Whether it’s a beachside getaway or a mountain retreat, summer vacation is all about relaxation and making the most of your time off. When planning your trip, one thing to consider is how you’ll fuel yourself while away from home. Depending on your destination and budget, cooking meals may be a convenient option, but lugging an entire kitchen with you might not be practical.
Fortunately, you can still prepare satisfying meals using just a few essential items that are easily portable or available at local stores.
Philly Cheesesteak Burgers – Easy Travel Food
Pairing the classic flavors of Philly cheesesteaks with the simplicity of a burger patty creates a unique and mouthwatering experience that can be enjoyed throughout the year. By incorporating green peppers, onions, and melted cheese into these quarter-pound burgers, you’ll get a taste sensation unlike any other. This recipe makes a relatively small batch of four patties, perfect for intimate gatherings such as date nights or small family dinners.
If you’d prefer to mix things up, consider substituting beef with ground chicken or turkey, both of which will add a fresh twist to this classic flavor combination.
Sheet Pan Thai Red Curry Mussels – Easy Vacation Dinner Idea
Taking center stage in this effortless weekday meal is a dish that showcases the perfect blend of flavors and simplicity – sheet pan mussels. The combination of robust aromatic ingredients such as ginger, garlic, lemongrass, curry paste, and creamy coconut milk creates an incredible broth that not only steams the mussels but also infuses them with an explosion of taste.
To streamline preparation time for this upscale dish, we’ve opted to use ready-made ginger, garlic, and lemongrass paste; however, you’re more than welcome to replace it with fresh, whole alternatives or even attempt crafting your own curry paste from scratch if you have the extra time.
Roasted Chicken and Vegetables – Chicken Salad with Leftovers
Taking its cue from classic slow-roasted chicken recipes, this dish offers a refreshing twist by incorporating an assortment of colorful vegetables and aromatic spices that add depth to the traditional flavors. My relatives have always been enamored with my slow-roasted chicken, but even I need to mix things up after cooking it for so long. That’s why I’ve experimented with new combinations of ingredients, breathing life into a familiar favorite.
By doing so, this recipe is sure to break the monotony that can come from relying on tried-and-true dishes. This delectable chicken is destined to become a treasured family tradition, especially when paired with crispy country potatoes and devoured in every satisfying bite.
Portuguese Tomato Rice (Arroz de Tomate) – Best Side Dish for a Fish and Seafood
Gathering inspiration from Portugal’s rich culinary heritage, this classic rice and tomato recipe can be prepared and served in a remarkably short thirty minutes. Whether you’re looking for an effortless meal or a quick dinner solution, Arroz de Tomate (Portuguese Tomato Rice) is sure to impress with its simplicity and delicious flavors. In fact, the dish’s versatility makes it perfect as an appetizer, a side, or even as the base for a satisfying seafood main course.
Whether you’re dining on a warm summer evening or need a comforting meal any time of year, pairing arroz de tomate with a refreshing glass of white wine will elevate your dining experience to new heights!
Oatmeal Breakfast Bars (Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Puree)
Delivering wholesome goodness in every bite, Oatmeal Breakfast Bars offer an excellent option for breakfast or an afternoon treat. These bars boast the benefits of oatmeal, flaxseeds, peanut butter, and pumpkin puree, all combined to create a nutritious and filling snack. Notably, these homemade oatmeal breakfast bars can be easily prepared with common pantry items, setting them apart from store-bought alternatives that are often made with processed ingredients.
Overnight Oats with Chia – Easy Vacation Food
Generally speaking, choosing wholesome breakfast options that are both nutritious and effortless is a priority for many of us. Gathering the ingredients for these simple chia-infused overnight oats takes mere minutes, making them an ideal choice for busy mornings. They can be conveniently prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until morning, when they’re ready to be enjoyed immediately.
Gone are the days of rushing around in the morning; with these easy-to-make oats, you’ll have a delicious breakfast waiting for you, no fuss required.
Freezer Breakfast Egg Sandwich – Easy Vacation Meal
Yearning for a quick and delicious breakfast that’s both satisfying and convenient? You’re in luck! With our homemade Egg McMuffin-style sandwiches, you can enjoy the classic taste of this beloved breakfast favorite in large quantities, perfect for making ahead of time and devouring on-the-go. Whether you’re short on time or want to save money by avoiding the drive-thru, these scrumptious sandwiches are sure to hit the spot.
We’ve received countless requests from readers looking for simple make-ahead breakfast ideas, and our Egg McMuffin-style sandwiches have consistently topped the list due to their adaptability and ease of preparation.
Salmon Burgers for Easy Dinner
Focusing on creating dishes that can be prepared quickly without compromising on taste is a skill many home cooks strive for. Fortunately, with the right combination of ingredients and techniques, it’s entirely possible to create exceptional salmon patties in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a speedy dinner, these patties are loaded with flavor, especially when garnished with a delightful herb sauce that adds an extra layer of depth and taste.
While I’m still fond of my turkey patties, these salmon patties may have just become my new favorite! They’re bound together with breadcrumbs, egg, and Greek yogurt, which provides the perfect balance of moisture and texture. The addition of garlic, parsley, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice adds a burst of flavor that’s hard to resist. These patties are genuinely bursting with flavor and deliciousness. Just thinking about them makes my mouth water!
And whatever you do, don’t forgo the herb sauce – it elevates these patties to a whole new level of culinary excellence, making every bite a truly satisfying experience.
Avocado Egg Salad
Highlighting the versatility of avocado and egg mixtures, this particular recipe is a game-changer for anyone seeking a creative alternative to traditional condiments. By employing mashed avocado as a substitute for mayonnaise, you’ll achieve a rich, creamy blend that’s perfect for elevating salads, lettuce wraps, or sandwiches to the next level!
Cider Glazed Chicken Breasts
Being a fan of quick and easy meals, I was thrilled to discover this Cider Glazed Chicken Breasts recipe from Cooking Light. Not only does it take under twenty minutes to prepare, but it’s also a great option for a week-night dinner when you’re short on time and feeling particularly rushed.
Easy 10 Minute Instant Pot Spaghetti
Making a delicious and satisfying Instant Pot spaghetti is easier than you think, with this simple 10-minute recipe. It’s a one-pot meal that requires minimal effort but yields a mouth-watering dish that can feed your entire family of five for under ten dollars! Just gather a few ingredients and dump them into the Instant Pot for a hassle-free cooking experience. The result is a complete pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or any occasion, all in the comfort of one pot.
Funfetti Mug Cake: Birthday Cake in a Mug
Oozing with Funfetti goodness, this delightful mug cake is the ultimate birthday treat in a mug. It’s so decadent and scrumptious that I’m convinced it’ll make me rethink baking traditional cakes from now on! The result of this recipe is an incredibly fluffy, moist, and deliciously good mug cake that’s perfect for marking any special occasion, whether it’s a birthday or just a reason to indulge in something delightful. Check out the details here.
One Pot Taco Beef And Rice
Hold on to the traditional Taco Tuesday vibe, but give it a refreshing twist with our mouth-watering One Pot Taco Beef and Rice. This game-changing taco skillet recipe is not only incredibly quick and easy to make but also packed with flavor, making it an instant hit with your family as a new favorite taco alternative. Simply follow the simple steps outlined in this recipe and get ready to indulge in a fiesta of flavors in just one pot! Check out our recipe here.
One Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Enjoying the simplicity of one-pot meals, One Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs is an effortless recipe that combines pasta and homemade meatballs in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. Ground beef meatballs simmer in a speedy homemade sauce that’s made with just a few ingredients, before uncooked spaghetti is added to cook together perfectly.
Sausage and Pepper Pasta
Reaching for a quick and satisfying meal option, sausage and pepper pasta made with Italian sausages fits the bill perfectly. It’s an easy weeknight solution that also serves up a generous helping of cheesy comfort food.
Banh Mi Turkey Hot Dogs – Weight Watchers Friendly
Under no circumstances did I imagine that Vietnamese subs would become a staple in my diet. It all started about 5 years ago when I had my first one, and I was blown away by the flavors and textures. From then on, I was hooked, but unfortunately, I couldn’t indulge in them as often as I’d have liked due to their financial and caloric cost. That’s why I came up with a creative solution – Banh Mi Turkey Hot Dog – which not only satisfies my cravings but also fits within my budget.
To be honest, I’m still amazed at how delicious it is, and the combination of flavors is truly exceptional.
Sheet Pan Oven Baked Gnocchi with Sausage and Vegetables
Vibrant and delicious, sheet pan oven baked gnocchi with sausage and vegetables is a perfect solution for busy weeknights. This quick dinner can be prepared in just 25 minutes and cooked to perfection in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze as well.
Easy 30 minute Chicken Parmesan Recipe + Gluten Free and Low Carb Option
A perfect weeknight dinner option, Easy Chicken Parmesan is a mouth-watering 30 minute meal that’s sure to satisfy. Made with lightly breaded chicken breasts that are quickly skillet fried and then simmered in rich marinara sauce, topped with a generous helping of creamy mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Serve it over your favorite pasta or zoodles for a well-rounded and delicious meal.
Best Easy Chile Relleno Casserole (+ Gluten Free Option)
Beyond the realm of traditional Chile Relleno recipes lies a comforting and delicious vegetarian dish, namely the Chile Relleno Casserole. This mouthwatering creation is comprised of whole roasted Hatch green chiles, which are carefully stuffed with melted Monterey Jack cheese. The casserole’s crowning glory comes in the form of an egg and milk batter, poured over the top and resulting in a golden-brown, fluffy masterpiece after baking.
Its gluten-free adaptability only adds to its appeal, making it an excellent option for those requiring dietary accommodations.
Crockpot Chicken Tacos – Make on Vacation Easy Meal
Achieving the perfect blend of flavors, this mouthwatering crockpot chicken taco meat is a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their Mexican-inspired meals. With just five effortless ingredients, you’ll be on your way to creating an unforgettable flavor experience that will leave you and your loved ones begging for more.
Portuguese Tomato Rice (Arroz de Tomate)
Gastronomes rejoice! This classic Portuguese dish of rice and tomatoes is a flavorsome treat that’s ready to be devoured in just thirty minutes. With effortless preparation, you can easily try Arroz de Tomate for your next dinner gathering, and rest assured it will leave everyone wanting more. Check out the full recipe here.
Instant Pot Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs
One of the key benefits of Instant Pot Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs is its simplicity, making it perfect for a quick and hassle-free meal. By using frozen meatballs, you can skip most of the prep work, allowing you to save time in the kitchen. To turn this into a complete meal, simply add brown rice to your pot and cook everything together in under 30 minutes.
Sheet Pan Breakfast Tostadas
Welcoming a new twist on the classic breakfast combo, these sheet pan breakfast tostadas bring a burst of Southwestern flavor to the table. The combination of crispy corn tortillas, creamy cheddar cheese, perfectly cooked eggs, and tangy salsa verde creates a truly unique dish that’s sure to shake things up from the usual morning routine.
