Beach Picnic Party Ideas: Must-try Potluck Recipes!

Shrimp, crab, lobsters, oysters! Yes, these are what are store in the 7 fabulously flavorful seafood and salad recipes we suggest for a potluck picnic on the beach. And when you think potluck, you’ve got to consider dishes that are easy to transport and serve. So we have tips for that, too. Go ahead, survey the scrumptious selection below and make your choices!

Delish Potluck Recipe Ideas for a Beach Picnic

From sandwiches, rolls, and sliders, to salad, kebabs, and a rice casserole—we’ve got your picnic menu covered! Just click on each link for the recipe.

1 – Shrimp Rolls with Herb Brown Butter Mayonnaise
The brown butter mayo is the magic component in this recipe from Love and Olive Oil—tangy, buttery, and speckled with fresh chives, parsley, and dill.

2 – Easy Classic Lobster Rolls
A homemade version from The Suburban Soapbox of this classic New England treat—lightly dressed in lemon mayo and melted butter, served on a toasted roll and sprinkled with chives

3 – Sweet Potato Salad – Paleo and Gluten Free
Such a refreshing, healthy, and flavorful side dish from Almost Supermom, made with sweet potatoes (in place of regular potatoes) and plain Greek yoghurt.

4 – Crab Cake Sliders with Spicy Mayo
Your fave crab cakes are transformed into sliders by The Comfort of Cooking, with a spicy/citrusy sauce of mayo, lemon juice, and a little Sriracha.

5 – Oysters with Mignonette Sauce
Fresh oysters on the half-shell are sure to impress! Especially when served with this special sauce from Tide and Thyme, made with champagne or white wine vinegar, shallots, and fresh thyme.

6 – Quick Shrimp and Chorizo Paella
Contribute a filling picnic dish with this hearty Spanish-inspired casserole from My Recipes. Tender shrimp and tasty chorizo atop paprika-tinted rice!

7 – Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs
Okay, no seafood here. But guests will love these juicy chunks of char-grilled pineapple and chicken, with smoky bacon strips grilled to perfection—thanks to Delicious Meets Healthy.

Beach Potluck Appetizers You Can Buy at the Grocery

If you are pressed for time and energy, consider these readily available items at your local grocery:

• Vegetables with dip platters
• Chips and salsa
• Mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers, and tater tots
• Meat and cheese tray
• Popcorn shrimp
• Bags of potato chips in different flavors

Beach Potluck Desserts to Bring

For something sweet, think low-sugar options with fruits-based desserts. We suggest the following:

• Fresh fruit salad with watermelon, cantaloupe, and grapes
• Strawberries, cream, and shortbread cookies
• Lemon cream parfait
• Apple slices with dipping sauces like chocolate, peanut butter, and whipped cream

Serve your desserts buffet style with disposable bowls, plates, or cups. Offer ice cream cones, which make great containers for small fruits that are edible at the same time. Kids love them!

Tips for a Hassle-free Beach Picnic Party

1. Dishes that allow for hand-held servings are great—sandwiches, sliders, rolls, filled buns, wraps, foods on skewers or toothpicks. Less stuff to wash afterwards!
2. Prepare single-serve portions ahead of time. Think individual wraps, side dishes in mini bowls or ramekins, fruit or veggies in take-out boxes, and the like.
3. Be sure to bring lots of ice in coolers for dishes and drinks that are best served chilled.
4. Use non-breakable, lightweight serving ware—aluminum baking trays, plastic bowls or platters, food-safe waxed cardboard boxes.
5. Bring along disposable plates, glasses, cutlery and lots of paper napkins/kitchen towels. And dispose of them in your own garbage bags.

MARCH 13, 2020 UPDATE

With summer days at the seaside just months away, it’s time to update this Beach Picnic Potluck post with more recipes and product picks!

Picnic-perfect Desserts Out on the Beach

We’re thinking easy, yummy, and no hassle to pack, transport and serve. So here are 7 summer dessert recipes we found that fit the bill!

1. Mini S’mores – from Taste of Home
2. No-bake Pudding Desserts in Mason Jars – from Walking on Sunshine
3. Fruit Kebabs with Chocolate Cream Dip – from Oh My Veggies
4. Watermelon Mint Popsicles – from A Classic Twist
5. Watermelon wedges on sticks – from Hello Fresh
6. Super Easy Lemon Bars – from Rock Recipes

Light & Refreshing Summer Picnic Salads

With the flavor-rich picnic dishes in our original post (above), these 7 cool, refreshing salad recipes are just the thing to serve as sides! They are colorfully gorgeous, plus they can be made ahead and carried along in picnic coolers.

1. Best Ever Pico de Gallo Salad, Salsa Fresca – from Love Foodies
2. Ramen Cabbage Salad – from From Valerie’s Kitchen
3. Super Simple Picnic Potato Salad – from Betty Crocker
4. Honey Lime Fruit Salad – from Cafe Delites
5. Fiesta Corn and Black Bean Salad – from P&G Everyday
6. Pineapple Cucumber Salad – from Mom On Timeout

Beach Picnic Essentials for a Fun Potluck Party

With such a delectable spread of picnic dishes, salads, and desserts, you want to be sure you have the right potluck containers and other essentials for a relaxed, enjoyable beach picnic this summer. Here are our picks from Amazon. (*this section contains affiliate links)

1. Costway Picnic Folding Portable Table with Carrying Bag
2. Coleman 62-Quart Xtreme 5-Day Heavy-Duty Cooler with Wheels
3.  Angemay Outdoor & Picnic Blanket Extra Large Sand Proof and Waterproof
4. Picnic Insulated Bag, Oumers 32L Large Size Insulated Picnic Basket
5. Reusable Silicone Food Bags Sandwich Food Storage Preservation Bags with Ziplock
6. 2pcs Inflatable Serving Bars with Drain Plug & Mesh Food Cover