Love is in the air, and it’s time to plan a spectacular Valentine’s Day picnic. Forget the standard crackers, cheeses, and wines – this is a chance to get creative with delicious picnic food ideas that will wow your special someone! From hearty pasta salads to decadent desserts, we have all sorts of romantic ideas for you to try out. So grab your basket and prepare for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day picnic.
A romantic picnic is all about the food! Choosing bites that are deliciously delightful and outdoor-friendly makes your picnic one of a kind. Think scrumptious sandwiches, flavorful fruits and veggies, decadent desserts, and plenty of snacks to share.
It’s also important to remember that you don’t need to prepare everything on your own. You can pick up some pre-made items from a deli or bakery, or even order takeout from a restaurant. Most importantly, you enjoy the food together and make memories. With that said, here are a few food ideas to consider for your Valentine’s Day picnic:
Finger Foods
When planning a romantic picnic, finger foods are a tasty way to bond. Super simple, and no utensils are needed! Park or beach date? Doesn’t matter- finger food can come along either way! Mix things up with savory and sweet options, so you and your honey will be in snacking heaven. Here are some fabulous finger food ideas that will make your Valentine’s Day picnic truly unforgettable. Deliciously simple and simply delicious, what more could you want? Get ready to add some extra romance to your day with these fantastic finger foods!
Cheese and crackers with a twist
I know, I know! I started out saying “forget cheese and crackers,” but it pairs so well with other ideas on this list that I wanted to include this classic idea, but with a bit of a twist. Cheese and crackers are a classic combo that makes for a perfect romantic appetizer.
Instead of a standard slice of cheese on a circular butter cracker, why not get artisan crackers and a nice spreadable cheese (such as brie)? Don’t forget the cheese knife! You can then top the crackers with accompaniments, such as shaved zucchini, thinly sliced cherry tomatoes, or pepper jam. If you’d rather keep things more traditional, you can spread the brie on a french baguette.
Deviled eggs
Deviled eggs are a tasty, savory snack. Prep them ahead of time and transport them however you want; the ease of deviled eggs is unbeatable! Get super creative with your fillings – adding bacon, herbs, spices – whatever’s on hand! My husband once made us these buffalo deviled eggs from Pioneer Woman, which were fantastic! They are an excellent (eggs-ellent? I’m sorry- I had to) accompaniment for an indoor picnic!
Mini sandwiches
Mini sandwiches are the perfect way to add some flare to any picnic! Their delicious and varied fillings, like turkey, cheese, or even avocado, make a great addition to any romantic evening al fresco. They’re perfect for indoor and outdoor picnics alike!
These tasty yet bite-sized treats are a fun way to enjoy conversation and quality time with your special someone without feeling too full afterward.
Sushi rolls
Sushi rolls – tantalizing and perfect for any romantic meal! A tasty masterpiece, ready to be devoured. Savory seafood is tucked into a comforting blanket of rice, tied delicately together by a thin seaweed wrap.
Soft, flavorful, and fresh with every bite, sushi rolls offer a flavor experience unlike any other. Treat yourself and your date to an unforgettable moment with this delightful and divine finger food.
A rainbow of colors and flavors, these dazzling delights are always the talk of the town – guaranteed satisfaction with each succulent slice! Enjoy exploring the many possible combinations in these morsels of joy. In one bite, you will be swept away into paradise.
Caprese skewers
Caprese skewers are the perfect way to tantalize taste buds and leave a lasting impression. What’s not to love? Rich and creamy mozzarella, bright and juicy tomatoes, complemented by fresh basil – these bites of flavor will sweep your guests off their feet!
No forks or plates necessary; no major prep work required – just a few minutes of simple assembly is all Caprese skewers need.
Once constructed, they look like little jewels fit to serve at any event. With each delectably balanced bite pleasing salty, sweet, creamy, and herbaceous-spectrum cravings at once – caprese skewers are certain to be snatched up at your picnic.
Chocolate-covered strawberries
Chocolate-covered strawberries: pure sweetness and romance, a perfect pair! Enjoy the sweet taste of delicious ripe strawberries clothed in indulgent chocolate – a romantic picnic can’t get any better than this.
Create heartwarming moments that’ll last a lifetime with this delectable delight. Chocolate-covered strawberries make perfect outdoor picnic pals; even a little goes a long way to express your love. With just a few simple steps, turn ordinary fruits into something extraordinary! No tricks, just treats – no one can resist the alluring aroma and taste of these heroes of romance! That special someone won’t be able to take their eyes or taste buds off these yummy combinations. Strawberry and chocolate: when two come together, only sweet memories linger.
Mini quiches
Mini-quiches are a dream come true! Perfect for any picnic, these tasty treats couldn’t be easier to make. Ready in no time, you can fill them with your favorite ingredients, including bacon, herbs, and spinach! There’s no limit to how creative you can get. Plus, they’re easy to transport and make ahead of time, so you won’t be stressed as you prepare for Valentine’s Day. This is also an item you can commonly find in the freezer area of most grocery stores if you prefer not to bake.
Mini meatballs
Mini meatballs are the perfect Valentine’s Day picnic snack. They’re tasty and can be cooked ahead of time, so you can simply grab them and go! Plus, you’ll have fun getting creative with sauces – adding spices and herbs to make a fantastically flavorful finish.
Just think of the possibilities: maybe a tangy tango of tarragon & thyme, or perhaps an aromatic adventure of oregano & onion? Add some chili for a kick, or swap it out for sage for a sensational surprise! Whatever your mini meatball mission may be, these bite-sized wonders will provide an incredible experience. My husband is particularly fond of these cranberry meatballs.
Lemon bars
Delicious and romantic, these perfect sweet treats are just what your Valentine’s Day picnic needs. Squares of delectable delight that will leave you feeling loved and light. Make it easy with these treats that hit all the right notes–flaky, creamy, lemony goodness in every bite! They ensure your picnic isn’t forgotten with a romantic flavor that tickles the taste buds. Forget those boring old brownies–these tart treats will be remembered!
Hummus and veggies
Hummus and Veggies are an ideal savory snack. They can be homemade, allowing you to customize it to your taste and pair it with favorite veggies like crunchy carrots, crisp celery, or juicy bell peppers.
Eating is a breeze, and they make a perfect addition to any romantic picnic. Plus, they look as delicious as they taste – even more so when you’re eating in good company!
Although hummus is traditionally eaten with pita bread, try mixing things up by experimenting with different dips and dippers. The possibilities are practically endless – the only limit is your imagination!
Salads
Picnics and salads are a match made in heaven! When you’re planning that special romantic picnic, salads are a must. From light and delicious green salads to hearty pasta salad dishes, to even fruity treats, there is something for all tastes.
With these salads, you can get creative and make your own unique dressings- adding that touch of je ne sais quoi to the evening. All these salads don’t take much work either- whip them up ahead of time so you can enjoy quality time with your Valentine without worrying about the food!
Classic Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad is the perfect way to set your picnic up for a romantic success! Crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and creamy Caesar dressing combine effortlessly for that perfect balance of taste, texture, and romance.
This versatile salad dish will have your special guest’s mouths watering for more. From the visual presentation atop a bed of greens to the first bite – it’s all about pleasure and indulgence.
Enjoy in complete style as you sprinkle shaved Parmesan cheese over your incredible creation; the bold flavors and divine aroma will linger long after you finish. Plus, it’s light enough you won’t feel weighed down afterward, so you can carry on enjoying the sights and sounds.
Spinach and Strawberry Salad
Valentine’s Day is calling, and it’s all about sweet and savory! Spinach and strawberry salad is the perfect picnic option. You’ll win hearts with fresh spinach leaves, succulent strawberries, and a sensational vinaigrette. Make this salad to delight all your taste buds – the ultimate romantic pairing!
Take two flavorful favorites – crunchy fresh spinach plus delightful juicy strawberries – you’ll enjoy the contrast of harmony of sweet and tart. Top it up with an aromatic vinaigrette dressing that’s truly sensational; it’ll hit the spot for any romantic picnic.
Enjoy the pleasant epicurean experience of your Spinach and Strawberry Salad! Take a bite out of Valentine’s day with this tantalizing dish.
Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is the dish of dreams! With succulent tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and sweet basil, this dreamy picnic favorite will make their mouth water. Prepare your taste buds to be tantalized because Caprese salad is cuisine perfection! Every bite has a fresh flavor packed with zingy flavors. Delicious, nutritious, and easy to make – what more could you ask for? Enjoy it as a light meal or as a sumptuous side dish. Your Valentine will never forget it – trust us. Experience true Italian romance with every spoonful of Caprese salad!
Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is the perfect way to make Valentine’s Day picnic memories! It’s an experience that can be as delicious and unique as you want. Imagine a mix of your favorite pasta combined with crunchy veggies, creamy cheese, and a delicious dressing.
Plus, you can pick any pasta shape, any veggies, and all types of cheeses for some culinary creativity.
Quinoa Salad
Quinoa salad is not just an excellent option for a Valentine’s Day picnic, but the perfect one! High in protein and easy to transport, this snack is sure to tantalize taste buds with its delicious combination of quinoa, veggies, and an irresistible vinaigrette dressing.
Plus, you don’t have to make it day of – prep it ahead of time for a stress-free celebration. Quinoa salad isn’t just nourishing; it’s downright seductive! A creation crafted with so much love that it might make Cupid envious.
Greek Salad
Greek salad is the perfect romantic picnic option! Fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and feta cheese are essential ingredients – plus an amazing Greek dressing to finish it off. But that’s not all – creating a classic Greek salad also means adding olives, oregano, olive oil, and lemon juice for a truly authentic flavor. Then simply layer everything up in a bowl and enjoy! Often, Greek salads are topped with a generous dollop of potato salad.
It’s an effortless meal to prepare, but with all its delicious flavors and colors comes a feeling of luxury that you can only get from eating a classic Greek Salad. So treat yourself and your significant other to this modern Mediterranean delight on your next picnic.
If you’re unsure how to make a dressing for it, our favorite store-bought Greek dressing is “Farmer Boy New Recipe Greek.”
Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is a romantic way to sweeten up any picnic. Mix your favorite fruits and dress them with delicious honey, tart lime juice or fresh mint leaves. Allow the fruit to soak in the delicious juices and get ready for a tantalizing taste sensation.
The unique combination will be sure to surprise your loved one and give you both something truly special to remember the picnic by.
Take it one step further and blend some of your favorite tropical flavors in one bowl.
Go for classic combinations like pineapple and melon, mango and papaya, grapes and blueberries or apples and pears for an even more appetizing treat!
Dazzle them with your creative flavor pairings that will tantalize their taste buds. Show off your inventive side with each bite!
Desserts
Create the perfect romantic picnic with sweet and indulgent desserts! Let your love linger on a luxurious dessert that you and your special someone will share together on Valentine’s Day. From cakes and pastries, to homemade goodies, choose from endless tasty desserts that are easy to pack and even easier to enjoy!
Show them how much you care by whipping up a scrumptious delight that will have them swooning with joy. Make this Valentine’s Day a memorable one by enjoying sweet treats with your loved one in the great outdoors. Treat yourselves to something special and make this Valentine’s Day picnic an experience you’ll never forget.
Chocolate Truffles
Chocolate truffles are the perfect way to sweeten up any Valentine’s Day picnic. They’re smooth and creamy, with a rich chocolate flavor that will please even the pickiest eaters! Plus, their luscious texture is easy to eat on-the-go, making them the perfect treat for outdoor gatherings.
Truffles come in an array of flavors, from strawberry to hazelnut and everything in between. Whether your taste buds crave something light and airy or smooth and decadent, you can find a truffle to satisfy them all – it’s like having a box of delicious chocolates all in one!
Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a classic Valentine’s Day dessert perfect for a romantic picnic. It has the ideal texture and creamy flavor, perfectly complemented by its layers of espresso-infused ladyfingers. A Valentine’s Day picnic with this indulgent treat will leave a lasting impression. Its taste is an unmistakable sign of love and will spark heartwarming memories on this special day! You can often find Tiramisu at most bakeries, including grocery store bakeries.
Cheesecake
Cheesecake is the perfect romantic treat for a Valentine’s Day picnic. It’s creamy, decadent, and delicious – sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!
Plus, it comes in many tantalizing flavors. From classic New York style to raspberry swirl, you can choose a flavor that suits your taste buds and special someone’s.
It looks great pictured on platters, and served with various toppings to make every single bite even yummier. You’ll both smile with delight as you enjoy its rich texture and blissful flavors by the park or beach side.
Fruit Tarts
Fruit tarts are the perfect dessert for a Valentine’s Day picnic! Deliciously sweet, creamy and colorful, they look as good as they taste.
Since Valentine’s Day is all about love and romance, fruity tarts also make great treats because their bright shades of pink, red and purple can resemble the colors of love. They will really stand out in any picnic setting!
Moreover, their presence ensures that everyone gets a bite-sized treat. Their delicate pastry crusts contain delectable fillings like fruit jams or custards – the perfect combination of sophistication and sweetness.
Fruit tarts are a simple way to create a truly remarkable memory of your romantic Valentine’s Day outing in nature. It doesn’t get much better than this!
Flan
Flan is the perfect dessert for a Valentine’s Day picnic! This sweet treat is made with a creamy egg custard and topped with caramelized brown sugar. It has a smooth, velvety texture that melts in your mouth with every spoonful. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be taken on any picnic without taking up too much space. Whether you’re celebrating love or friendship, flan is the ideal way to end the perfect day – it’s delicious, simple, and definitely romantic!
Drinks
The cherry on top of a lovely Valentine’s Day picnic is the beverage. While common ideas like wine are what come to mind immediately, I wanted to include a little variety in our ideas list that you might not think of.
Some things to consider when choosing what to drink are the foods you’re pairing it with, the person you’re sharing it with, and- less romantically, the rules of where you’re having your picnic. When it comes to anything containing alcohol, make sure your picnic destination allows it!
Sparkling Apple Cider
Sparkling apple cider is the perfect companion for a Valentine’s Day picnic. It’s non-alcoholic, making it friendly to younger couples and places that usually don’t permit alcohol such as parks and other public destinations.
It is refreshingly sweet and always in season and adds an extra sparkle to your special day. Its light-hearted bubbles add just the right amount of frivolity, while its fruity sweetness complements almost any picnic item. This delightful bubbly brings life to any outdoor gathering and ensures a romantic atmosphere – even if Mother Nature decides not to cooperate! Its crisp taste is sure to make you fall head over heels in love with it.
Wine
Wine is a good, albeit expected, addition, adding warmth and charm to your special day. Whether it’s a dry red Cabernet Sauvignon that pairs well with red meat, a dry white Chardonnay which pairs well with pasta and cheese, or a sweet riesling that works well with citrus and desserts.
And if you really want to make your usual wine selection stand out, explore some unusual flavors — try strawberry wine for a delightfully fruity twist! Strawberry wine has a light and sweet taste but retains all traditional wines’ qualities. It’s one surefire way guaranteed to make your picnic truly unforgettable.
Incorporate special flavors of wine into your Valentine’s Day picnic for an elegant way to treat yourself or that special someone!
Sparkling Wine
Sparkling wine is the perfect drink choice for a Valentine’s Day picnic because of its light, bubbly flavor and gorgeous appearance in a glass! Its cheerful bubbles and polished look can make you feel romantic. Plus, it has just the right amount of sweetness that pairs perfectly with all sorts of enjoyables such as fruit, cheese, or charcuterie platters. So go ahead, and treat yourself and your loved one to a bright glass of sparkling for your Valentine’s Day celebration this year! It’s sure to bring some much-needed fun and sparkle to the special day.
Champagne
Champagne is the perfect choice to add sparkle and romance to your Valentine’s Day picnic. It has a luxurious, light, and effervescent flavor that adds sophistication and elegance to any setting.
Plus, it pairs well with an array of foods – from savory dishes like cheese, sandwiches and charcuterie boards; to sweet treats like chocolate-covered strawberries and marshmallows. So you can create a delicious snack spread with which everyone will enjoy sipping champagne.
Plus, the bubbly is sure to put a smile on someone special’s face as it’s shared in the sunshine – or beneath a starry night sky! Whether you choose sparkling apple cider, wine, sparkling wine or champagne – you’re sure to make this romantic day extra special for your sweetheart!
Final Thoughts
A Valentine’s Day picnic can be extra special with the right food and drink choices. Enjoyment is only heightened when you think outside the box and choose a range of tasty treats curated specifically for the two of you. Whether you opt for cheese and crackers with a twist or a quinoa salad with sparkling cider to share, plenty of options are available to turn your picnic into an unforgettable affair.
Whatever combination of food and drinks you decide to take to your valentine’s day picnic, remember that the most important thing is quality time spent with love. Enjoy your V-Day picnic!
