Picnic Pasta Dishes

For a change of pace, plan a pasta picnic this summer.

BY VICKI MARTINEZ

Have you heard the call of summer, beckoning you to venture outdoors? That means it's time to plan a picnic.

Why not take a new approach and ditch the same ol’ al fresco fare? We've made it easy to think outside the picnic basket and prepared a palate-pleasing menu. Whether you sit around a park picnic table or spread a soft blanket atop the green grass, these picnic pasta dishes are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.

Picnic Pasta Dishes for the Perfect Picnic

The general purpose of a picnic is to get out of the house and spend time outdoors, breathing fresh air and basking in the summer sun. But it’s also a great way to spend quality time with friends and family, leaving the typical distractions behind for the day.

And what better way to make sure you have a leisurely, unrushed day of picnicking than to pack a multi-course meal. We’ve prepared a delicious menu of picnic pasta ideas that includes a starter, a salad, a main course and dessert ideas.

The Starter

Set the mood and introduce your pasta-inspired picnic theme with starters that can be passed out as individual servings.

For a new take on the traditional Italian Caprese salad, serve this Crunchy Caprese Salad.

Crunchy Caprese Salad Recipe

The Starter

Set the mood and introduce your pasta-inspired picnic theme with starters that can be passed out as individual servings.

For a new take on the traditional Italian Caprese salad, serve this Crunchy Caprese Salad.

Crunchy Caprese Salad Recipe

The Salad

Pasta salads are a great choice because not only can you make them ahead of time, but they’re also simple to store and transport. And there are plenty of delicious choices. Our suggestions:

Summer Picnic Pasta Salad

Make-Ahead Mason Jar Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Orzo Pasta Salad with Basil Pesto

The Salad

Pasta salads are a great choice because not only can you make them ahead of time, but they’re also simple to store and transport. And there are plenty of delicious choices. Our suggestions:

Summer Picnic Pasta Salad

Make-Ahead Mason Jar Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Orzo Pasta Salad with Basil Pesto

The Main Course

A hearty main course with your favorite protein is next on the menu. Remember to choose a picnic pasta dish that doesn’t need to be kept warm to taste terrific.

Penne Primavera with Crispy Pancetta

Grilled Chicken Kebob with Barilla® Rustic Basil Pesto

Spaghetti with Shrimp, Mint & Zucchini

The Main Course

A hearty main course with your favorite protein is next on the menu. Remember to choose a picnic pasta dish that doesn’t need to be kept warm to taste terrific.

Penne Primavera with Crispy Pancetta

Grilled Chicken Kebob with Barilla® Rustic Basil Pesto

Spaghetti with Shrimp, Mint & Zucchini

The Dessert

After such a robust meal, a simple plate of cut fruit is the ideal dessert option. But if you want to wrap up the perfect picnic with more of a grand finale-type dessert, we’re on the same page. Not only are these picnic pasta dishes decadent, but they also fall in line with the pasta picnic theme.

Fruit Salad Recipe

The Dessert

Fruit Salad Recipe