Create a memorable outdoor celebration with these easy and impressive picnic recipes

Looking for summer picnic ideas to celebrate the season or a special occasion? These recipes for summer salads, sharing breads, a make-ahead terrine and a twist on Scotch eggs, are everything you need for a relaxed yet impressive outdoor lunch.

If you're wondering what to bring to a picnic we've also rounded up all the essentials you might need, including baskets, blankets and outdoor-safe tableware.

Blue cheese and nectarine salad

Substantial and packed with flavor, you can switch out the blue cheese in this blue cheese and nectarine salad for mozzarella or chicken if you prefer, and the dressing can be made up to two days in advance if you want to get ahead.

Mini lamb and egg pies

This twist on the classic picnic recipe of Scotch eggs calls for lamb sausages, quail eggs, and pastry in place of pork meat, chicken eggs, and bread crumbs. They take a little work to make, but these mini lamb and egg pies are worth the effort.

Charred corn, dill and new potato salad

Forget lashings of mayonnaise and mushy potatoes. This potato salad combines sweet, crunchy corn, fragrant dill, salty feta and in-season new potatoes, for a luxury twist on a classic picnic recipe. Great for a summer barbecue menu, too, as you can grill the corn on the barbecue.

Chicken and pistachio terrine

An impressive centerpiece for your summer picnic, this chicken and pistachio terrine with pickled cherries can be made ahead and is sure to impress your friends with its professional look.

Cherry tomato and basil oil focaccia

Fluffy and golden, this cherry tomato and basil oil focaccia is perfect for tearing and sharing. With sweet, juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil oil, it's easy, rustic and ideal for picnics as it won't dry out as quickly as single serve bread options.

Plum and macadamia friands

Fruity, nutty and a little less sweet than a cake or muffin, these plum and macadamia friands offer a lighter finish for picnics on hot summer days . Make in advance and display on a pretty non-breakable cake stand as a picnic idea.

Lemongrass lemonade

Fresh and zesty with a slightly spicy twist, thanks to the lemongrass, this lemongrass lemonade makes a beautifully refreshing accompaniment to summer picnic recipes and is far superior to sugary sodas.