As long as I can remember our picnics consisted of fried chicken, cole slaw, potato salad, biscuits, and watermelon. Obviously this isn't a southern thing because I am from Illinois originally. I think it's just "regular" picnic fare.
When you said "healthy picnic foods" AskOwl, why didn't you say what they are? I might realize that your words were a link, but how many others wouldn't know that and would be left wondering what you were talking about?
Regardless, the question asked what a "traditional American" family picnic consisted of, not what we would suggest. Traditionally speaking, I think the fried chicken will be the number one.
