Budget picnic recipes
Pack a picnic spread without the costly food bill with these budget recipes, from coronation chicken to five-ingredient hummus and chocolate-dipped strawberries
Enjoying a picnic in the great outdoors is one of summer's greatest pleasures, yet costs can quickly add up when there's lots of components to consider. But packing up a spread doesn't need to be expensive, nor should it involve buying loads of pricey, specialist ingredients that you probably won’t use again.
To help you keep costs to a minimum this summer, we've shared below picnic recipes that won't break the bank. From easy coronation chicken to quick pesto pasta and healthy potato salad, these cheap picnic ideas are suitable for meat-eaters, veggies and vegans alike.
These affordable picnic recipes are ideal for both families and couples. They take little prep and make brilliant use of simple storecupboard ingredients, too.
Make sure you're well kitted out with our round-up of the best picnic accessories, including a budget cool box, plus the best picnic hampers. Ensure you don’t forget any of the essentials by following our helpful guide on how to pack the perfect picnic.
For more ideas on what to bring to a picnic, see our no-cook picnic recipes, vegetarian picnic recipes and healthy picnic recipes. We also have our top-rated family picnic recipes and kids' picnic recipes.
For sweet treats see our collection of seasonal picnic dessert recipes.
Find more cost-effective recipes that take everyday ingredients to new heights over at our budget hub, featuring guides such as budget salads and a summer budget meal plan.
Easy pesto, cheese & pea tart
Rustle up this quiche-like tart as a great way to use up the end of that jar of pesto you have in the fridge. Though it looks and tastes impressive, it uses ready-rolled shortcrust pastry to cut corners and uses kitchen basics such as frozen peas and eggs to keep costs low.
Check out more savoury tart recipes as well as these vegetarian tart recipes.
Egg & cress club sandwich
Fans of traditional flavours will love these bumper club sandwiches. Ready in just 20 minutes, these toasted sarnies put cheap ingredients to brilliant use, such as eggs, bread, tomatoes and cress. Firmly secure each stack with a skewer before transporting and serving.
Check out more super sandwich recipes and get inspiration on sandwich filling ideas.
Easy coronation chicken
Make a classic coronation chicken filling to stuff into sandwiches or add to salads. It's a great way of using up kitchen basics and storecupboard spices. It doesn't involve any cooking and the prep takes just fives minutes. It's also an excellent way to use up leftover chicken after a roast.
See our most popular chicken recipes for more ways to use up leftovers.
Pesto pasta salad
This summery pasta salad is easy to make and it's packed with fresh, colourful veg like cucumber, peas and cherry tomatoes. A filling option for veggies, we've included crème fraîche as well as pre-made fresh pesto to create a creamy sauce. Make it in under 25 minute and pack it up for your picnic.
See more budget-friendly pasta recipes as well as our vegetarian pasta ideas.
Hummus
Hummus is a popular and versatile dip and it's easy on the wallet, too. This rich and creamy chickpea blend is made using just five ingredients and is ready in 10 minutes. Transport in a container and enjoy with crunchy vegetable batons or pittas.
See our hummus recipes for plenty more flavour variations, including beetroot, pea and squash hummus. We also have vegan picnic recipes.
Speedy tuna pasta salad
Whip up a delicious tuna pasta salad in just five minutes for a no-fuss picnic main. This simple pasta salad is ideal if you're on a budget, featuring storecupboard staples such as penne, tinned tuna and a tin of cannellini beans.
See more tuna pasta recipes as well as our quick pasta ideas.
Healthy potato salad
Try this cheap potato salad at your next picnic for a healthier take on a classic summer salad. This herby potato dish keeps costs to a minimum, whilst still offering fresh flavours thanks to the basil, parsley and garlic.
Discover more potato salad recipes, a versatile side dish perfect for both barbecues and summer picnics.
Squash, pea & feta frittatinis
Butternut squash, frozen peas, feta and eggs - these four simple ingredients are all you need to whip up these mini Italian omelettes. They make a simple but effective vegetarian dish, baked in individual cases ready to be packed up for a picnic.
Find more picnic snack recipes and easy feta recipes.
Ham & asparagus subs
Cram individual bread rolls with ham, asparagus tips and zingy butter for a quick and easy picnic snack. This simple recipe makes up to 12, so it's great for feeding a crowd on a budget.
See our budget summer recipes for more easy ideas.
Chocolate-dipped strawberries
Transform a punnet of ripe, juicy strawberries into a cheap picnic dessert by dipping them in velvety dark chocolate. Drizzle with milk and white chocolate as an extra flourish and enjoy as part of a summery picnic or al fresco gathering.
Take a look at our strawberry recipes for more inspiration with this juicy summer berry, then check out our budget-friendly desserts.
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