It’s finally time, Seafoodies!!!
Dust off those picnic baskets—it’s officially outdoor dining season! We firmly believe there’s never a wrong occasion to enjoy a meal outdoors. Date night? Make it a romantic dinner under the stars. Outdoor concert? Turn your snacks into a full spread. Family fun day at the park? The only thing that could make it better is a brimming lunch basket! Toting dinner to the pool or beach? We’ve got you covered!
So it should come as no surprise that one of our favorite roundups of the year is this one—seafood picnic recipes that are as simple to make as they are to transport.
Picnics are all about taking it easy, so the last thing you want is fussy food that requires complicated prep or delicate handling. That’s where seafood stands out! It’s naturally quick to cook (or doesn’t need cooking at all), travels beautifully and delivers way more nutrition than typical picnic fare.
Our seafood picnic all-stars include crowd-pleasers like Smoked Trout Dip that pairs well with crackers and veggies, refreshing Crispy Rice Rolls with Spicy Tuna that satisfy without weighing you down and cool 7 Layer Tuna Pasta Salad that’s infinitely better than the store-bought version. For something that looks as good as it tastes, a colorful Seared Scallop Salad with Blueberries never fails to impress!
All 20 of these recipes come together incredibly quickly—some in only 5 minutes—making them the best for spontaneous outdoor adventures. If you’re more of a planner (we see you, organized picnickers!), most can also be prepped the night before for easy grab-and-go convenience. While you’re savoring the wonderful weather and summer vibes, you’ll be enjoying quality eats (no stop on the way required) that are a serious nutritional upgrade from standard picnic fare. Seafood delivers protein, heart-healthy omega-3s and essential vitamins that balance out those chocolate chip cookies that may have also found a way into your basket (who doesn’t love a little dessert!).
A quick food safety reminder: Prepared seafood is perishable and should stay in a cooler at 40°F or below until served. We like to use separate coolers for food and beverages since the drink cooler gets opened constantly. After eating, pack up leftovers promptly and return them to the cooler—hello, tomorrow’s lunch!
All that’s left to do is to grab your blanket, mark the perfect picnic spot and elevate your outdoor dining experience!
Grab n’ Go Mediterranean Salmon Frittata Cups
The portion size on these cups will stay the same (thank you muffin tin), but more veggies can be added to support wellness goals or clean out what you have in the fridge!
Vietnamese Shrimp Spring Rolls
If you haven’t worked with rice wrappers before, you’ll be awed by how easy it is to make and pack these impressive-looking rolls.
Pour the homemade dressing into the bottom of your jar to keep all the veggies crisp and your pasta soggy-free!
No matter what the occasion, you just can’t go wrong with deviled eggs. This simple plate can be prepared in a flash and disappears even faster.
Protein from the egg and the crab will give you a much-needed jump start and keep you full and focused throughout any outing.
Seafood dips go perfectly with raw veggies, crackers or pita—but this recipe also makes a super sandwich spread.
Seared Scallop Salad with Blueberries
Pack your salad and scallops separately, then toss them together once you are ready to enjoy your picnic!
Prep ahead and freeze a batch, so you can just zap these hearty burritos in the microwave on your way out the door. Voilà! The perfect grab-and-go picnic meal.
Crispy Rice Roll with Spicy Tuna
We like to top these rolls with some chopped cucumber and avocado or a sprinkling of sesame seeds, but you can improvise the garnish or omit it entirely. They’re delicious either way!
Blackened Tilapia and Watermelon Salsa Crostinis
Your mouth is watering for a reason—every crostini bite offers contrasting ingredients: crispy toasted baguette against tender fish, along with the fresh pop of basil and subtle jalapeño heat.
Everyone thinks of sandwiches for picnicking, but sliders are where it’s at—especially when they are brimming with savory salmon.
Preparing this dish is — we’ve got to say it — easy as pie! Bring one along for each person and watch the smiles roll in.
Put a cover over the entire sheet pan and serve buffet-style, you will leave without a single chip left—guaranteed!
Aside from being wonderfully smooth and delicious, this dip keeps for up to three weeks in the refrigerator when unopened—patiently waiting for your next impromptu picnic.
Now you might be thinking… sardines? Aren’t those just little fish in a can? Well, yes, they are—but trust us, they’re about to become one of your new favorite proteins when prepping for a casual meal out.
Lobster Salad with Summer Fruit
As pretty and delicate as this salad is, it’s been known to bring out the inner beast in our taste testers—once you serve it, prepare for a fight to the last bite!
Amp up your sandwich repertoire with a protein-filled, lower-fat version of this classic grilled sandwich—for those who say you can’t improve upon a classic, we respectfully disagree!
In place of traditional breading, we use some grated cauliflower (fresh, pre-riced cauliflower can be a time-saver here) and gluten-free panko or flour to make this a gluten-friendly lunch option.
Grilled Mediterranean Cedar Plank Salmon Gyros
Grilling salmon on a cedar plank gives it a wonderful, smoky flavor and putting it in a soft pita makes it ideal for al fresco dining. Trust us, this recipe is a keeper!
Your dining companions will assume you stopped at a drive-thru on the way to lunch—these fillets are crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside and seasoned to perfection.
No Comments