We welcome any excuse to eat outdoors—whether it’s dinner in the backyard or lunch in the park. When the weather cooperates, a picnic is hard to beat. It’s an easy way to gather with friends or family without worrying about tidying the house first.
Costco simplifies picnic planning. From simple appetizers to crowd-pleasing desserts, a single trip through the warehouse can supply everything you need. Below are top picnic picks from Costco, plus a few items you’re better off enjoying at home.
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Kick Off with Easy Appetizers
Cape Cod Chips
Chips are picnic essentials, and Costco’s snack aisle delivers. Cape Cod Chips are a favorite, but consider Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps or Angie’s Boom Chicka Pop for lighter, crunchy options that still invite “just one more.”
Dips
Costco carries many excellent dips. Garlic-based dips pair well with fresh vegetables, while seasonal choices like cranberry-jalapeño add a festive twist. Avoid warm, messy dips—buffalo chicken and spinach-artichoke are best served hot at home, not on a picnic blanket.
Charcuterie Made Simple
If the pre-made holiday platters aren’t available, build your own. Pick up a pre-sliced cheese pack with cheddar, gouda, and pepper jack and pair it with a pre-sliced meat assortment. Add a box of grapes or olives for an impressive, effortless spread.
Formaggio Artisan Wraps
For grab-and-go convenience, Formaggio’s mozzarella sticks wrapped in pepperoni, prosciutto, or sopressata are ready to eat and travel well. Leftovers also make quick additions to weekday lunches.
Filling Picnic Mains
Soup in a Thermos
Bring a warm container from home in a thermos. Tomato soup and broccoli cheddar are cozy, easy options that pair nicely with sandwiches. Avoid soups heavy with noodles or rice; they can get soggy and messy outdoors.
Pre-Made Chicken Sandwiches
Costco’s chicken sandwich on sprouted grain bread is a recent standout—layered with cheddar, provolone, lettuce, tomato, and Dijon mayo. It’s filling, easy to pack, and picnic-ready.
DIY Sandwiches
Build-your-own sandwiches are simple with Costco ingredients. Try a chicken salad on artisan rolls from the bakery, or pick up packs of deli ham or turkey—Kirkland deli meats hold up well for a picnic.
Salad with Rotisserie Chicken
Salad kits from Costco become a satisfying main when topped with rotisserie chicken. They include dressing, toppings, and sturdy greens that work well outdoors—avoid delicate mixes that wilt quickly in the sun. If you prefer a ready-made option, look for the prepared Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad near the rotisserie section.
Kirkland Signature Rotisserie Chicken Asian Wraps
Spinach tortillas filled with chicken, broccoli slaw, chow mein noodles, and tangy Asian dressing offer a colorful, shareable option that travels well and adds variety to the picnic spread.
Chicken Pinwheels
Flatbread pinwheels stuffed with roasted chicken, cranberry cream cheese, lettuce, tomato, and Swiss are bite-sized, attractive on a platter, and ideal for serving a crowd.
Sweet Finishes
Cookie Tray
Costco’s cookie trays are ideal for picnics. A variety pack with chocolate chunk, oatmeal, and nut cookies satisfies different tastes and keeps sharing simple.
Cupcakes
A 12-pack of Kirkland cupcakes—available in chocolate or vanilla—adds a celebratory touch to any picnic. Avoid heavily frosted desserts that melt easily in warm weather; cupcakes are easier to manage outdoors.
The Final Basket
With one careful Costco run, you can assemble a picnic that feels effortless yet special. Mix easy appetizers, satisfying mains, and simple desserts, then head outside to enjoy sunshine and great food.
Remember that some items—warm dips best served hot, delicate greens that wilt, or melting desserts—are better for indoor gatherings. Choosing the right foods makes picnic planning smooth and stress-free.
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