Nothing says summer quite like a picnic sandwich platter spread across a red-checkered blanket in the grass. Whether you’re planning a family gathering at the park, a day at the lake, or a casual backyard get-together, this vibrant and satisfying picnic sandwich spread is your go-to recipe. It’s colorful, easy to assemble, full of flavor, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Best of all? You can customize it to suit every taste, and it requires zero reheating!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make a summer picnic sandwich platter, complete with crisp sandwiches, pasta salads, fresh fruits, and classic cookies—everything you need for a relaxed, Instagram-worthy outdoor feast.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Picnic Sandwich Platter
- Fresh and Flavorful: A variety of textures and flavors, from crunchy veggies to creamy pasta salad.
- Quick to Assemble: Minimal prep, no cooking needed!
- Kid-Friendly and Adult-Approved: Perfect for all ages.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients based on preferences or dietary needs.
- Travel-Ready: Ideal for parks, beaches, and road trips.
Quick Facts
- Preparation Time: PT30M
- Cooking Time: PT0M
- Total Time: PT30M
- Type: Main Course / Side Combo
- Cuisine: American
- Recipe Yield: Serves 6–8
- Calories: Approx. 550 per serving (varies by portion)
What You’ll Need
Sandwiches (Makes 8 Sandwiches)
- 16 slices of whole grain or white sandwich bread
- 1 lb sliced turkey breast or chicken breast
- 8 slices mild cheese (cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella)
- 1 cup leaf lettuce or baby spinach
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 4 tbsp mayonnaise or hummus
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta Salads
- Classic Creamy Pasta Salad:
- 3 cups cooked pasta (fusilli or rotini)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup peas and carrots
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pesto Veggie Pasta Salad:
- 3 cups cooked tricolor pasta
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
Fresh Fruit & Snacks
- 2 cups cubed watermelon
- 4 red apples and 2 green apples
- 1/2 small seedless watermelon, sliced
- 12–16 cookies (chocolate chip, oatmeal, and peanut butter)
Drinks & Extras
- 1 mason jar of lemonade or fruit juice
- Thermos of tea or coffee
- Fresh flowers for decoration
- Disposable plates, cups, and cutlery (colorful for fun!)
Let’s Make It – Step-by-Step Instructions
🥪 Assemble the Sandwiches
- Spread the base: On 8 slices of bread, spread mayonnaise or hummus. On the other 8, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard.
- Layer the ingredients: Start with turkey slices, then add cheese, lettuce, tomato, and cucumber.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Close the sandwiches and gently press down. Cut each sandwich in half (diagonally or straight).
- Wrap or pack in an airtight container for transport.
🍝 Make the Pasta Salads
Creamy Pasta Salad:
- In a large bowl, mix cooked and cooled pasta with diced veggies.
- Add mayonnaise, vinegar or lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Pesto Pasta Salad:
- In another bowl, combine tricolor pasta with chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and corn.
- Stir in the pesto until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes for flavors to blend.
🍎 Prepare the Fruits
- Slice watermelon into wedges and cube the rest for variety.
- Rinse apples and pack them whole to keep them fresh longer.
- Store everything in airtight containers or resealable bags.
🍪 Don’t Forget the Cookies!
- Add an assortment of your favorite cookies—store-bought or homemade.
- Keep them in small containers to prevent crushing.
Conclusion
This picnic sandwich platter brings together everything you love about summer food—fresh flavors, simplicity, and fun presentation. With easy-to-make sandwiches, chilled pasta salads, juicy fruits, and cookies to finish it all off, this is the kind of meal that makes memories. Whether you’re spreading out on a blanket or setting up a picnic table, this platter makes summer dining a breeze.
Want to keep the inspiration going? Share your version of this spread with us on social media or drop a comment below with your favorite sandwich fillings!
FAQs
How to make a picnic sandwich platter ahead of time?
Assemble the sandwiches the morning of your picnic and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Keep veggies dry and layer greens between meats and cheese to avoid sogginess.
Can I substitute turkey with another protein?
Absolutely! Try sliced chicken breast, grilled tofu, egg salad, or roast beef for variety.
How do I keep the pasta salad from drying out?
Add a little extra dressing before serving if it looks dry. Pasta tends to absorb dressing while resting.
What’s the best bread for picnic sandwiches?
Whole grain, white, or even soft rolls work well. Choose sturdy bread that won’t fall apart easily during travel.
Can I use store-bought pasta salad?
Yes! Store-bought is a great shortcut if you’re in a rush. Just add fresh veggies or herbs for a homemade touch.
Wrapping It Up
Summer is all about slowing down, soaking up sunshine, and enjoying good food with even better company. This picnic sandwich platter captures all of that and more. It’s easy to prepare, easy to love, and even easier to share. Whether you’re planning a day trip or just want to have lunch on your lawn, this vibrant platter brings joy to every bite.
Looking for more outdoor lunch ideas or summer recipes? Don’t forget to check out our collection of picnic-perfect meals and subscribe for weekly inspiration!