The '70s weren't just about disco and bell-bottoms—they had some enjoyable picnic foods that deserve a comeback. These retro bites brought personality to every checkered blanket. Some were savory, others sweet, and a few might make you raise an eyebrow, but all of them had a place at the perfect outdoor spread. Let's rediscover some classic picnic foods that rocked!
Pickle Wraps
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Pickle wraps bring together three ingredients that shouldn't work but somehow do. A crunchy dill pickle is slathered in cream cheese and tightly wrapped in deli ham, sometimes corned beef for the adventurous. The result is a salty, tangy, creamy bite that became a picnic and potluck staple in the '70s.
Cocktail Weiners
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These bite-sized sausages simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce, often grape jelly and mustard, were a '70s party staple. They were especially popular at picnics, where they could be skewered with toothpicks for easy eating. Simplicity was key—dump everything in a slow cooker, blend the flavors, and boom, an instant hit.
Shrimp Cocktail
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Shrimp cocktail was the height of sophistication and a surefire way to impress guests. Jumbo shrimp served ice-cold with a zesty cocktail sauce made every outdoor meal feel a little more upscale. It was a no-fuss, no-mess appetizer that packed a punch of flavor with minimal effort.
Deviled Eggs
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Hard-boiled eggs, a creamy filling, and a sprinkle of paprika—deviled eggs were the ultimate picnic MVP in the '70s. The classic recipe mixed egg yolks with mayo, mustard, and a pinch of seasoning, but some hosts got creative by adding relish, bacon, or even a splash of hot sauce.
Clam Dip
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A dip made from minced clams sounds questionable, but in the '70s, it was a big deal. Clam dip combined canned clams with cream cheese, sour cream, and a mix of seasonings. It was a rich, briny spread that paired perfectly with potato chips without hauling a cooler full of shellfish.
Seven Layer Salad
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This was a seven-layer salad with vibrant ingredients like lettuce, peas, hard-boiled eggs, cheese, bacon, and onions, all sealed with a thick layer of mayo-based dressing. It's often served in a glass bowl to showcase its colorful layers. In order to eat it, you scooped straight down to get all seven flavors in one go.
Ants on a Log
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Few childhood snacks were as simple—or fun—as ants on a log. Celery sticks were filled with raisins and peanut butter to create a crunchy, sweet, and salty snack that felt like playing with food. In the '70s, it was a go-to for parents who wanted something nutritious yet appealing for kids.
Mini Quiches
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Mini quiches were the classy addition to any '70s picnic spread. These tiny tarts were filled with egg, cheese, and various mix-ins like ham, spinach, or mushrooms, baked in a flaky crust. They were devoured in just a few bites.
Stuffed Celery
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Celery might not be the most exciting vegetable, but stuffing it with something creamy was a different story. Stuffed celery was a picnic must-have in the '70s. It was often filled with either cream cheese and chives or peanut butter and raisins. The whole idea was simple, crunchy, and surprisingly satisfying.
Fruit Kebabs
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Fruit was always a picnic staple, but in the '70s, it got a fun upgrade with skewers. Instead of tossing fruit in a bowl, people started threading grapes, pineapple, melon, and strawberries onto wooden sticks. Sometimes, they were served with a side of yogurt or marshmallow fluff dip for extra sweetness.
Waldorf Salad
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The Waldorf salad had existed long before the '70s, but it saw a resurgence during the decade's picnic boom. It was refreshing and hearty with apples, grapes, celery, walnuts, and mayonnaise. Some versions added raisins or swapped the mayo for yogurt, but the combination of crunchy and creamy remained the same.
Ritz Cracker Mock Apple Pie
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Ritz crackers were layered with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice to mimic the texture and taste of baked apples. This Depression-era trick made a surprising comeback in the '70s, possibly because it was a fun, quirky recipe that actually worked. While it might not replace a real apple pie, it's an interesting experiment in food science.
Porcupine Meatballs
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Meatballs with rice mixed in might sound odd, but in the '70s, porcupine meatballs were all the rage. The rice cooked inside the meatball, poking out like little quills—hence the name. They were simmered in tomato sauce and served hot.
Pea Salad
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While a cold salad made with peas, cheddar cheese cubes, bacon, and mayo might sound strange, it was a go-to side dish in the '70s. The sweet peas, salty bacon, and creamy dressing created a surprisingly balanced bite. While it has fallen out of favor for trendier salads, it's still a nostalgic comfort food for those who remember.
Angel Food Cake
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Angel food cake was a picnic dessert that felt almost weightless—until you returned for a second or third slice. It had a fluffy texture that set it apart from denser cakes since it was primarily made with whipped egg whites, sugar, and just a touch of flour. It often came with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
