spread of coriander chutney.

Eat them on their own - hot or cold or serve them as part of a vegan picnic platter of other delicious finger foods and dips.

Vegan Picnic Sandwich Ideas

A sandwich is a sandwich - you fill it with what you like and go. Or is it?

There is an art to a good picnic sandwich (we have you covered on preventing soggy sandwich syndrome here), and we can never run short of sandwich inspiration. We have some great ideas to get you going with new vegan picnic sandwich ideas, and delicious vegan takes on the classics.

24

Raw Veggie Wraps with Avocado

Wraps are fantastic picnic sandwiches because they are so convenient and portable. These raw veggie wraps with avocado are loaded with great flavour and texture for a wholesome and delicious vegan picnic sandwich option.

25

Vegan Bagel Sandwich with Vegan Lox & Cashew Cream Cheese

Photo Credit: yumveganlunchideas.com

Try this ultimate vegan bagel sandwich recipe loaded with cashew cream cheese and delicious vegan lox for a picnic-perfect vegan sandwich. Another great contender for a vegan picnic brunch menu.

26

Mediterranean Vegan Bagel Sandwich 

Photo Credit: happykitchen.rocks

Take a deliciously chewy bagel and load it with Mediterranean baba ganoush, crisp cucumber, rich sun-dried tomatoes and fresh arugula for a delicious protein-rich vegan picnic sandwich.

We already gave you the know-how on making baba ganoush so there are no excuses not to enjoy this delicious picnic sandwich combo.

27

Vegan Coronation Chicken Sandwich

Photo Credit: traditionalplantbasedcooking.com

A vegan take on the sandwich invented for the Queen's coronation lunch in 1953, this vegan traditional Coronation chickpea and kidney bean sandwich wrap is a slice of British history.

It is fruity, sweet, spicy, creamy, crunchy and nutty. Use it as a delicious vegan wrap or sandwich filling, or even load it onto hot baked jacket potatoes for a hearty vegan picnic lunch with a difference.

28

Chickpea Avocado Salad Sandwich

Photo Credit: homecookedroots.com

For a vegan, take on the classic tuna sandwich look no further than chickpeas and avocado. With more protein than a tuna sandwich thanks to the chickpeas, avocado instead of mayonnaise also makes this tremendous picnic sandwich oil-free.

This Chickpea Avocado Salad recipe calls for red onions, mustard, lemon and a little garlic, but you can switch it up or spice it up as much as you like.

29

Plant-Based Collard Green Wraps with Millet & Veggies

Photo Credit: nutriciously.com

We featured this colourful and delicious take on the sandwich in our breadless sandwich ideas edition. After all, who doesn’t love a colourful, portable lunch?

These plant-based wraps are the perfect grab-and-go meal, made with crunchy collard greens, millet, roasted veggies and a fruity sauce.

30

Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Sandwich

Photo Credit: traditionalplantbasedcooking.com

This vegan tofu and cress mayonnaise sandwich takes its cue from the quintessentially British egg mayo sandwich – a British picnic favourite.

A perfectly portable vegan picnic sandwich, they also make delightfully dainty finger sandwiches for a high tea style picnic.

31

Vegan Tuna Sandwich

Photo Credit: veganhuggs.com

More of a traditional take on the vegan tuna sandwich than our previous one, this sandwich uses vegan mayonnaise, chickpeas and palm hearts. Along with garlic and dill, this recipe also gives the option for a traditional seafood taste with the addition of dulse or kelp granules.

32

Hummus Veggie Wrap

Photo Credit: littlesunnykitchen.com

Hummus rises to the occasion again with these versatile hummus and veggie wraps. I like to think of this recipe as more of an inspiration as you can fill these as you please with crunchy veg, leafy greens, beans, or even change the dip.

33

Classic Vegan Chicken Salad

Photo Credit: www.veganblueberry.com

For a classic vegan chicken salad, this recipe uses soy curls to achieve a wonderful 'chewy' texture. Throw in toasted almond slivers for some crunch, fresh chopped red onion and celery, a few choice seasonings with a hint of dill, and you've got a hearty and delicious vegan picnic sandwich.

34

Curried Chickpea Vegan Wraps

Photo Credit: www.marathonsandmotivation.com

Spice up your picnic lunches with Curried Chickpea Vegan Wraps, perfect for a healthy and hearty picnic sandwich.

Easy to make with basic spices and chickpeas, fresh spinach and red onion, you could also use the curried chickpeas and fresh spinach as the basis of a great vegan salad.

35

Mediterranean Keto Collard Green Wraps Recipe

Photo Credit: www.wholesomeyum.com

In another nod to the breadless sandwich, this Mediterranean keto collard green wrap uses cauliflower hummus and avocado with fresh, crisp veggies for a nutritious and delicious vegan picnic sandwich.

36

Vegan Lettuce Wraps With Teriyaki Chickpeas 

Photo Credit: plantprosperous.com

Not quite a sandwich, but just as portable, these protein-filled teriyaki lettuce wraps are easy to eat alfresco as the lettuce cups keep everything mess-free—a delicious vegan picnic alternative to standard sandwiches.

Vegan Picnic Salads

37

Delicious Vegan Salad Ideas for Your Next Picnic

We have so many unique and delicious vegan salad ideas for a picnic; there was too many to list here, so we dedicated an entire list to it.

You'll find the best selection of vegan salad recipes that nourish and satisfy and remind us that eating healthy is far from boring.

Vegan Picnic Desserts

When looking for ideas for vegan desserts, the same rule applies as for any picnic dessert - We need portable desserts that will transport well and last the distance without falling apart or turning bad.

These vegan picnic dessert ideas are perfect sweet treats for any alfresco occasion.

38

No Bake Coconut Balls

Quick and easy to make, these deliciously sweet no-bake Coconut Balls have only four ingredients. They are vegan but also Keto-friendly, and gluten, dairy and nut-free.

39

No Bake Key Lime Pie Bars

These deliciously sweet Key Lime Pie Bars are both vegan and gluten-free but with all the fresh, creamy flavours of a traditional Key Lime Pie.

40

20 Minute Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Photo Credit: jackslobodian.com

Crunchy with a gooey soft centre, these vegan chocolate chip cookies are incredibly moreish. They are also incredibly quick and easy to whip up.

A super fuss-free recipe that comes together in one bowl with no mixer required in under 20 minutes. There's also wriggle room for some delicious recipe variations, so these vegan cookies will never get tired.

41

Vegan Rose Loaf Cake with Rose Glaze

Photo Credit: flouringkitchen.com

Soft, moist, and flavourful, this delightful vegan rose loaf cake uses homemade rose water for a beautiful rose flavour without overpowering the subtle lemon flavours.

The perfect summer picnic dessert, this vegan cake will have your picnic companions swooning for more.

42

Cocoa Peanut Butter Fat Bombs

You don't need to be on a keto diet to enjoy the benefits of fat bombs. Essentially delicious energy bites, these delicious cocoa balls with nut and coconut flavours make a great sweet vegan picnic snack. Whip them up in around 10 minutes.

43

Vegan Biscotti with Almonds

Photo Credit: theclevermeal.com

Crunchy and full of flavour, these vegan biscotti with almonds are one of those 1 bowl wonders you can whip up in no time and make perfect companions to a post picnic cuppa.

44

No-Bake Chocolate Chip & Tahini Energy Balls

Energy balls are often associated with fitness snacks, but these nutty little wonders make a great snack or post picnic sweet treat. They are also perfect for hiking picnics when you need a little boost.

45

Vegan Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Photo Credit: thecookiedoughdiaries.com

We are big fans of the cookie as a picnic sweet treat, we rounded up some of the best picnic cookie ideas here.

These vegan double chocolate chip cookies are no exception to the rule. Soft, gooey, and super fudgy, they meet all the picnic cookie criteria - easy to make, travel well and easier to manage than fussy desserts.

46

Eggless carrot cake

Photo Credit: www.keep-calm-and-eat-ice-cream.com

Carrot cake is the quintessential picnic dessert. Made with fresh carrots and a tangy lemon frosting, this eggless carrot cake has a secret ingredient to keep it deliciously moist.

47

Vegan Rhubarb Bread | Vegan Rhubarb Cake Recipe

Photo Credit: yumveganlunchideas.com

A vegan take on a classic rhubarb recipe – deliciously tangy rhubarb baked in a sweet loaf with rosewater and ginger. Perfect for a sweet snack, a picnic brunch, or washed down with an afternoon alfresco tea or coffee.

48

Raw Vegan Chocolate Recipe

Photo Credit: www.amummytoo.co.uk

Have a sweet tooth for chocolate? You'll love how easy it is to make this incredibly decadent raw vegan chocolate recipe. Packed with hidden fruit and nuts, cut them in squares for a sophisticated sweet treat to satisfy those chocolate cravings.

49

Vegan Date and Walnut Cake

Photo Credit: www.amummytoo.co.uk

There is no more practical or comforting picnic dessert than a date and walnut cake.

This delicious vegan date and walnut creation has the perfect texture for slicing and slathering with a plant-based spread washed down with a cup of hot tea.

50

Dark Chocolate Hummus

Photo Credit: www.asweetalternative.com

I know we give hummus a lot of air time when it comes to practical and delicious picnic food so it's not surprising we're falling for this vegan dark chocolate hummus recipe.

In the romance stakes, this is a great picnic dish for two - lather it on fresh fruit such as strawberries, melon or apple slices for a healthy and romantic picnic dessert.

51

Homemade Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

Photo Credit: sugarspiceneverythingnice.com

Fluffy on the outside, with gooey cinnamon filling and vegan cream cheese icing, these homemade vegan cinnamon rolls are perfectly cosy for a winter picnic menu or a simple afternoon tea picnic with a thermos and a sweet bun.

52

No-Bake Cookies {keto, paleo, vegan}

Photo Credit: wholesomefamilyliving.com

Quick and easy, these 4 ingredient no-bake cookies with shredded coconut are perfect for picnics. Whip them up in no time for a picnic cookie alternative. They are best served cool, so pack them in an insulated picnic basket or keep them out of the sun.

53

Healthy Peanut Butter Energy Balls

Photo Credit: www.abakingjourney.com

Sweet and salty, soft and crunchy, you can whip up these sugar-free vegan peanut butter balls in 15 minutes for a picnic treat that requires no refrigeration and is super portable.

54

Vegan Peanut Butter Biscuits

Photo Credit: marleysmenu.com

Can you ever have enough cookie options? I don't think so. These nutty and sweet vegan peanut butter biscuits are crunchy, flaky, and buttery – a perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of tea.

55

Insanely Fudgy Vegan Date Brownies 

Photo Credit: blueskyeating.com

There are so many ways you can have your brownies. We looked at some unique brownie recipes here for a picnic that showed the brownie debate is merely a matter of taste.

So, if you like a fudgy brownie and want a vegan option - we've got you covered. Made with sweet and sticky Medjool dates, they may be a healthier take on a classic, but these vegan and gluten-free date brownies are ridiculously indulgent and delicious.

56

Healthy Vegan Coconut Macaroons 

Photo Credit: everydaynourishingfoods.com

Want the portability of a cookie but with a different vibe? Make these soft and chewy coconut macaroons easily at home with only five ingredients. (not to be confused with macarons)

Light, moist and chewy with a crisp outer shell, these vegan cookies are a perfect picnic snack.

57

Vegan Raspberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars

Photo Credit: www.bytheforkful.com

Next to cookies, bars and slices are perfect picnic desserts. They are usually easy to make, transport and keep well. These vegan crumble bars have tart fresh rhubarb and sweet raspberries for a super easy picnic dessert.


Last Modified: April 4, 2022

Previous Post: « Delicious Vegan Salad Ideas for Your Next Picnic
Next Post: Pea and Mint Dip Recipe Bright green pean and mint dip on a picnic table with bread and carrots.»

Primary Sidebar

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Welcome to Picnic Lifestyle

Picnic Perfect Every Time.

A celebration of al fresco dining and the portable feast. A lifestyle guide dedicated to creating perfect picnics for all occasions.

See our latest Picnic Web Stories

Site Footer

Disclaimer – Picnic Lifestyle is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Many posts on this site also contain links to other affiliate sites offering products or services we recommend. This means if you make a purchase after clicking on a link, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Disclaimer  |  Privacy Policy

© 2020-2022 Picnic Lifestyle - Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.