Fresh or bottled chutneys certainly add to the meal. A continental meal could include roast chicken with a potato salad, some winter greens and some interesting breads. If you are taking a salad, however, cut it in advance but preferably dress it just before eating. Another idea for a western menu could include quiche with a fresh green salad. A meat loaf is also delicious and easy to carry.
Sandwiches are ideal picnic foods.
You can make a range of them chicken with mayonnaise, egg-salad, cheese with lettuce, mushroom. Here is what you do. Saute the finely chopped mushrooms with a clove of garlic and green chillies for 5 minutes. Take off the fire and add cheese spread, fresh pepper, a little chili-garlic sauce and if you like, some green onion tops. Use as a sandwich filling.