Sandwiches cut into triangles
· Food and Drink · outdoor dining · Recipes

7 Easy Sandwich Recipes Everyone at the Picnic Will Love

Picnics are all about enjoying the great outdoors and indulging in delicious food. But often, when it comes to sandwiches, most stick to the same old combinations like ham and cheese. It's time to spice things up and try something new and exciting. Elevate your picnic gathering or school lunches for your kids with these easy sandwich recipes.

 

Benefits of Simple Sandwich Recipes to Eat Outside

 

Easy sandwich recipes offer myriad benefits beyond satisfying hunger—they're a game-changer in outdoor living. Their convenience and time-saving nature make them a preferred option for individuals and families on the go.

 

Plus, the simplicity of these recipes ensures that even those with limited culinary skills can create a tasty and satisfying dish in no time. It’s the perfect solution for hectic school days, field trips, or even just spontaneous backyard picnics.

 

Easy Sandwiches for a Picnic

 

As the sun graces the field, there's no better time to indulge in the simplicity and deliciousness of a picnic sandwich. Whether planning a leisurely family picnic in your garden,a spontaneous outdoor game day with friends, or school lunches, these recipes provide the perfect balance of convenience and flavor.

 

1. Classic BLT Sandwich Recipe

 

Grilled BLT sandwich

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of crispy bacon
  • 8 slices of your favorite bread (white, whole wheat, or sourdough)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 large ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • Iceberg lettuce leaves
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

 

Instructions:

  1. Cook the bacon until it's crispy and golden brown. Remove any extra grease by placing the bacon on paper towels.
  2. Toast the bread slices to your desired level of crunchiness.
  3. Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.
  4. Layer the crispy bacon, thinly sliced tomatoes, and crisp lettuce leaves on half of the bread slices.
  5. Add a dash of salt and black pepper over the tomatoes for flavor.
  6. Place the remaining slices of bread on top of each sandwich, mayonnaise side down, to complete the classic BLT.

 

2. Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

 

Grilled cheese sandwich

 

Ingredients:

  • 4 Bread slices (white or whole wheat)
  • 3 tablespoons Butter, softened
  • Cheese slices (Cheddar, Swiss, or your favorite melting cheese)
  • Optional: Add-ins like sliced tomatoes, cooked bacon, or caramelized onions

 

Instructions:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle on medium heat before use.
  2. Spread butter on one side of every slice of bread. 
  3. Add a cheese slice (or slices) to the unbuttered side of half the bread slices.
  4. If desired, add any extra ingredients like tomato slices, bacon, or caramelized onions on top of the cheese.
  5. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
  6. Put the sandwiches on the warmed skillet or griddle, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side or until it turns golden brown and the cheese melts.
  7. If you prefer a crispier texture, gently and softly press the sandwich with a spatula as it cooks.
  8. Take the sandwiches off the heat when both sides achieve a golden hue and the cheese has melted.
  9. Allow them to cool briefly before slicing, serving, and enjoying your delicious grilled cheese sandwiches.

 

3. Egg Salad Sandwich Recipe

 

Ingredients:

  • 6 hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup celery, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 slices whole wheat bread
  • Lettuce leaves (optional)
  • Tomato slices (optional)

 

Instructions:

  1. Combine the finely chopped hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, diced celery, and chopped red onion in a mixing bowl.
  2. Mix the ingredients until well combined—season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Toast the slices of whole wheat bread to your liking.
  4. Spread a generous amount of the egg salad mixture onto four toasted bread slices.
  5. Add lettuce leaves and tomato slices to the egg salad if desired.
  6. Top each with another slice of toasted bread to complete the sandwiches.
  7. Slice the sandwiches diagonally and serve immediately.

 

4. Turkey and Avocado Sandwich Recipe

 

Sliced turkey and avocado

 

Ingredients:

For the Spread:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Sandwich:

  • 8 slices whole grain bread
  • 1 pound sliced turkey breast
  • 2 ripe avocados, thinly sliced
  • 8 lettuce leaves
  • 4 slices of Swiss or cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Additions:

  • Tomato slices
  • Red onion rings
  • Sprouts

 

Instructions:

  1. Mix the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice in a bowl to create the spread. Set aside.
  2. Lay out the slices of whole-grain bread on a clean surface.
  3. Spread the prepared mayo-mustard mixture evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
  4. Layer turkey, avocado, lettuce leaves, and cheese slices on the bread slices. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. If desired, add tomato slices, red onion rings, or sprouts as optional additions.
  6. Place an additional slice of bread on the top of each sandwich, spread side down, to complete the sandwiches.
  7. Press down gently on each sandwich and, if preferred, cut them in half diagonally.
  8. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious turkey and avocado sandwiches!

 

5. Veggie Wrap Recipe

 

Ingredients:

  • 4 large whole wheat or spinach tortillas
  • 1 cup hummus
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup baby spinach or mixed greens
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings or Additions:

  • Feta cheese crumbles
  • Avocado slices
  • Sprouts
  • Balsamic vinaigrette

 

Instructions:

  1. Lay out the tortillas on a clean surface.
  2. Evenly coat each tortilla with a generous layer of hummus, ensuring a slight border remains along the edges.
  3. Arrange the cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, shredded carrots, red onion, baby spinach, or mixed greens on the hummus.
  4. Season the veggies with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Add optional toppings such as feta cheese crumbles, avocado slices, sprouts, or balsamic vinaigrette if desired.
  6. Fold the sides of the tortilla inward and roll it up tightly from the bottom to shape it into a wrap.
  7. Repeat the process for the remaining tortillas.
  8. Slice each wrap in half diagonally and secure with toothpicks if needed.
  9. Serve immediately, or wrap each portion in parchment paper for a convenient on-the-go meal.

 

6. Tuna Salad Sandwich Recipe

 

Tuna sandwich with lettuce and tomato

 

Ingredients:

For the Tuna Salad:

  • 2 cans of tuna (5 ounces each), drained
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
  • 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sandwich:

  • 8 slices whole wheat bread
  • Lettuce leaves
  • Tomato slices
  • Optional additions: pickles, avocado slices, or sprouts

 

Instructions:

  1. Combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped celery, chopped red onion, and fresh lemon juice in a mixing bowl. 
  2. Mix the ingredients until well combined.
  3. Season the tuna salad with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
  4. Lay out the slices of whole wheat bread on a clean surface.
  5. Spoon a generous amount of tuna salad onto one side of four bread slices.
  6. Top the tuna salad with lettuce leaves and tomato slices.
  7. If desired, add optional additions such as pickles, avocado slices, or sprouts.
  8. Place another slice of bread on top to complete the sandwiches.

 

7. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Recipe

 

Sliced bread with peanut butter and jelly

 

Ingredients:

  • Bread (white, whole wheat, or your preference)
  • Peanut butter
  • Jelly or jam (grape, strawberry, or your favorite flavor)

 

Instructions:

  1. Lay out the slices of bread on a clean surface.
  2. Using a butter knife or spoon, apply a layer of peanut butter on one side of each slice of bread. Spread it evenly to the edges.
  3. On the other side, add a layer of jelly or jam. Again, spread it evenly to cover the surface.
  4. Press the bread slices together, ensuring that the sides with peanut butter and jelly face each other.
  5. Use a knife to cut the sandwich in half for easier diagonal handling.
  6. Your peanut butter and jelly sandwich is ready to eat! Enjoy it as a classic and simple treat.
  7. Feel free to customize your sandwich by using different types of bread and peanut butter variations (such as crunchy or creamy) or experimenting with various flavors of jelly or jam.

 

Lasting Impressions: Simple and Delicious Sandwich Ideas

 

Sandwich with french fries

 

These easy sandwich recipes for school and outdoor adventures offer a harmonious blend of simplicity and flavor, ensuring everyone at your picnic finds something to love. So, the next time you prepare for a family picnic or an al fresco dining with friends, remember that crafting a crowd-pleasing picnic sandwich can be stress-free and delicious.

 

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