As the days get warmer and the sun begins to shine, it's the perfect time to start planning for picnics in the great outdoors. Whether you're heading to a local park, enjoying a day at the beach, or simply relaxing in your garden, nothing beats enjoying some delicious homemade food with friends and family. If you're looking for some tasty and easy vegan picnic food ideas, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll share some of my favourite vegan picnic recipes, perfect for creating a spread that everyone will enjoy, no matter their dietary preferences.

So, grab your picnic basket, some plates, and a blanket, and let’s dive into these creative and flavourful vegan dishes!

Picnic Loaf: The Ultimate Sandwich Twist

Let’s start with something that’s a little different from your usual sandwiches but just as satisfying. A picnic loaf is a fun and practical alternative to traditional sandwiches. To make it, you take a whole loaf of bread, slice off the top, scoop out the inside, and then stuff it with delicious fillings. The beauty of this dish is its versatility – you can tailor it to suit your tastes, making it the perfect dish for any picnic.

Some of my favourite fillings for a picnic loaf include:

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables like peppers, courgettes, and aubergines brings out their natural sweetness, and they make an excellent filling for any sandwich.
• Houmous: This creamy, chickpea-based spread adds a rich texture and flavour that pairs perfectly with fresh veggies or mock meats.
• Dairy-Free Cheese: If you miss cheese, try a dairy-free variety to create that familiar cheesy experience without the dairy.
• Mock Meats: For those who love a savoury, ‘meaty’ bite, adding vegan mock meats like seitan or tempeh brings protein and heartiness to your loaf.
• Fresh Veggies: Think sliced cucumber, tomatoes, or lettuce – these fresh, crunchy additions balance out the richness of other ingredients.

One of my personal favourite variations is the Roast Vegetable Picnic Loaf, which combines roasted seasonal veggies with a dollop of tangy houmous. Another great option is my Seitan & Dairy-Free Cheese Picnic Loaf – packed with flavour and perfect for any occasion.

When preparing your picnic loaf, a handy tip is to be mindful of the moisture content of your fillings. Bread can absorb flavours beautifully, but you don’t want to overwhelm it with moisture. Blot fresh vegetables like tomatoes before adding them, as they can release excess liquid, which could make the bread soggy. Roasted vegetables, on the other hand, have already lost much of their moisture, so they’re ideal for this dish!

Looking for a quick, easy meal to complement your picnic? Consider ordering some vegan ready meals from Root Kitchen for a hassle-free addition to your outdoor feast.

Vegan Pasties: The Portable Snack You Can’t Resist

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more portable and savoury, vegan pasties are the perfect addition to your picnic spread. Most shop-bought puff pastry is accidentally vegan (just be sure to check the ingredients), making it incredibly easy to whip up a batch of these tasty pastries. Pasties are fantastic because you can get creative with your fillings – from vegetables and beans to mock meats and cheese, the possibilities are endless!

Here are two of my go-to pasty recipes:

• Mini Vegan Chicken and Vegetable Pasties: These little pasties are a crowd-pleaser, packed with hearty veggies and a savoury, comforting mock chicken filling. Perfect for when you want something handheld and satisfying.
• Vegan Cheesy Garlic Knots: While not technically a pasty, these cheesy garlic knots are made using puff pastry and are incredibly easy to make. Stuffed with dairy-free cheese and garlic, they’re moreish, delicious, and perfect for a picnic snack. They’re also super fun to eat!

The great thing about making pasties is that they’re easy to customise. You can add anything from sautéed mushrooms and spinach to spiced lentils or even mashed potatoes. Make a few different types so there’s something for everyone.

For a no-fuss option, why not try some delivered vegan meals from Root Kitchen? They’re a convenient and tasty way to add variety to your picnic.

Fresh & Flavourful Salads

No picnic spread would be complete without a vibrant, fresh salad to balance out all the indulgent savoury dishes. Salads are incredibly versatile, and you can throw together a quick and colourful mix using whatever you have on hand. The best part is that they’re often quick to prepare and easy to transport.

Here are two of my favourite salad recipes:

• Pasta Salad with a Creamy Houmous Dressing: This recipe combines the comforting texture of pasta with the creamy richness of houmous. Tossed together with fresh veggies like tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers, this pasta salad is not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients. It’s a great side dish to complement other picnic favourites, and it's sure to impress guests.

• Blanched Broccoli Salad: Want to get more greens into your picnic spread? This blanched broccoli salad is light, crunchy, and fresh, with a touch of lemon juice and olive oil to enhance the natural flavours. You can add a sprinkle of nuts or seeds for extra crunch and protein.

If you’re looking for something more substantial, you could also add quinoa, chickpeas, or lentils to your salads for extra protein. These hearty additions will help fill you up, making your salad the perfect stand-alone dish for a light meal.

Don’t have time to prepare a salad from scratch? Root Kitchen’s vegan frozen meals are a great option for when you want something fresh and ready to go.

Vegan Sandwich Fillings: Classic, Yet Vegan-Friendly

Sometimes, nothing beats a classic sandwich – and when it’s packed with delicious vegan fillings, it’s even better! You can make a few different sandwiches with your favourite spreads and fillings, and they’re always a hit at picnics. Here are two of my most popular sandwich ideas that are sure to please everyone:

• Vegan Egg Salad: This vegan egg salad is made with tofu, which mimics the texture of egg so closely that even non-vegans will be surprised. Combined with vegan mayo, mustard, and a pinch of turmeric for colour, this egg salad is a fantastic filling for sandwiches or wraps. I’ve posted this recipe on my Instagram, and it’s received rave reviews – one person even thought it was real egg, which I consider the highest compliment!

• Easy Vegan Coronation Chicken: This is another fantastic sandwich filling that mimics the classic coronation chicken. Made with chickpeas or mock chicken, it’s seasoned with curry powder and vegan mayo for a rich, aromatic flavour. It’s just as tasty as the meat version but entirely plant-based.

You can also add leafy greens, sliced avocado, or tomato to your sandwiches for extra freshness and texture. Whether you're using wholegrain bread, baguettes, or wraps, these sandwich fillings will make your picnic spread unforgettable.

If you’re after something even easier, Root Kitchen’s vegan prepared meals are the perfect choice for a no-fuss picnic feast.

Sweet Treats for a Perfect Picnic Finish

After all the savoury goodness, it’s always nice to have a little something sweet to round off the meal. These Almond Butter & Chocolate Chunk Cookies are the perfect sweet treat to bring along to your picnic. Not only are they rich and indulgent, but they’re also incredibly easy to make – no strange egg replacers required!

These cookies are made with almond butter, which gives them a soft, chewy texture, while the chocolate chunks add that perfect hit of sweetness. They’re simple to prepare and will satisfy any sweet tooth. Plus, they hold up well during transport, making them an ideal choice for picnics or outdoor gatherings.

Tips for a Successful Vegan Picnic

• Plan Ahead: The key to a stress-free picnic is preparation. Make sure to prep as many dishes as possible in advance. Most of these recipes can be made a day ahead, which will give you more time to relax and enjoy the day.

• Pack Smart: Use airtight containers to keep everything fresh. You can also bring along a cooler or insulated bags to store any cold dishes like salads or houmous dips.

• Mix and Match: Don’t feel limited to one type of dish – mix savoury, fresh, and sweet treats to create a well-rounded picnic spread that suits all tastes.

Conclusion

A vegan picnic can be just as delicious and exciting as any other picnic, with the added bonus of being entirely plant-based. From loaded picnic loaves and flavourful pasties to creamy salads and indulgent cookies, there are endless possibilities for creating the perfect picnic spread. So, next time the weather’s warm and you’re heading outdoors, try out some of these easy and mouth-watering vegan recipes. With a little planning and a lot of creativity, you’ll have a picnic to remember.

And for those times when you need a little help, Root Kitchen’s vegan ready meals or delivered vegan meals can save you time and provide great options for your picnic spread.

Happy picnicking!