15 Seaside Picnic Bites to Savor

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

There is nothing better than grabbing some friends, hopping in the car, and enjoying the beach for a day. But instead of stopping to pick up grab-and-go prepackaged food from the market, plan ahead and make some fresh and delicious portable fare that everyone will appreciate and enjoy. When planning a menu, pick recipes with texture and flavor that will stand up to the ocean's elements. Although they're not sand-proof — we haven't figured that one out yet — here are dishes that will make your day at the beach a success.

— Additional reporting by Nicole Perry and Erin Cullum

01
Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is an easily portable option that fills you up and won't let you down. For a seasonally appropriate option, try this sun-dried tomato pasta salad.

02
Hummus
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Hummus

Repeat after me: "I will not buy store-bought hummus." Make this easy homemade hummus recipe, and everyone will love you.

03
Herbed White Bean Dip
POPSUGAR Photography | Susannah Chen

Herbed White Bean Dip

Can you ever really go wrong with chips and dip? Raise the bar with this delicious rosemary white bean dip. Grab some pita chips when you pick up drinks at the store, or if you're feeling inspired, make your own.

04
Watermelon Mango Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Watermelon Mango Salad

If chips and salsa went on a tropical vacation, this slightly spicy watermelon mango dip is how they'd taste, making it all the more fitting for munching on beachside.

05
Caprese Skewers
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Caprese Skewers

Caprese salad is a Summer staple, and caprese skewers are the beach-friendly, portable version you're going to love.

06
Individual Fruit Salads
POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry

Individual Fruit Salads

Pack fruit in individual containers for easy transporting and serving. Choose a variety of fresh Summer fruits, like watermelon, blueberries, and pineapple.

07
Polynesian Snack Mix
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Polynesian Snack Mix

The tropical zing of this tiki snack mix will transport your taste buds to Polynesia for a day-cation.

08
Shrimp and Avocado Ceviche
Tried and Tasty

Shrimp and Avocado Ceviche

A beach trip is just not complete without fresh seafood. An easy way to work it into your menu is with this shrimp and avocado ceviche. The flavor is best when the ingredients set for at least an hour in the refrigerator, so if you make this the morning of, it'll be perfect by the time you hit the beach.

09
Turkey Club Sandwich
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Turkey Club Sandwich

Packing a beachside feast for a crowd? Make crowd-pleasing club sandwiches assembly-line style, then wrap each in a piece of parchment paper for ease of eating.

10
Fingerling Potato Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Camilla Salem

Fingerling Potato Salad

A backyard barbecue staple, potato salad is also an excellent option for beachside picnics. Think of this buttery fingerling potato dish as an updated twist on a Summer tradition.

11
No-Cook Black Bean Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

No-Cook Black Bean Salad

You're just a can of black beans (and a few fresh ingredients) away from this no-cook black bean salad that can be served chilled, at room temperature, with chips, or on its own.

12
Watermelon Caprese Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Watermelon Caprese Salad

For a fresh twist on a Summer favorite, try watermelon caprese salad. It's ideal for feeding a crowd, and the combination of sweet and savory is hard to beat.

13
Chips and Guacamole
POPSUGAR Photography | Katie Sweeney

Chips and Guacamole

Because no outdoor event is complete without chips and guac. Make this basic guacamole recipe and bring enough tortilla chips to go around.

14
Shortbread Cookies
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Shortbread Cookies

Instead of gooey desserts that can melt in the sun, opt for sturdy shortbread cookies. For extra flair, pack a jar of your favorite fruit preserves and eat them with a dollop of that on top.

15
Double-Lemon Bars
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Double-Lemon Bars

Like shortbread cookies, these stackable double-lemon bars will travel well in your beach bag. The bright bar cookies pack a citrusy punch and are one of the most crowd-pleasing desserts.