Forgotten picnic classics from the 1960's worth bringing back
- Replies 0
Summer picnics have a way of sparking old memories—family gatherings, neighborhood potlucks, and afternoons stretched out on a checkered blanket.
But if you look back to the 1960s, the food that filled picnic baskets was often more adventurous and inventive than what we see today.
Home cooks loved trying new recipes, experimenting with bold flavors, and putting creative spins on familiar favorites.
These dishes weren’t just practical—they were part of the fun, setting the tone for the whole outing.
While some of them have slipped out of the spotlight, it might be time to rediscover a few retro staples and add them to your next picnic spread.
As unusual as they may sound, onion sandwiches were considered sophisticated in the 1960s.
Endorsed by famed chef James Beard, the classic version used brioche rounds spread with mayo, layered with salted onion slices, and rolled in parsley.
They were served not just at picnics but also at cocktail parties. Even today, food personalities like Martha Stewart have praised them.
GrayVine Tip: Try using red onions for a milder flavor or sprinkle in chives for a fresher bite.
Before granola bars, popcorn balls were the go-to treat for picnics and parties.
Made with popcorn, sugar, butter, and molasses, they were easy to prepare and universally loved.
Some families even passed down whimsical legends about their origins, making them as much a story as a snack!
GrayVine Tip: Add cinnamon or peanuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Jell-O wasn’t just for wiggly desserts—it was baked right into cakes.
Lemon Jell-O cake became a picnic favorite thanks to its cheerful color, tangy flavor, and sturdy texture that traveled well.
Variations using different Jell-O flavors offered even more creativity, with results that were as fun to look at as they were to eat.
GrayVine Tip: Swap in orange or raspberry Jell-O and top with fresh fruit for a modern upgrade.
Inspired by British coronation chicken, curried salads in the 1960s mixed potatoes, eggs, or artichokes with creamy curry dressing.
Sometimes rice or chicken was added, creating a hearty dish with just enough spice to feel exotic for the era.
GrayVine Tip: Toss in raisins or chopped apples for a sweet touch, or lighten the dressing with Greek yogurt.
Deviled eggs were as common at picnics in the 1960s as they are today.
Filled with creamy yolk mixtures seasoned with mustard, mayo, or even sardines, they offered endless variations.
While they never fully disappeared, the ’60s solidified their status as a picnic essential.
GrayVine Tip: Garnish with smoked paprika or pickles to add color and crunch.
For those seeking something sweet but not heavy, angel food cake was a favorite.
Its cloud-like texture made it perfect after a big picnic meal.
Creative versions included cutting cubes of the cake, dipping them in honey or jelly, and toasting them over the fire.
GrayVine Tip: Serve with strawberries and whipped cream for a classic finish.
A mixture of apples, celery, walnuts, and grapes, Waldorf salad brought refinement to outdoor meals.
Its crisp, creamy balance made it refreshing yet filling.
Food authorities of the time, like James Beard, even weighed in on perfect proportions, giving it prestige in home kitchens.
GrayVine Tip: Swap walnuts for pecans or add dried cranberries for a colorful twist.
Canned deviled ham was a pantry staple in the ’60s and made its way into many picnic baskets.
Spread on bread, crackers, or even stuffed into mushrooms, it was a simple but flavorful protein source.
GrayVine Tip: Mix with Dijon mustard and chopped pickles for a zesty sandwich spread.
Though they might seem unusual for a picnic, baked beans were popular in the 1960s for their sweet, smoky flavor.
They paired well with hot dogs and burgers and could be eaten warm or cold, making them convenient to pack.
GrayVine Tip: Keep them hot in a thermos or try a vegetarian recipe for a lighter version.
Onion loaf was as simple as it was satisfying—bread baked with butter and onion salt until golden.
It was easy to prepare and matched well with nearly any main dish.
GrayVine Tip: Add cheese before baking for a richer version.
These 1960s picnic foods remind us that meals outdoors were about more than convenience—they were about fun, flair, and family tradition.
They carried stories and flavors that brought people together.
Bringing them back today could add a touch of nostalgia and creativity to your next gathering!
Read next: How well do you remember the 1960s? Try this nostalgia quiz and find out
Which of these retro dishes would you like to try again? Do you have family recipes passed down from picnics in the ’60s? Or maybe you’ve put a modern twist on a classic? Share your stories and ideas in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!
But if you look back to the 1960s, the food that filled picnic baskets was often more adventurous and inventive than what we see today.
Home cooks loved trying new recipes, experimenting with bold flavors, and putting creative spins on familiar favorites.
These dishes weren’t just practical—they were part of the fun, setting the tone for the whole outing.
While some of them have slipped out of the spotlight, it might be time to rediscover a few retro staples and add them to your next picnic spread.
Picnic foods from the 1960s brought creativity, color, and a touch of nostalgia to outdoor gatherings. Image Source: YouTube / Kinolibrary.
Onion sandwiches: a chic mid-century snack
As unusual as they may sound, onion sandwiches were considered sophisticated in the 1960s.
Endorsed by famed chef James Beard, the classic version used brioche rounds spread with mayo, layered with salted onion slices, and rolled in parsley.
They were served not just at picnics but also at cocktail parties. Even today, food personalities like Martha Stewart have praised them.
GrayVine Tip: Try using red onions for a milder flavor or sprinkle in chives for a fresher bite.
Popcorn balls: sweet, sticky fun
Before granola bars, popcorn balls were the go-to treat for picnics and parties.
Made with popcorn, sugar, butter, and molasses, they were easy to prepare and universally loved.
Some families even passed down whimsical legends about their origins, making them as much a story as a snack!
GrayVine Tip: Add cinnamon or peanuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Also read: 17 surprising airline rules from the 1960s that would shock travelers today
Lemon Jell-O cake: bright and bouncy
Jell-O wasn’t just for wiggly desserts—it was baked right into cakes.
Lemon Jell-O cake became a picnic favorite thanks to its cheerful color, tangy flavor, and sturdy texture that traveled well.
Variations using different Jell-O flavors offered even more creativity, with results that were as fun to look at as they were to eat.
GrayVine Tip: Swap in orange or raspberry Jell-O and top with fresh fruit for a modern upgrade.
Curried salad: bold and adventurous
Inspired by British coronation chicken, curried salads in the 1960s mixed potatoes, eggs, or artichokes with creamy curry dressing.
Sometimes rice or chicken was added, creating a hearty dish with just enough spice to feel exotic for the era.
GrayVine Tip: Toss in raisins or chopped apples for a sweet touch, or lighten the dressing with Greek yogurt.
A bold, flavorful dish that brought something different to the picnic table. Image Source: Reddit / nomoanya.
Also read: Bustling 1960s New York City Streets
Deviled eggs: the timeless crowd-pleaser
Deviled eggs were as common at picnics in the 1960s as they are today.
Filled with creamy yolk mixtures seasoned with mustard, mayo, or even sardines, they offered endless variations.
While they never fully disappeared, the ’60s solidified their status as a picnic essential.
GrayVine Tip: Garnish with smoked paprika or pickles to add color and crunch.
A timeless favorite that never goes out of style. Image Source: YouTube / The Hillbilly Kitchen - Down Home Country Cooking.
Angel food cake: light and airy
For those seeking something sweet but not heavy, angel food cake was a favorite.
Its cloud-like texture made it perfect after a big picnic meal.
Creative versions included cutting cubes of the cake, dipping them in honey or jelly, and toasting them over the fire.
GrayVine Tip: Serve with strawberries and whipped cream for a classic finish.
Also read: 18 reasons today’s youth might struggle to survive the ’60s
Waldorf salad: elegance in a bowl
A mixture of apples, celery, walnuts, and grapes, Waldorf salad brought refinement to outdoor meals.
Its crisp, creamy balance made it refreshing yet filling.
Food authorities of the time, like James Beard, even weighed in on perfect proportions, giving it prestige in home kitchens.
GrayVine Tip: Swap walnuts for pecans or add dried cranberries for a colorful twist.
Deviled ham: quick and savory
Canned deviled ham was a pantry staple in the ’60s and made its way into many picnic baskets.
Spread on bread, crackers, or even stuffed into mushrooms, it was a simple but flavorful protein source.
GrayVine Tip: Mix with Dijon mustard and chopped pickles for a zesty sandwich spread.
Also read: 16 surprising yard sale finds that could be worth a fortune
Boston baked beans: hearty tradition
Though they might seem unusual for a picnic, baked beans were popular in the 1960s for their sweet, smoky flavor.
They paired well with hot dogs and burgers and could be eaten warm or cold, making them convenient to pack.
GrayVine Tip: Keep them hot in a thermos or try a vegetarian recipe for a lighter version.
Onion loaf: comfort in bread form
Onion loaf was as simple as it was satisfying—bread baked with butter and onion salt until golden.
It was easy to prepare and matched well with nearly any main dish.
GrayVine Tip: Add cheese before baking for a richer version.
Also read: 23 ways summer vacations in the ’60s looked different from today
Why these classics are worth revisiting
These 1960s picnic foods remind us that meals outdoors were about more than convenience—they were about fun, flair, and family tradition.
They carried stories and flavors that brought people together.
Bringing them back today could add a touch of nostalgia and creativity to your next gathering!
Read next: How well do you remember the 1960s? Try this nostalgia quiz and find out
Which of these retro dishes would you like to try again? Do you have family recipes passed down from picnics in the ’60s? Or maybe you’ve put a modern twist on a classic? Share your stories and ideas in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!
