Summer picnics bring back memories of sun-soaked blankets and sweet, juicy strawberries. These bright red berries make any outdoor meal special.
I’ve gathered nine strawberry recipes that capture that picnic magic, with eight sturdy enough to pack and carry anywhere.
1. Classic Strawberry Shortcake Jars
Layer by layer, these portable treats bring the joy of traditional shortcake to any outdoor setting. Buttery biscuits, whipped cream, and fresh berries create heaven in a jar.
The tight-sealing lids keep everything fresh until serving time. Just pack spoons and you’re ready for dessert anywhere!
2. Strawberry Basil Bruschetta
Sweet meets savory in this unexpected twist! Toasted baguette slices topped with goat cheese create the perfect base.
The strawberry-basil mixture adds bright flavors that sing of summer. Make the topping ahead and assemble just before eating.
3. No-Melt Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Forget worrying about melting desserts! These sturdy bars feature a graham cracker base that holds firm.
The cheesecake middle stays cool for hours. Fresh strawberries get mixed into the batter and arranged on top. Cut them before packing and wrap individually.
4. Strawberry Cucumber Salad Cups
Cool and refreshing, these individual salad cups bring unexpected flavors together. The crunch of cucumber pairs perfectly with sweet strawberries and tangy feta cheese.
A simple honey-lime dressing ties everything together. Pack dressing separately and drizzle just before eating.
5. Strawberry Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
Morning picnics call for these hearty, not-too-sweet treats! Packed with dried strawberries, oats, and nuts, they provide energy for a day outdoors.
The cookies stay fresh for days in an airtight container. No crumbling means no mess in your picnic basket or backpack.
6. Strawberry Gazpacho
Surprise your picnic companions with this unexpected chilled soup! Sweet strawberries blend with traditional gazpacho ingredients like cucumber and bell pepper.
The result? A pink soup that refreshes on hot days. Transport in a thermos to keep it cool.
7. Strawberry Chicken Wraps
These savory-sweet wraps make lunchtime special! Tender chicken, spinach, and sliced strawberries create beautiful color contrast.
A drizzle of poppy seed dressing adds the perfect finish. Wrap tightly in parchment paper and slice in half before packing. The sturdy tortillas hold everything together.
8. Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles
Beat the heat with these two-tone frozen treats! The bottom layer of strawberry puree gradually blends into lemonade on top. Each lick delivers the perfect sweet-tart balance.
Pack these in an insulated container with ice packs. The wooden sticks make them easy to hold.
9. Strawberry Balsamic Skewers
Elegant yet effortless, these skewers elevate any picnic spread! Whole strawberries, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves threaded onto wooden picks create instant finger food.
The balsamic glaze comes in a separate container for drizzling. These bite-sized beauties need no plates or utensils!
10. Strawberry Empanadas With Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Hand pies get a berry-licious upgrade! These pocket-sized treats seal juicy strawberry filling inside flaky pastry dough, creating the perfect portable dessert for any outdoor adventure.
The secret lies in cooking down the berries with a touch of cornstarch to thicken the filling, preventing soggy bottoms during travel.
11. Strawberry-Stuffed French Toast Roll-Ups
Breakfast meets picnic perfection in these grab-and-go delights! White bread slices get flattened, spread with cream cheese, stuffed with diced strawberries, then rolled tight and dipped in egg wash.
After a quick pan-fry until golden, they’re rolled in cinnamon sugar while still warm.
12. Strawberry Bacon Jam Sliders
Sweet meets savory in these unexpected flavor bombs! The jam combines fresh strawberries with crispy bacon bits, caramelized onions, and a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.
The beauty? Everything can be prepped ahead and assembled on site.
13. Mason Jar Strawberry Tiramisu
Who knew Italy’s famous dessert could go strawberry? This twist replaces coffee with strawberry puree for soaking ladyfingers.
Mascarpone cream gets a hint of lemon zest to complement the berries. The individual portions mean no sharing required.
14. Grilled Strawberry & Halloumi Skewers
Fire transforms strawberries into caramelized wonders! Thread whole berries alternating with cubes of halloumi cheese on wooden skewers.
Brushing with honey-balsamic glaze before grilling adds a sophisticated touch. For extra flavor, pack a small container of fresh mint leaves.
15. Strawberry Caprese Grain Bowls
Picnic salads level up with this unexpected twist! Chewy farro creates a hearty base that won’t wilt like lettuce.
Fresh strawberries, mini mozzarella balls, and basil bring the classic caprese elements. Pack in individual containers for a complete meal that travels beautifully.
16. Strawberry Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins
Spice meets sweet in these portable picnic companions! Traditional cornbread gets exciting with the addition of diced strawberries and minced jalapeños folded into the batter.
The berries create little pockets of juicy sweetness while the peppers add just enough kick to wake up your taste buds.
17. Strawberry Green Tea Poached Chicken Sandwiches
Ordinary chicken sandwiches? Not here! Boneless chicken breasts poached in strawberry-infused green tea absorb subtle fruity notes and a gorgeous pink hue.
The resulting meat stays incredibly moist even hours after preparation.