Chefs’ Choir: Easy Picnic Recipes and Potluck Dishes That Travel Well

Whether you’re packing a basket for the park, hosting a backyard gathering, or heading to a casual potluck, the best outdoor party foods are low-effort, full of flavor, and easy to share. In this edition of Chefs’ Choir, we’ve gathered our favorite picnic recipes—think vibrant summer salads, a savory eggplant “cake,” a nostalgic Russian beet vinaigret, pasta salads that hold up beautifully, and a classic pound cake perfect for dessert.

These make-ahead dishes are built for breezy summer entertaining and inspired by our chefs’ seasonal creativity and commitment to sustainability. From pickled watermelon rind and coconut milk–laced tomato salad to recipes that reflect heritage and home cooking, these are dishes that bring people together—no matter where you set the table.

Explore the full Chefs’ Choir series here to discover more chef-driven, seasonal recipes made to be shared.