It’s that time again. The sun is hanging longer in the sky and setting later, and the weather is getting hotter. Summer is here, and that means it’s picnic season.

There are some dishes that just fit the picnic vibe: food and drinks that quench the thirst that the sun, fresh air, and easy conversation bring out. Remember that you need to strike that balance between nourishing hungry and thirsty bodies, losing steam in the sun, and not going so heavy that the picnic loses its graceful lightness. Here are 5 summer picnic staples that carefully thread that needle.

Egg Salad Sandwiches

Egg salad is a versatile protein base that can stand up as your main dish, but won’t be as heavy as burgers or steaks. Combine egg salad with fresh butter, lettuce, and tomato on cracked pepper, olive oil, and sourdough bread for delicious egg salad sandwiches.

Egg salad sandwiches are a picnic staple. Photo by Vladislav Nosick via iStock by Getty Images

If you want to step up your picnic game, harvest the eggs from your very own chickens using all the equipment you’ll need from Dalton Poultry. Guaranteed, you will taste the difference between store-bought and homegrown organic eggs.

Creamy Feta & Herb Dip with Pita

One main course isn’t enough—you’ve got to prep your picnic peers’ stomachs with an appetizer. A creamy feta and herb dip with hunks of pita bread is a delicious, healthy option.

A feta cheese dip makes a great appetizer for any picnic. Photo by Maria_Lapina via iStock by Getty Images

Feta is one of the most moisture-rich cheeses. Mixing it with sour cream and herbs—like tarragon, dill, and fennel—you’ll have to stop people from spoiling their appetites before mealtime begins.

Lynchburg Lemonades to Go

A Lynchburg Lemonade is a classic southern cocktail recipe that combines whiskey with lemonade. You traditionally make Lynchburg Lemonade with Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, named for the distillery’s hometown of Lynchburg, TN. While some people now use gin or vodka, the smoky whiskey aftertaste gives Lynchburg Lemonades their signature twist.

A good boozy lemonade is a summer picnic staple. Photo by bhofack2 via iStock by Getty Images

However, you must be mindful of where your picnic is held. Don’t bring open containers to a public park! But if your boozy brunch is planned for your best friends’ backyard, make an entire pitcher to go. Garnish with a sprig of mint, and don’t forget the sustainable metal or bamboo straws.

Fried Green Tomatoes

Another Southern classic, fried green tomatoes are healthy yet indulgent. These crispy yet juicy fried treats are ideal either hot or cold. They’re the total underrated MVP of the picnic.

Fried green tomatoes are an underrated addition to any summer picnic. Photo by LeeAnnWhite via iStock by Getty Images

The tomatoes need to be green, not just because it looks cool once you bite through the breadcrumb/panko-fried crust, but because the consistency of under-ripe tomatoes lends itself better to the frying process. Pair with ranch or a spicy aioli dip.

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

The picnic wouldn’t be complete without dessert. Strawberry rhubarb is the perfect choice of pie because it’s sweet and light, not as obvious as cherry or as obscure as fig ricotta.

Dessert is a picnic staple, but why not go with something a little different, like strawberry rhubarb pie. Photo by Irina Taskova via iStock by Getty Images

If you’re in a hurry or on a budget, pie is a great choice of dessert, because so much can be store-bought. Rather than making your own crust and filling, which requires over a dozen ingredients, hours of baking in the already hot kitchen, and a not-insignificant amount of cash, pair a pre-made pie crust with a tin of pre-made strawberry-rhubarb filling.

Top with a garnish of whipped cream, and your picnic is complete!

Planning Your Picnic

Picnics bring the whole family (or chosen family of friends) together. Grab some blankets, go potluck style, and have everyone congregate with their unique dish.

Even if you work through summer, it’s the season for relaxation. Plan something to look forward to this weekend by getting everyone together for a good old-fashioned picnic with these five summer picnic staples. Check out ideas on Wander where you might travel this summer. We also have some great ideas for fun summer recipes you might try for your next picnic.

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