The Easiest Picnic Recipes (Anyone Can Make)

Picnics are great in theory, but don't they seem like so much work? Between the artfully arranged charcuterie and the picture-perfect mason-jar cocktails, we're pretty sure our patience -- and itty-bitty kitchen -- would crack under the Pinterest-induced pressure.
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Picnics are great in theory, but don't they seem like so much work? Between the artfully arranged charcuterie and the picture-perfect mason-jar cocktails, we're pretty sure our patience -- and itty-bitty kitchen -- would crack under the Pinterest-induced pressure.

Luckily, we've got just the solution: ten easy-to-make, easy-to-transport recipes.

A Lettuce-Less Salad
Salads are great and all, but sometimes we get tired of boring old lettuce. Switch things up with a chilled cucumber version. Get the recipe.

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Great Grains
Spicy couscous with yogurt is as delicious cold as it is hot, making it the perfect bring-anywhere accoutrement. Get the recipe.

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Grown-Up Juice Boxes
These cute little portable sippers are refreshing (in raspberry-lime and lemonade-iced tea flavors) and can be made in advance. A win-win-win, if you ask us. Get the recipe.

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Better Veggie Burgers
Meatless patties can be blah, but that couldn't be further from the case with these quinoa-beet cakes that are just as at home on a hamburger bun as they are atop mixed greens. Get the recipe.

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A Sweet (Potato) Salad
What's summer without potato salad? This upgraded version uses sweet potatoes for an extra health kick, along with cranberries, pecans and maple syrup. Get the recipe.

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No-Mess Sangria
Frozen peaches and raspberries add a fruity kick to this white-wine sangria that gets better as it sits and is--bonus--white-jeans-friendly. Just remember to transport it in something just a touch more discreet Get the recipe.

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Summer Pasta
Pasta at a picnic? Yes. Especially when it's light and seasonal and requires only one pot to make. Get the recipe.

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The New Breadstick
Three ingredients are all you need for these addictive bacon-wrapped cheese straws. Get the recipe.

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Fancier Candy
These delightful chocolate-coconut-almond bars taste shockingly similar to an Almond Joy--but you know every single ingredient that goes into them. Get the recipe.

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Cake Cookies
Everyone loves cake. But they aren't exactly the easiest to transport. Our solution? These delightful cake-batter cookies. Get the recipe.

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