How to make outdoor dining really delicious: picnic recipes for on-the-go

The basics for a successful picnic

Bring a comfortable, water-repellent blanket to protect against damp grass. A cool box is a must, of course! After all, you want your lovingly prepared food to stay fresh until the last bite. Even though picnics are rustic, don't skimp on the crockery. For nature's sake, it should be reusable. Durable and eco-friendly options include plastic or bamboo plates. The same goes for cutlery and glasses. Always good to have within reach: napkins or kitchen roll.

Good planning is everything

The easiest way to organise a barbecue date with friends and family is through a doodle or WhatsApp poll. That way, you can agree in advance who brings what so you don't end up with three types of sausage but no grilled courgettes. If children are coming along, choose a location with plenty of safe space for them to play. Games like Viking chess, boules or a ball are great additions. And a portable music speaker adds to the atmosphere.

And now, the most important thing: the recipes

There's nothing wrong with classic picnic fare, but we think your spread deserves a bit more flair! Naturally, we've given some thought to what items are sensible to take into the great outdoors. After all, the treats need to withstand transporting and the summer heat.

How about a French lentil strudel with a dash of Kikkoman Soy Sauce for an extra-intense flavour? Our broccoli and cheese fritters with Texmex salsa are also wonderfully spicy and make an unusual picnic snack. And if you're a fan of meatballs, you'll love our alternative Texmex meatballs with apricot-chilli chutney! For a vegetarian and deliciously refreshing option on hot days, try a wrap with spinach, peppers, avocado and mango. If you're looking for something really special, add our smoked salmon and courgette muffin to your to-cook list. You don't eat muffins like this every day!

After so many savoury delights, something sweet is a must, like our fluffy chocolate cake. Made with almond semolina and seasoned with Kikkoman Gluten free Soy Sauce, it's a dessert everyone can enjoy! True sweet tooths will go weak at the knees for our brownie with two kinds of chocolate and soy caramel sauce. Simply irresistible! And just as tempting as our cinnamon buns with pears and walnuts. The perfect end to a great picnic. Let our recipes inspire you!

Ingredients that make the picnic perfect

Kikkoman Soy  Sauce is, of course, a must! It adds an extra dash of flavour to any dish. You can also use nuts, fresh fruit, baguettes, crackers or pretzel sticks as great accompaniments to our delicious recipes. In other words, anything that is easy to pack and transport. Naturally, drinks also have to be included. Still water, unsweetened teas, homemade lemonade or a well-chilled rosé – you can pack whatever takes your fancy.

A few additional practical tips

Even though classic potato salad with mayonnaise tastes great, keep in mind that some dishes like cold cuts or cheese can quickly become too warm. A cool box is a good idea anyway to keep drinks refreshingly cold. Speaking of cold: it's always worth checking the weather app before setting out so that your outing doesn't turn into a washout. For perfect picnic weather, be sure to pack sun cream, sunglasses and maybe even a sunshade. A good mosquito repellent can't harm either. Nature lovers should, of course, take all leftovers and rubbish home with them at the end of a great day out. Because after the picnic comes the next picnic – and you'll want it to be just as pleasant as the last one.

With that in mind: get inspired by our creative picnic ideas, which go beyond the usual recipes and make outdoor dining and enjoying nature even more appealing. Have fun!