Pack a Sandwich-Free Picnic Basket

Bake them in a muffin tin and they pop out in tidy little rounds that taste just as good cold as they do warm. Whisk eggs with whatever fillings you have on hand and call it your secret specialty.

Salty meets sweet in this super-easy classic combo. Wrap a ribbon of prosciutto around a cube of cantaloupe, spear it and add a basil leaf if you're feeling fancy.

A dish that gets better the longer it sits makes for perfect picnic food. Toss noodles with a nutty sesame sauce, a hit of soy and a scattering of scallions and green onions. Serve it straight from the container and let everyone twirl their own forkful.

The deviled egg has been stealing the show at gatherings since your grandma's Tupperware parties. Creamy yolk filling, a whisper of mustard and a dusting of paprika on top for that retro flourish. These bad boys are guaranteed to vanish faster than you can set the plate down.

All the joy of a caprese salad without the plate that slides around your lap. Alternate cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls and fresh basil on a skewer, then drizzle with balsamic glaze right before serving.

Cold soup sounds like a hard sell until you taste it on a scorching day. Blend tomatoes, cucumber, peppers and a splash of olive oil until smooth. Pour into mason jars or a thermos and brand it as a salad you can sip.

Make the famous grazing board portable! Layer cured meats, cubed cheese, olives, nuts and a few crackers into individual clear cups so everyone gets their own little treasure chest. No communal picking and no fighting over the last slice of salami.

Cube watermelon and cucumber, tear in some fresh mint and add a crumble of feta for a salty counterpoint. It's crisp, hydrating and light enough to balance out the richer items in the basket.

Toss couscous with curry spices, dried fruit and a handful of toasted nuts for a dish with real warmth and depth. Make it the night before and let the flavors get properly acquainted.

Make it!

Fruit hand pies are golden, portable proof that the best desserts fit in one hand. They tuck sweet fruit filling into flaky pastry, seal the edges and hand you the whole thing to eat like a napkin-wrapped trophy.

Make it!