There’s nothing quite like enjoying a picnic in the sun! Whether you’re heading to the park, the beach or hosting a picnic at home, these budget-friendly picnic ideas are easy to prepare, pack and share!
Try simple summer dips
A good dip is a picnic hero and ideal for sharing. It does a lot of the heavy lifting for very little cost and effort as most dips can be made from cupboard staples, stretch across several portions and they travel well. If you’re looking for a little spice, give our Hot and Herby Tofu Dip from our Plant-Powered Protein menu a go or try the Aubergine and Black Bean Dip from our Beans on a Budget menu – both go a long way and are crowd-pleasers, we promise!
Use seasonal fruit for desserts
Bright, juicy and naturally sweet – seasonal fruit such as strawberries, peaches and cherries are perfect for a picnic. They are often a healthier alternative to individually packed desserts and have fresh flavours. The Peach Cobbler from our Summer BBQ menu is a hit but if you want to avoid baking, don’t worry we’ve got you covered too! Budget-friendly desserts such as Black Forest Chocolate Pots or Zesty Lemon Ganache Pots from our latest three-course menus, and developed by our in-house dietitians, are perfect for picnics.
Get creative with budget-friendly beans
Beans are picnic champions; they are affordable, packable, and naturally meant to be made ahead of time. They are super versatile so you can level up a salad, create a new dip, or create a crowd-pleasing pasta like our Creamy Cannellini Carbonara, which is creamy, comforting and completely plant-based. For a sweet treat our Black Bean Brownies are perfect as they don't require any fussy cutlery or plates. Plus, brownies are much more resilient to warm summer temperatures.
Pack a picnic with courses
A picnic doesn’t have to be limited to sandwiches and crisps, creating a simple multi-course spread can make a picnic feel extra special without adding much to the cost. Think light starters, mains that can be bulk-made and sweet treats to finish. Structuring your picnic this way will help you avoid spending money on lots of items and also help you avoid the cost of store-bought pre-packaged items that often carry a higher price tag.
Skip fancy picnic accessories
A great picnic doesn’t require a shopping trip for matching baskets, blankets, or reusable cups. A spare tote bag from home can carry your food and reusable containers, water bottles and cutlery will not only keep costs down but will also reduce waste. Don’t forget household blankets, sofa throws, or beach towels could make great makeshift picnic rugs too. By making the most of what you already own, you can focus your budget where it matters most - on enjoying delicious food and spending time with family and friends.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our extensive FREE three-course menus for every occasion, including summer BBQs and picnics on sunny days! For more tips on how you can live a vegan lifestyle on a budget, visit our Live Vegan for Less web page and follow our #LiveVeganForLess campaign on social media.
The views expressed by our bloggers are not necessarily the views of The Vegan Society.