Romantic Picnic Food Ideas For Couples

Looking for romantic picnic food ideas for a special date with your loved one? It has always been said that the fastest way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, so a charming outdoor picnic offers the perfect opportunity for you to prepare a delectable spread to show your partner how much you love them.

Whether it’s a simple date night, your anniversary, or a Valentine’s Day celebration, a romantic picnic is a unique way to enjoy a special meal with your partner. Instead of stressing over finding the best restaurant for Valentine’s Day, create your own cozy dining experience outdoors.

A picnic also never fails to be one of the most romantic things to do for Valentine’s Day. Forget the fancy restaurant this time and choose a traditional picnic!

Planning your picnic menu requires careful thinking, though – you want to prepare something filling but not too heavy and also convenient to transport and enjoy outdoors. But don’t worry, I got that covered! In this blog post, I compiled my favorite (or shall I say my husband’s?) romantic picnic food that we have enjoyed throughout the years. Let’s dive right in!

Planning a Romantic Picnic for Couples

Before we get to discussing romantic picnic food, I wanted to drop a few tips and reminders to make sure that your date goes smoothly. Follow this quick step-by-step guide on planning a romantic picnic date for your special someone.

Step 1: Plan Your Location

While you can have an indoor picnic in your home’s outdoor entertaining area, your backyard, or at your local park, think a little grander this time to make picnic date nights more romantic by looking for a beautiful picnic spot.

Think of a cozy and secluded spot by the beach, on a lakeside, at your local botanical garden, your favorite park, up into the mountains, or a scenic overlook with stunning views. The ambiance and the intimate setting of your location set the tone for your date, so choose wisely.

Step 2: Keep the Menu Fun and Simple

Good food is important to every picnic. Wendy Weston, the founder of New York City’s Perfect Picnic, says “Center your picks around fresh seasonal foods, such as fruits and salads, along with prepared foods “that hang well and can withstand some time in the open air.”

This means meats, cheeses, olives, jam, baguettes, and some sort of sandwich you’ve made in advance.” For a touch of romance, prepare your partner’s favorite snack, or your favorite foods as a couple. It wouldn’t hurt to add a few fresh flowers or rose petals in your spread!

Step 3: Pack Smart

There are some essentials you need to bring to a picnic, regardless of what food you plan to serve. Don’t forget the following:

• Picnic Blanket: A picnic blanket is the foundation of your outdoor dining experience, providing a clean and comfortable surface for you and your loved one to sit and enjoy your meal. I always keep my trusty extra large picnic blanket in the trunk of my car!
• Utensils: Utensils are a must-have at picnics. Even if you plan to serve only finger foods, they can still come in handy for slicing, spreading, and serving. I recommend bringing utensils like spoons, forks, and other silverware you use at home for less waste, but you are free to bring disposables. Don’t forget your plates and cups or water bottles!
• Napkins: Napkins can come in handy for messes, whether it’s spills, stains, or sticky hands. I always make sure to bring my reusable cloth napkins, but paper napkins or towels will also do.
• Corkscrew: A Valentine’s picnic won’t be as romantic without enjoying a bottle of wine wine with your partner. Don’t forget to bring wine glasses but most importantly, don’t forget to pack a corkscrew.
• Bag or Picnic Basket: You’ll need a bag or a basket to put everything you’ll need for a date. Keeping your picnic essentials organized in one place will help you facilitate your date easily and without hassle. I love using the picnic basket I bought some time ago on dates like this, because it comes complete with ceramic plates, wine glasses, cutlery and more. However, for bigger picnics, I usually bring a big bag to fit all the essentials. I also pack food that should be kept cool in an insulated bag to prevent spoilage.
• Clean Up Supplies: Whenever you spend time outdoors, it’s important to pack out whatever you pack in. I always make sure to bring a trash bag so that I can properly dispose of any waste and leave our picnic spot as pristine as we found it. Always remember to “leave no trace”.

Step 4: Set Up For Comfort

The whole point of a picnic date is to be able to enjoy a romantic meal, spend time outdoors, and relax and unwind with your significant other. For this special night (or day!), make sure to bring plenty of comforts from home like blankets (for snuggling up together under the stars), throw pillows, or even board games to have a ton of fun. One thing I do is I put a thick canvas tarp on the ground first before our picnic blanket so that we can sit more comfortably.

Step 5: Focus on the Romance

Enhance the romantic setting of your picnic by paying attention to these small details. Add thoughtful touches to your date like playing soft music in the background and bringing some candles or fairy lights for a warm and intimate glow to set the mood if you’re having a picnic at night. Additionally, you can surprise your loved one with a handwritten love note, Valentine’s soap, or a special keepsake to make the date even more memorable.

Essential Romantic Picnic Food Ideas

Now that you know how to plan for a picnic date, it’s time to take care of its most important part – planning the menu. Here are some delicious romantic picnic food ideas you can try that will surely impress your date.

Red Velvet Cake

Red velvet cake is the perfect romantic picnic treat. Its rich, velvety texture and vibrant red color set a dreamy tone, while its lightly sweet flavor pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a glass of bubbly. Pack it as pre-sliced portions for easy sharing—an indulgent touch for a memorable outdoor date.

Coffee Jelly

Think of Coffee Jelly as the cool, quirky dessert you didn’t know you needed for your picnic. It’s a fun mix of coffee’s kick with a gelatin’s wobble, making every bite interesting. It’s great for sharing a laugh and enjoying something different together. Plus, it’s super easy to like, blending sweet and coffee flavors in a way that’s just right for chilling outdoors.

Dirty Chai Earthquake Cookies

Dirty Chai Earthquake Cookies are the perfect mash-up of coffee, chai spices, and chocolate. They’ve got a great texture that’s crispy on the outside and soft inside, with a spicy kick that keeps things interesting. Baking these says you know how to mix things up and keep it fun. They’re easy to eat with your hands, perfect for sharing, and guaranteed to add a little spice to your picnic.

Sangria

Sangria is like the party starter of picnic drinks. It’s fruity, boozy, and super refreshing. Making it is simple—you just chop up some fruit, pour in the wine, and let it all soak together. It’s the kind of drink that makes everything feel more festive and fun, perfect for a romantic day out.

Popeyes Coleslaw

Bringing Popeyes Coleslaw to your picnic is a solid choice. It’s creamy, tangy, and crunchy, making it the perfect side dish. It’s like saying, “I know what’s good,” without trying too hard. Plus, it pairs well with almost anything, especially picnic favorites, keeping things laid-back and tasty.

Matcha Brownies

Matcha Brownies are for those who like to switch things up. They’re rich and chocolaty with a touch of matcha green tea for an unexpected twist. Serving these shows you’re not afraid to try something new and different. They’re a sweet way to end your meal, and they’re just fancy enough to make your picnic feel special.

3-Ingredient Onion Dip

This 3-Ingredient Onion Dip is all about keeping it simple but tasty. It’s super easy to make and goes with everything. It’s the kind of dip that doesn’t need much but still tastes great, perfect for lazy, relaxing picnics. Plus, it’s all about enjoying the company, not spending hours in the kitchen.

Herb-Crusted Chicken

Herb-Crusted Chicken is your way of showing off without going over the top. It’s juicy, packed with flavor, and has a crispy herb crust. Bringing this along says you made an effort because you care. It’s a bit fancy, sure, but still totally approachable and comforting.

Kombucha

Kombucha is great for picnics when you want something a bit different to drink. It’s fizzy, a bit tangy, and comes in tons of flavors. Sharing a bottle is a fun, easy way to keep things interesting and a bit healthier. It’s like the drink version of a fun, quirky date idea.

3-Ingredient Cheesecake

3-Ingredient Cheesecake keeps dessert straightforward but delicious. It’s all about that smooth, creamy texture with hardly any work. Bringing this along means you get to focus on the fun part—eating and hanging out. Plus, it’s cheesecake; it’s hard not to love.

Tiger Sauce

Tiger Sauce is the condiment that adds a little excitement to your picnic. It’s spicy, a bit tangy, and totally addictive. Drizzling this on anything is a quick way to turn up the flavor. It’s a small touch that shows you’re all about making even a simple picnic feel a bit more adventurous.

Mini Cheesecake Bites

Planning a romantic picnic? Another awesome picnic date food is this indulgent dessert. Don’t forget to pack my Mini Cheesecake Bites – these little treats are the perfect sweet indulgence to share with your special someone. Picture yourself under the stars, enjoying each bite of these creamy delights while surrounded by the tranquility of nature. These mini cheesecakes add a touch of romance to your picnic, making it a memorable experience filled with love and sweetness.

Individual Charcuterie Boxes

Individual Charcuterie Boxes are the perfect way to indulge in a little gourmet luxury while lounging in your favorite scenic spot. Each box, carefully curated with an assortment of cheeses, meats, crackers, and other accompaniments, speaks a language of love and luxury, making every bite a delicious discovery to share. It doesn’t have to be fancy – you can make it as simple as mixing your favorite ingredients like grapes, a veggie of your choice, prosciutto, and some mini croissants.

Like regular charcuterie boards, it’s about creating that personal touch, with selections that cater to your individual tastes, making the meal as unique as your relationship. This thoughtful touch adds a layer of intimacy to your picnic, turning a simple meal into an exquisite dining experience, all with the backdrop of nature’s beauty.

Red Velvet Valentine Cookies

These red velvet Valentine cookies are perfect for a romantic picnic. With their rich, red color and soft texture, they’re like bites of love that add a special touch to your outdoor date. Perfect for sharing on a blanket, these cookies turn your picnic into a cozy, sweet experience that says, “You’re my special someone.”

Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Spice up your romantic picnic with the irresistible flavors of my Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts. Imagine the two of you, nestled in a scenic spot, savoring the perfect combination of smoky bacon and roasted Brussels sprouts. These bite-sized bundles bring a touch of indulgence to your outdoor date, creating a delicious harmony of savory goodness. Whether you’re enjoying a sunset together or having a cozy daytime picnic, these Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts add a flavorful twist to your romantic outdoor rendezvous. Make your picnic a culinary adventure and let the romance blossom with each delightful bite!

Raspberry Mini Pavlovas

Raspberry Mini Pavlovas are a great, light dessert that’ll make your picnic a bit more special. These are basically crispy meringue shells with a soft center, topped off with fresh raspberries. Eating them together is a real treat, making any outdoor date feel extra nice. They’re the perfect mix of sweet and tangy, kind of like how relationships have their ups and downs but are awesome overall. Make these the highlight of your picnic; they’re as good to look at as they are to eat, and they’re sure to make you both happy.

White Chocolate Covered Strawberries

White Chocolate Covered Strawberries are the epitome of romantic picnic snacks, blending the natural sweetness of strawberries with the luxurious melt of white chocolate. Sharing these hand-dipped delights amidst the tranquility of your chosen spot adds an element of romance and decadence to your date. 

Pretzels Fathead Dough

Update your romantic picnic with the charming simplicity of my Pretzels Fathead Dough. Imagine the joy of sharing warm and soft pretzels with your loved one in a picturesque setting. These homemade pretzels bring a comforting and familiar taste to your outdoor date, creating a sense of coziness and togetherness. Whether you’re by the lake, in a park, or on a beach, these Pretzels Fathead Dough treats are the perfect snack to make your romantic picnic even more special. So, pack a basket, grab your favorite dipping sauce, and let the love-filled picnic memories begin!

Duck Breast with Berry-Apple Compote

Let Duck Breast with Berry-Apple Compote be a reflection of your relationship—complex, harmonious, and deeply satisfying. This dish is about savoring the moment, enjoying the blend of flavors, and appreciating the effort that went into preparing something so special. It’s a way to bring a touch of elegance to your picnic, setting the scene for a memorable day filled with love and delicious food.

Gluten-Free Bundt Cake

Add a slice of sweetness to your romantic picnic with a Gluten-Free Bundt Cake, a treat that’s as thoughtful as it is delicious. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or simply enjoying each other’s company, this Bundt cake is the perfect companion, making your picnic a truly sweet affair.

Sugar-Free Raspberry Cheesecake

For a touch of elegance and indulgence, include a Sugar-Free Raspberry Cheesecake with a Raspberry Swirl in your romantic picnic. This dessert offers the creamy, rich experience of a traditional cheesecake, with a vibrant raspberry swirl that adds a burst of flavor and color. It’s a guilt-free treat that doesn’t compromise on taste, perfect for sweetening your outdoor date without the sugar. Share this cheesecake as you soak in the scenery, letting each bite deepen the connection between you. It’s a dessert that’s as thoughtful as it is delicious, ensuring your romantic picnic is a celebration of love in every way—from the setting to the menu.

Beverage Choices

Your choice of drinks can make or break your picnic experience. From refreshing thirst-quenchers to celebratory drinks, choosing the right beverages can enhance your dining experience and add to the overall ambiance of your date, especially if the drinks you choose complement the flavors of your picnic spread. 

Consider your picnic menu, the location of your date, and the weather when choosing beverages to bring to your date. Since champagne and wine are common drinks for a date night, I compiled my favorite warm or warming beverages to take on a picnic. Here they are if you need some ideas!

Apple Cider

Drinking apple cider on a chilly winter day is like a comforting embrace. Its warmth and delicious taste makes it an ideal companion for a romantic winter picnic and goes well with any delicious meal.

Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate is a classic winter treat that’s great to share with your loved one. After a satisfying meal, make a mug of velvety smooth hot chocolate for you and your partner, complete with a sprinkle of marshmallows.

Coffee

Hot coffee is another ideal drink to bring to a picnic with your partner, especially when the weather is cool. It provides a comforting pick-me-up, perfect for sharing quiet moments with your date. You can bring your favorite hot coffee, or get ideas from my list of my warming fall coffee recipes!

Tea

If you prefer tea over coffee, then you’re also in for a cozy treat. You can indulge in the delicate flavors and soothing warmth of a delicious cup of tea while enjoying the beautiful outdoors together. Whether you’re into a classic black tea or a fragrant herbal infusion, tea provides a comforting and customizable drink option for picnics. 

Wine

Calling all wine lovers! Nothing is more romantic than sharing a bottle of your favorite wine during your picnic date. Whether you like the velvety smoothness of red wine or the crisp freshness of white wine, wine is a great beverage choice for a romantic picnic. If you’re not bringing your favorite wine, choose a bottle that complements the flavors of your picnic dishes. You can also consider a bottle of champagne!

No matter your beverage choice to go with your romantic picnic food, be sure to bring water, too. It’s important to stay hydrated and refreshed throughout your date.

Attire and Setting for a Picnic Date

Now that you’re all set with your romantic picnic food, drinks, and essentials, let’s go through one last important thing – what you should wear for the special day. It’s important to dress the part to make sure that you and your partner remain cozy and comfortable throughout your romantic night.

Another important thing to consider is the setting of your date. Coordinate your attire with the ambiance of your picnic location. A relaxed casual attire is ideal for park, beach, or lakeside picnics, but consider dressing up a bit if you’re having your picnic at a more formal setting such as a garden or a vineyard. Remember, this is a date, so it’s still ideal to dress to impress. Here are a few tips for dressing up for your picnic date:

• Attire: Go for a comfortable yet stylish attire that is suitable for the cold weather and the location of your picnic. Choose  breathable fabrics and layers that can be adjusted easily as temperatures change throughout your date.
• Footwear: Choose footwear that is appropriate for the terrain of your picnic spot, whether it’s a sandy beach, a rocky trail, or a grassy field. Boots are the most practical choice for the cold weather.
• Accessories: Wear accessories that will not only look great in pictures, but will also provide comfort. Depending on the time of your date, a hat and sunglasses are ideal for a daytime picnic while a shawl or scarf would be great for a nighttime one.

Conclusion

A traditional picnic is a great way to relax, unwind, and bond with the love of your life. It’s one of the most fun date night ideas to try, and also one of most romantic cheap date ideas for you and your loved one.

Follow my tips and choose from my selection of romantic picnic food above and you’ll be on your way to having one of the most memorable romantic dates so far.

If you liked what you read, I would appreciate it if you bookmarked this post or shared it with your friends. They might also like to prepare some romantic picnic food with their partners!