We love any excuse to eat outside—whether it’s dinner in the backyard or lunch in the park. And when the weather’s nice, nothing beats a picnic. It’s one of the easiest ways to get together with friends or family without stressing about cleaning the house beforehand.

Costco makes picnic planning simple. From easy appetizers to crowd-pleasing desserts, one trip through the warehouse can set you up with everything you need. Here are our favorite picnic picks (plus a few items better saved for home).

Kick Off with Easy Appetizers

Cape Cod Chips

Chips are a must, and Costco’s snack aisle is packed with good options. We love classic Cape Cod Chips, but don’t overlook Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps or Angie’s Boom Chicka Pop. They’re a little lighter than traditional chips but still have that irresistible “just one more” factor.

Dips

We’ve tried nearly every dip at Costco, and there’s always at least one standout. Toom Garlic Dip is our favorite for pairing with fresh veggies, while La Terra Fina’s Cranberry Jalapeño Dip is a seasonal fall winner.
👉 Skip: Buffalo chicken and spinach-artichoke dips. They’re delicious, but they’re at their best warm—better suited for movie night at home than a picnic blanket in the park.

Charcuterie Made Simple

Around the holidays, you might spot Costco’s boxed charcuterie platter, but when it’s not in stock, you can easily DIY. Grab Cabot’s pre-sliced cheese pack (cheddar, gouda, and pepper jack—better tasting than Cello’s) and pair it with the Fratelli Berretta pre-sliced meat assortment. Add a box of grapes, and you’ve got an impressive spread with zero effort.

Formaggio Artisan Wraps

If you want something even simpler, pick up Formaggio’s mozzarella sticks wrapped in pepperoni, prosciutto, or sopressata. They’re ready to eat, and any extras make an easy addition to weekday lunches.

Filling Picnic Mains

Soup in a Thermos

Warm a container at home and pack it in a thermos. Blount Tomato Soup and Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar are both simple, cozy options that pair perfectly with sandwiches.
👉 Skip: Any soup with lots of noodles or rice. They tend to get soggy and messy quickly, which is not ideal when you’re outside.

Pre-Made Chicken Sandwiches

New for 2025, Costco’s chicken sandwich on sprouted grain bread is a winner—layered with cheddar, provolone, lettuce, tomato, and Dijon mayo. Easy, filling, and picnic-ready.

DIY Sandwiches

If you’d rather build your own, try the Cape Cod Chicken Salad on Costco’s Signature Artisan Rolls (available in the bakery). Or grab a pack of deli ham or turkey—Kirkland’s versions hold up nicely.

Salad with Rotisserie Chicken

Costco’s salad kits make a great main dish when topped with rotisserie chicken. Trust us, we’ve tried them all. They come with everything you need, and the variety rotates often. If you’re not feeling DIY, grab the prepared Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad near the rotisserie chickens.
👉 Skip: Super delicate greens like spring mix—wilting happens fast in the sun.

Kirkland Signature Rotisserie Chicken Asian Wraps

For a fun twist, pick up these spinach-tortilla wraps stuffed with chicken, broccoli slaw, chow mein noodles, and tangy Asian dressing. They’re colorful, tasty, and easy to share.

Chicken Pinwheels

These flatbread pinwheels are filled with roasted chicken, cranberry cream cheese, lettuce, tomato, and Swiss. They’re bite-sized, look pretty on a platter, and are perfect when serving a big spread.

Sweet Finishes

Cookie Tray

Costco’s cookie trays are picnic-perfect. The variety pack with chocolate chunk, oatmeal, and nut cookies covers all the bases (and makes everyone happy).

Cupcakes

Picnics deserve a little celebration, so why not grab a 12-pack of Kirkland cupcakes? They come in double chocolate or vanilla and are always a hit.
👉 Skip: Anything with frosting that melts easily in the heat (think big cakes or frosted sheet desserts). Cupcakes are easier to manage and share.

The Final Basket

With just one Costco run, you can pull together a picnic that feels effortless but still special. Stock up on a mix of easy appetizers, hearty mains, and fun desserts, then get outside and enjoy fresh air, sunshine, and great food.

And while some foods are perfect for a picnic spread, others—such as warm dips, delicate greens, or melt-prone desserts—are better suited for indoor entertaining. Knowing what to grab (and what to skip) makes planning that much easier.

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