The sun is out, the temperature's rising and the parks are covered in luscious greenery again — so clearly, we're ready to get picnic season started. Here, we've pulled together a collection of our favourite travel-friendly foods that are sure to be a hit with everyone in your crew.

1. Stuffed Curried Chicken Salad Sandwiches

No picnic is complete without some chicken salad sandwiches, but instead of your typical fixings, take them up a notch with a little bit of Madras curry powder. Trust us—everyone will love that extra hit of flavour. 

Image: Angus Fergusson

Get the recipe: Stuffed Curried Chicken Salad Sandwiches

2. Lemony Red Pepper and Asparagus Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is the ultimate crowd-pleasing picnic dish, plus, it comes together in a cinch. The lemon dressing in our recipe gives this classic dish a fresher taste, but if it's a bit too acidic for your taste, make the dish one-day ahead and leave it in the fridge overnight—the acidity will mellow out for a better tasting pasta salad. 

Image: Jeff Coulson

Get the recipe: Lemony Red Pepper and Asparagus Pasta Salad

3. Edamame Guacamole

This twist on traditional guacamole will have you and your picnic friends reaching for more. You can easily store this dip in a small container for easy travel and bring along your favourite bag of tortilla chips—or better yet, follow the instructions in the recipe to make your own pita chips.

Image: Jeff Coulson

Get the recipe: Edamame Guacamole

4. Tortellini Tomato Bites

There's a new way to serve up pasta salad—on skewers! These tortellini pasta salad bites are kid-friendly and come together in only 25 minutes. For a bolder taste, add your favourite olives.

Image: Maya Visnyei

Get the recipe: Tortellini Tomato Bites

 

5. Green Bean and Radish Salad

This healthy salad only takes fifteen minutes to whip together. Our recipe calls for Asian-inspired dressing, which will ensure your dish steals the spotlight.

Image: Raina + Wilson

Get the recipe: Green Bean and Radish Salad

6. Hummus and Veggies

Running late for the picnic? Sabra's Hummus Dip is a delicious quick and easy option to bring to any gathering, and it's just as good as homemade. Grab your veggies and pick up a dip from your local grocery store and enjoy. 

Image: Sabra

7. The Best Chocolate Toffee Brownies

Brownies are the quintessential picnic dessert food. They're easy to pack and you can bake them in batches. This brownie recipe here is extra special thanks to the irresistible combo of rich dark chocolate and crunch from the toffee bars. In fact, we recommend baking two batches, one to take to your picnic, and one to munch on at home after the party is over.

Image: Jodi Pudge

Get the recipe: The Best Chocolate Toffee Brownies

8. Walnut Pesto Potato Salad

Potato salad is a picnic-must in our books and this take on the classic dish uses a walnut pesto dressing in lieu of the typical mayo-based dressing used in most traditional recipes. Topped with fresh chives and chopped walnuts, this Italian-inspired potato salad will be a delight for any picnic gathering. 

Image: Jeff Coulson

Get the recipe: Walnut Pesto Potato Salad

9. The Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies

Perfectly gooey and buttery with a chewy centre and slightly crispy exterior, this cookie will be the one to steal the show. But really — who could resist a chocolate chip cookie?

Image: James Tse

Get the recipe: The Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies

10. Quinoa Tabbouleh

We've swapped out the bulgur wheat typically used in this Middle Eastern dish for quinoa. Because quinoa is a complete protein, this dish is great filling option for vegetarians, and it's completely gluten-free. Winner? We think so!

Image: Yvonne Duivenvoorden

Get the recipe: Quinoa Tabbouleh

11. Over-The-Top Oat Fudge Bars

We're all about indulging in delicious, chocolatey treats and these fudge bars certainly fit our criteria of indulgence. If you're looking to be the talk of the picnic, this recipe will do it. Over-the-top is in the name, so you know these fudge bars means business. 

Image: Jodi Pudge

Get the recipe: Over-The-Top Oat Fudge Bars

12. Classic Lemonade

So refreshing on a warm, sunny day, this picnic bevvy is just what a picnic calls for. For a nice fizzy drink, use soda water instead of water. Plus, is there anything better than freshly-squeezed lemonade? We didn't think so. 

Image: Jeff Coulson

Get the recipe: Classic Lemonade

13. Spinach and Artichoke Pissalidière

This puff pastry tart is topped with sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes and spinach, making it a great vegetarian-friendly option and the perfect hand-held food for a picnic.

Image: Jodi Pudge

Get the recipe: Spinach and Artichoke Pissalidière

14. Cold Peanut Chicken Rolls

Cold rolls are an ideal option to bring to any picnic because of their no-cooking requirement. This recipe uses store-bought chicken and quinoa instead of traditional rice noodles, and calls for a peanut dipping sauce that's just the icing on the cake. 

Image: Ronald Tsang

Get the recipe: Cold Peanut Chicken Rolls

15. Steak and Pesto Baguette Sandwiches

All you need are five ingredients to make these steak and pesto sandwiches which are probably the most swoon-worthy, picnic-perfect foods you could bring.

Image: Jodi Pudge

Get the recipe: Steak and Pesto Baguette Sandwiches

Looking for more dip inspo? Sabra has a mouth-watering lineup of dips and spreads that are perfect for any picnic party. Find out more at Sabra.com.