25 No-Cook Costco Finds For Perfect Summer Picnics
WestEnd Mediterranean Chicken Skewers
Already grilled, no bones, and great cold. Slide the chicken off a skewer and straight into a croissant with a swipe of pesto if you want to level up lunch.
Roasted Chicken and Swiss Rollers
Pinwheel wraps pack flat, shed minimal crumbs, and work for every age bracket on the blanket.
Pete's Shrimp Ceviche Cups
Citrus-cured shrimp stays picnic-safe on ice. Pop the lid and add tortilla chips for an instant seaside upgrade.
Smoked Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl
Smoked (so it's sturdier than raw) plus chilled rice = sushi vibes that won't wilt. Stir in the sauce pouch right before you dig in.
Tortellini Pasta Salad with Mozzarella Pearls
Hearty, vinaigrette-dressed, and scoopable straight from the tub.
NatureSweet Constellation Sweet Peppers
Pre-washed, seedless crunchers. Slice in half to make mini 'boats' for chicken salad or hummus.
Symphony Cherry and Sun Gold Tomatoes
Juicy flavor bombs that require zero knife skills. Pair with mozzarella pearls and pesto for a lazy caprese.
Yellow Nectarines
All the juiciness of a peach, but the firmer skin means they won't bruise on the ride in. Let them sit on top of the cooler while you set up. An hour of seaside warmth deepens the sweetness for that 'just-picked' flavor.
Grillo's Dill Pickle Chips
Cold, crinkly, and perfectly briny. Snack on them solo or slap a few onto croissant sandwiches for crunch.
Kirkland Organic Hummus Cups
Single-serve lids mean no sandy double-dip drama. Perfect with peppers or bagel chips.
Delve Basil Pesto Parmesan Dip
Thick enough not to drip and acts as a spread, dressing, or emergency veggie coating when kids declare they 'don't like plain tomatoes.'
Butter Croissants
Soft, buttery canvases. Fill them with chicken, smear with pesto, or hand one plain to the toddler who 'isn't hungry' until everyone else eats.
Want to cook recipes in step-by-step mode right from your phone? Download the free Tasty app right now.
Sonoma Pepperoni Pizza Crisps
Crunchy 'pizza chips' with real pepperoni flecks and — surprise — about 13 grams of protein per serving. They tackle salty cravings and sneak a little staying power into the snack spread.
Schwartz Brothers Everything Bagel Chips
Sturdy, flavorful scoops for hummus or cheese that won't dissolve with cooler moisture.
BelGioioso Mozzarella Snacking Cheese
Individually wrapped pearls mean an easy protein hit and a perfect partner to tomatoes.
Tillamook Cracker Cuts Trio
Pre-sliced cheddar and jack cheeses, perfect for building quick cheese stacks or slipping between bagel chips for a mini sandwich.
Spirella Minis (Salami-Wrapped Cheese)
Charcuterie sticks you can eat one-handed while the other corrals the beach umbrella.
Tropical Fields Unsweetened Dried Mango
Chewy, bright, and sun-proof. Pairs surprisingly well with sharp cheddar for a sweet-savory bite.
Bobo's Stuffed Oat Bites (Apple Pie and Strawberry)
Soft oat shell around fruity centers that feel like a portable pie but never melt.
Posh Pantry Mini Fudge Brownies
Dense enough to survive cooler rummaging, fudgy enough to feel like you baked them.
Poppi 'Endless Summer' Prebiotic Sodas
Fruity fizz with less sugar than typical pop. Fun for kids and a little gut-friendly for parents.
S.Pellegrino Essenza Sparkling Water
Crisp bubbles with a hint of fruit — hydration that still feels special.
Saint James Iced Tea
Peach, lemon, and half-and-half in slim cans that chill fast and pair with literally anything in the cooler.
Vita Coco Coconut Water Cartons
Resealable electrolytes. Freeze a couple of them the night before; they double as ice packs and taste like slushy heaven at 3 p.m.
Igloo 80-Quart Iceless Electric Cooler
Yes, it's a splurge. A standard cooler works fine, but if picnics are your personality, this plugs into the car and shows up beachside with everything still fridge-cold. (Regular cooler folks: Layer those frozen coconut waters under the seafood and slide a travel sleeve of wipes into the side pocket — future you will applaud.)
That's my beach roster! Zero stove, minimal crumbs, and maximum happy campers. Did I miss a sleeper Costco gem that lives in your cooler all summer? Share it in the comments!
Looking to level up your beach picnics this summer? Download the Tasty app to browse and save thousands of summer-y recipes — no subscription required.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Here's the most important thing to know about taking a cruise this fall
Cruising this fall? Here's the number one thing you need to know about planning your trip. Whether you're dreaming of kayaking beneath Norwegian fjords or ziplining through rainforest canopies in St. Lucia, the key to a seamless cruise experience often comes down to one strategic move: booking your shore excursions well in advance. Not only does early planning secure you a spot on the excursions that excite you most, but it also adds a layer of security and peace of mind that last-minute bookings simply can't match. The mistake I made with my fall cruise booking For the last three years, my sister and I have been dreaming of going on Viking's Empires of the Mediterranean cruise, a dreamy 10-day voyage from Venice to Athens. We've been planning the trip in our heads (and over the phone) for several years, and we officially signed up for the trip a few months ago. This weekend, we finally went in to book our shore excursions, only to find that many of them were already sold out. Are you kidding? Our trip is three months out! It never occurred to us that other travelers would be booking this far in advance and we actually thought we were way ahead of the curve. Free vs. upgraded shore excursions Viking is a very reputable cruise company so they would never leave their guests hanging, unable to book a shore excursion. In fact, their Viking Inclusive Value package guarantees you'll get a free shore excursion at every stop in addition to included meals and free wine and beer at lunches and dinners. It's a great deal, so we will still be able to get on a free shore excursion at each port, but many of the prime tour times are already booked up and some of the best upgraded shore excursions (which are available for an additional cost) are already sold out. Cruise excursions fill up fast Cruise excursions often fill up fast—especially those that blend limited capacity with high demand, like snorkeling over Belize's barrier reef or joining a guided walk through the UNESCO-listed ruins of Ephesus. In my case, it's a visit to Croatia's Krka National Park, which has gone viral on social media for its astounding collection of 17 waterfalls. I was able to score the last spot on a hike in Santorini (a bucket-list destination for me), but there was no room for my sister, which is a bummer. Viking still has plenty of spots available on other excursions in Santorini, but my sister and I would have loved to do the hike together so shame on us for waiting so long to book. When to book shore excursions on a cruise Cruise lines typically open up their excursion bookings a few months before departure, and the most sought-after experiences are usually the first to go. By locking in your activities early, you're more likely to get that once-in-a-lifetime helicopter tour in Alaska or wine tasting in a Tuscan vineyard rather than settling for a less inspiring backup option. Because the booking opening date varies from company to company and cruise to cruise, confirm as soon as you book your cruise how soon you will be able to book excursions. Then, schedule a calender event (either on a digital calender or via a reminder in your paper notebook) so you don't forget to sign up. Why book shore excursions directly through your cruise operator Beyond availability, booking through your cruise line offers a major logistical advantage: guaranteed return to your ship. Cruise-operated tours are designed to align with the ship's schedule, meaning they won't leave without you if your group is delayed. Independent operators, while often appealing for their competitive prices or niche offerings, can't offer the same assurance. Missing the ship's departure isn't just stressful—it can be costly and potentially derail the rest of your voyage. There's also the matter of quality and vetting. Cruise lines have a vested interest in partnering with reputable, well-reviewed tour operators that prioritize safety, professionalism, and enriching experiences. While some independent tours are exceptional, others can be hit or miss—especially in ports with limited regulation. Booking early through your cruise line helps you avoid that gamble. Why you should prioritize booking cruise shore excursions Think of shore excursions as more than a way to fill time off the ship; they're an extension of your journey, deepening your understanding of each destination. Whether it's watching artisans handcraft pottery in a small Greek village or trekking through a Patagonian glacier field, these moments often become the heart of your travel story. And the best stories usually begin with thoughtful planning. To make the most of your trip, spend time researching each port ahead of time - even if you haven't even officially booked your departure yetThen, schedule a calendar event (either on a digital calendar or via a reminder in your paper notebook) so you don't forget to sign up.. Cruise forums, destination blogs, and even the cruise line's own excursion descriptions can offer valuable insight into what's worth prioritizing. Consider your interests, energy levels, and appetite for adventure—then reserve your excursions as soon as they open up. Planning ahead doesn't just save you from the stress of last-minute decisions; it elevates your entire cruise experience. From the serenity of a pre-dawn kayak paddle to the exhilaration of climbing an ancient fortress wall, booking early ensures you won't just see the world—you'll experience it fully, one unforgettable shore at a time. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Agora to open new restaurant in Maryland, US
Family-owned US hospitality brand Agora Restaurant Group has unveiled its plans to further expand its restaurant footprint across the country with a new location in Bethesda, Maryland, US. Located at One Bethesda Metro Center beneath the Hyatt Regency Bethesda, the new restaurant will open in spring 2026. The Agora Bethesda will showcase a mezze-style menu that draws inspiration from the culinary traditions of Turkey, Greece and Lebanon, with executive chef Ismet Sahin at the helm. Hyatt Regency Bethesda Hotel general manager Katherina Kia stated: 'We are very excited to add another offering for our guests and clients in 2026. 'Agora is an established and reputable operator, and we look forward to a successful partnership at the Hyatt Regency in Bethesda.' The menu will emphasise seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, featuring signature dishes such as flame-grilled kebabs, house-made künefe [a sweet cheese pastry] and pistachio soufflé, along with a variety of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Agora currently operates two restaurants offering Mediterranean cuisine in Washington, DC, and Tysons, Virginia. Agora Restaurant owners Betul and Ismail Uslu stated: "At Agora, we've always believed that food has the power to bring people together. Every dish we serve is rooted in tradition but reimagined with fresh, local ingredients and a modern touch. 'With our new Bethesda location, we're staying true to Agora's mission of creating memorable experiences through authentic flavours and heartfelt hospitality. 'We're especially excited to collaborate with Maryland farms and winemakers to ensure everything we offer is responsibly sourced and thoughtfully prepared.' "Agora to open new restaurant in Maryland, US" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Skift
3 days ago
- Skift
Extreme Heat in Greece Triggers Safety Warnings for Tourists, Forces Partial Shut Down of Acropolis
The increasing frequency of heat events is raising fresh questions about climate resilience in Mediterranean tourism markets, especially as the peak season now coincides with dangerous weather extremes. Greece has partially shut down the Acropolis in Athens and is urging tourists to stay indoors as an extreme heatwave sweeps across the country. Greece's Ministry of Culture has closed the ancient citadel during the hottest hours everyday since Tuesday. It is the most visited attraction in the country. 'The Acropolis Archaeological Site will remain closed from Friday to Sunday, between 12:00 and 17:00 due to high temperatures, for the safety of employees and visitors,' the ministry said in a statement. Temperatures in parts of the country are expected to peak at 43°C (109°F), according to Greece's Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection. Authorities have advised residents and tourists to stay cool, avoid crowds, use air conditioning or fans, wear breathable clothing, and drink water regularly. Tourism Sector Faces Heat Pressure Greece, which welcomes millions of visitors annually during the summer months, is no stranger to extreme heat. But climate change is intensifying those patterns. The country has experienced longer and more intense heatwaves in recent years, as well as deadly floods and destructive wildfires. Last month, Western Europe was gripped by another searing heatwave that triggered evacuations, injuries, and travel disruption across France, Spain, and Greece. Thousands were displaced by wildfires, while tourism businesses and public agencies scrambled to respond. Skift's in-depth reporting on climate issues is made possible through the financial support of Intrepid Travel. This backing allows Skift to bring you high-quality journalism on one of the most important topics facing our planet today. Intrepid is not involved in any decisions made by Skift's editorial team.
