Spanish Picnic Menu Food Ideas

Summer is the time of year with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. Whether you go boating, take a hike, or spend the afternoon at the local park, part of the fun is relaxing and enjoying a meal in the fresh air.

In most regions in Spain, summers are hot and dry, and the concrete and asphalt in the cities make that heat unbearable, especially in high rise apartments. So, it's common for modern Spanish families to make weekend trips to the pueblos (towns) where their families are from. They enjoy the local festivals and spend lots of time outside strolling, socializing and eating—at home on the patio, at an outdoor cafe, or a picnic on the banks of the nearby river. If they can't leave for the weekend, madrilenos or residents of Madrid spend time at the park called El Retiro where they picnic in the shade of the trees.

Wherever you choose to picnic, try our Spanish picnic menu, including several classic Spanish menu items - and a bottle or bota of vino!

01 of 08

Gazpacho Andaluz (Cold Spanish Tomato Soup)

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

On a picnic, a cold soup makes a great starter. Take this classic cold Spanish tomato soup in a plastic pitcher that seals tightly or an insulated thermos, and serve in glasses.
02 of 08

Tortilla Espanola (Spanish Omelet)

The Spruce

The classic Spanish tapa is similar to an Italian frittata. Also called tortilla de patata or potato omelet, this tortilla Espanola is a good choice for a picnic because it travels well, can be put in a baguette, or kept whole until ready to be served.
03 of 08

Empanadillas Gallegas (Little Galician Turnovers)

Kim Steele / Getty Images

Empanadas Gallegas or Galician Turnovers are one of the most popular dishes from Galicia. Empanadas in Galicia are traditionally large round or square turnovers that are cut into pieces to serve. They can be filled with tuna or meat with spices. The smaller individual turnovers are called empanadillas and travel well.
04 of 08

Rustic Baguettes

Lisa & Tony Sierra

Spaniards don't eat without bread! One or two rustic baguettes are essential to have on a picnic, especially with a Spanish menu—one to pile on ham, chorizo, etc, and the other to dip in sauces.

Continue to 5 of 8 below.
05 of 08

Crema de Limon (Spanish Lemon Cream)

Dorling Kindersley

Crema de limon is rich and creamy and sweet with lemon flavor. This is a no-cook dessert that's great for a summer picnic. It only takes 10 minutes to prepare and 3 ingredients. Chill for 1 hour and pack in a sealed container. Instead of eating it with spoons, pack some extra plastic glasses and drink dessert!
06 of 08

Turrón (Spanish Almond Candy)

Westend61 / Getty Images

Turron, the candy made from almonds, egg whites and honey is really delicious and easy to transport. Cut pieces of hard or soft turron in a sealed container and enjoy with cold sparkling wine for dessert.
07 of 08

Cold Cava (Spanish Sparkling Wine)

Image Source / Getty Images

Spain produces many good quality sparkling wines, called cold cava after the caves or cellars in which the wine is produced. These wines are made in the “méthode champenoise” or “Champagne method,” which is the same method that is used to make Champagne. Light and sparkly, they pair well with lots of food. Chill a bottle and bring it along in an insulated wine carrier or in the ice chest.
08 of 08

Albariño, a Cool Wine

Eden_Images / Getty Images

Albariño, a cool wine, which is produced in Galicia, in the Northwest corner of Spain is the perfect white wine to take on a summer picnic. It's a light wine that complements the food and is refreshing. Paco & Lola Albariño 2008 is a reasonably-priced Albariño, which you can chill and bring along with, or instead of the cava.