What to Pack for a Mediterranean-Style Picnic
A good Mediterranean picnic is perfect for sunny days. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the warmth at a park in Queens or take the family out for some fresh air, Mediterranean food makes a fantastic outdoor meal!
This picnic guide covers what to pack for a mediterranean-style picnic, from practical essentials to the dishes that belong in the basket.
Start With the Picnic Essentials
Before ordering the food, think about what will make the setup easiest once you’ve picked your spot. A sturdy picnic basket or cooler bag helps keep everything together, while leak-proof containers are worth having for Mediterranean picnic recipes that are at risk of leaking; such as dips, salads, and anything with a dressing.
Bring napkins, utensils, cups, and drinks that are easy to carry. A small blanket is useful for park picnics, while a few extra bags make cleanup much easier when the meal is done.
At Grill Point, our food is made fresh daily and our small plates are the perfect fit for a Mediterranean picnic!
Choose Easy Mediterranean Picnic Foods
The best mediterranean picnic food ideas are built around dishes that can be easily packed and passed around.
Start with hummus varieties, baba ganoush, and other dips that pair easily with pita bread for dipping. Add olives, crisp vegetables, and salads for freshness.
Falafel is always a strong picnic option because it is easy to share and does not need a knife and fork. Grilled chicken also travels well when packed properly, especially with a side salad or fresh bread.
Build a Balanced Picnic Spread
A good picnic spread should have enough variety to be generous without becoming difficult to carry. Think about the balance between creamy, fresh, wholesome and juicy – and remember a few good drinks to pair the food with, too!
Add to the Basket | Why It Works | Easy Pairing |
Hummus varieties and other dips | Easy to share and simple to portion into containers | Pita, vegetables, or crackers |
Fresh salads | Adds brightness and keeps the meal light | Falafel or grilled chicken |
Falafel | Portable, satisfying, and great for sharing | Hummus and chopped salad |
Grilled chicken | Gives the outdoor meal more protein and substance | Pita and fresh sides |
Olives and vegetables | Adds texture without extra preparation | Dips or grilled dishes |
Fresh bread or pita | Holds the whole meal together | Nearly everything you decide to add to the basket |
Keep It Fresh, Simple, and Easy to Serve
The main thing to remember is that food has to stay intact for the trip. Keep cold items chilled until you leave, pack dressings separately where possible, and choose dishes that still taste good when they’re cold.
A Mediterranean picnic is served simply without having to struggle with plates and utensils, and is deliciously easy to share, no matter the size of the group!
Mediterranean Picnic Ideas From Grill Point Queens
Grill Point Queens makes Mediterranean picnic food ideas easy to grab on the go.
Start with hummus, pita, salads, and falafel for a lighter spread. Add grilled chicken or another filling option when you’re feeding a bigger group. Everything is easy to pack, easy to serve, and made for sharing.
For kosher diners in Queens, it’s also a great way to put together an outdoor meal that works well for everyone!
As co-owner of Grill Point, Amy Peretz has spent over 10 years managing daily operations and preserving the same shawarma recipes locals have loved for 20+ years.
