As the warm weather sets in, many of us look forward to escaping the ordinary and indulging in some well-deserved R&R. Whether you’re embarking on a beachside getaway or a mountain retreat, cooking up a storm in your vacation rental can be a great way to save money and enjoy quality time with loved ones. Of course, you don’t want to lug your entire kitchen arsenal along for the ride!
Fear not, dear travelers, for I’ve compiled a list of 25 quick, easy, and delicious meals that require minimal fuss and maximum flavor. With just a few trusty ingredients from your rental or nearby store, you’ll be whipping up satisfying meals in no time.
Philly Cheesesteak Burgers – Easy Travel Food
Philly Cheesesteak Burgers bring a unique and delightful twist to the classic burger experience. By incorporating the signature flavors of green pepper, onion, and melted cheese – all hallmarks of a traditional Philly cheesesteak – these quarter-pound burgers are sure to please. And the best part? This recipe serves two, making it an excellent option for any occasion, whether that’s a casual lunch, a cozy dinner, a game day gathering or even a romantic evening meal.
What’s more, you can easily substitute the beef patties with ground chicken or turkey for a flavorful and satisfying alternative.
Sheet Pan Thai Red Curry Mussels – Easy Vacation Dinner Idea
Indulge in the simplicity of a remarkable weekday meal with these sheet pan mussels, where the harmonious union of aromatic ingredients, curry paste, and creamy coconut milk yields an extraordinary broth. This culinary masterpiece is cooked directly on the sheet pan, effortlessly steaming the mussels while infusing them with a depth of flavor.
To streamline preparation, we utilize convenient ready-made ginger, garlic, and lemongrass paste; feel free to substitute with fresh or whole alternatives if you prefer. Should time permit, you can even experiment with crafting your own curry paste for an added layer of complexity.
Roasted Chicken and Vegetables – Chicken Salad with Leftovers
While roasting an entire chicken may seem like a daunting task, the payoff is well worth the effort. Not only does it result in a mouthwatering main course, but the leftovers also provide a great foundation for subsequent dishes like chicken salad or soup. This versatile recipe has been a staple in my household for some time, and I’m excited to share it with you.
I must confess that even tried-and-true recipes can become stale over time, which is why I’ve recently decided to mix things up by experimenting with new vegetable pairings and spice combinations. The result is a dish that’s not only delicious but also full of character.
This slow-roasted chicken recipe has the potential to become a treasured family favorite. Serve it alongside some crispy country potatoes, and you’ll be rewarded with rave reviews from your loved ones.
Portuguese Tomato Rice (Arroz de Tomate) – Best Side Dish for a Fish and Seafood
Experience the essence of Portugal in just 30 minutes with this classic Arroz de Tomate (Tomato Rice) recipe. This adaptable dish is perfect as an appetizer, side, or as the base for a seafood main course. Whether it’s a warm summer evening and you’re looking for a quick and refreshing meal, pair your arroz de tomate with a glass of chilled white wine and you’ll be all set to savor the delightful flavors and aromas.
With its bold and zesty tomato flavors, this Portuguese classic is sure to impress!
Oatmeal Breakfast Bars (Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Puree)
Oatmeal Breakfast Bars offer a wholesome solution for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. By combining oatmeal, flaxseeds, peanut butter, and pumpkin puree, these bars provide a nutrient-dense snack that’s free from refined sugar. Without the need for eggs, they’re also gluten-free when made with gluten-free oats. The best part? These homemade treats are easy to prepare using common pantry staples, making them a superior alternative to store-bought options.
The use of natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey ensures these bars remain guilt-free, perfect for make-ahead breakfasts, snacks, and afterschool treats. Additionally, incorporating vegetable puree as a key component replaces the typical oil used in similar recipes, providing a healthier alternative.
Overnight Oats with Chia – Easy Vacation Food
Starting your day with overnight oats is a convenient way to kick off a wholesome morning routine, even when time is of the essence. These simple chia-infused overnight oats are a nutritious breakfast choice that can be quickly prepared and enjoyed on-the-go. With their effortless preparation process, it’s no wonder they’re a staple in many households. I’m confident your family will love them just as much as mine does.
Steak Quesadilla – The Best Way To Stretch Your Beef!
Transforming a modest amount of beef into a hearty meal for the family doesn’t have to be a challenge. In fact, a steak fajita quesadilla is a clever way to stretch a limited portion of meat and serve a satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone in the household. By using leftovers and a few staple ingredients, you can create a delicious and filling meal without breaking the bank or feeling like you’re sacrificing quality for quantity.
Freezer Breakfast Egg Sandwich – Easy Vacation Meal
Elevate your morning routine by crafting a batch of homemade Egg McMuffin-style sandwiches that can be prepared in advance, making for a convenient and satisfying breakfast on-the-go. If you’re eager to try a freezer-friendly breakfast egg sandwich that rivals the classic fast-food favorite, this recipe is sure to delight.
Not only will these scrumptious sandwiches save you time by avoiding the drive-thru, but they’ll also provide a welcome respite from the daily grind with their comforting, familiar flavors.
As we frequently receive requests for easy make-ahead breakfast ideas, our homemade egg sandwiches have emerged as top contenders due to their remarkable adaptability.
With this straightforward recipe, you’ll discover just how effortless it is to create these mouthwatering morsels and indulge in a warm, satisfying breakfast whenever the morning takes you.
Salmon Burgers for Easy Dinner
Indulge in the simplicity and flavor of exceptional salmon patties that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. This quick dinner solution is packed with taste, particularly when paired with a refreshing herb sauce. While I’m fond of my turkey patties, these salmon patties have unexpectedly become my new go-to.
The combination of breadcrumbs, egg, Greek yogurt, garlic, parsley, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice binds the patties together, resulting in a dish that’s genuinely bursting with flavor. The thought alone is making my mouth water! Don’t miss out on the herb sauce – it takes these patties to a whole new level of delectability!
Avocado Egg Salad
Innovative avocado and egg combinations have taken center stage in many kitchens, and for good reason. By leveraging mashed avocado as a substitute for traditional mayonnaise, you can create a creamy, flavorful blend that’s perfect for enlivening salads, lettuce wraps, or sandwiches. This game-changing recipe is an excellent choice for vegetarians seeking a straightforward, nutrient-dense meal option, or anyone in search of a versatile staple that’s easy to customize.
I’ve been fortunate enough to share this delightful combination with my 16-month-old daughter, Olivia, who surprisingly took a shine to it! Serving the salad in a bowl with a spoon proved to be an effortless way to introduce her to the world of healthy eating.
Cider Glazed Chicken Breasts
One of the most impressive aspects of this Cider Glazed Chicken Breasts recipe from Cooking Light is its remarkable quickness – the dish can be ready in under twenty minutes. This makes it an ideal solution for busy weeknights when you’re short on time and energy, yet still want to serve up a delicious meal that will please even the pickiest of eaters.
Easy 10 Minute Instant Pot Spaghetti
A quick and affordable solution for a satisfying meal, this Instant Pot spaghetti recipe is a family favorite. In just 10 minutes, you can create a one-pot wonder that serves five people without breaking the bank. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients. If you’re interested in trying it out, head over to [insert link here].
Funfetti Mug Cake: Birthday Cake in a Mug
Indulge in the whimsical delight of this Funfetti mug cake, a scrumptious treat that redefines the traditional birthday celebration. This mouthwatering masterpiece is more than just a cake – it’s an experience. The end result is a divine union of fluffy texture and moistness, elevated by the subtle sweetness of funfetti sprinkles. Whether you’re commemorating a special birthday or simply looking to brighten up any ordinary day, this mug cake is the perfect excuse to treat yourself.
And if you’re curious about the magic behind it, click here to get the recipe!
One Pot Taco Beef And Rice
Kickstart a flavorful twist on Taco Tuesday by introducing our One Pot Taco Beef and Rice recipe to your menu rotation. This effortless yet scrumptious one-skillet dish is sure to quickly earn its place as a go-to, crowd-pleasing alternative for taco lovers of all ages.
One Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
A culinary delight, One Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs is an effortless recipe that combines pasta and homemade meatballs with a rich tomato sauce. The dish starts with ground beef meatballs simmering in a homemade sauce, which then gives way to the addition of uncooked spaghetti. This harmonious blend of flavors and textures cooks together in one pot, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Sausage and Pepper Pasta
For a quick and satisfying dinner solution, look no further than sausage and pepper pasta. This hearty dish combines the rich flavors of Italian sausages with the comforting warmth of cheese and pasta, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight meal.
Banh Mi Turkey Hot Dogs – Weight Watchers Friendly
About five years ago, I had my first Vietnamese sub, and I was blown away by the flavors. It was love at first bite! Since then, I’ve become hooked on Banh Mi-style sandwiches, having one at least once a week if I could afford it. The only drawback is the financial and caloric cost. To satisfy my cravings without breaking the bank, I experimented with creating a Banh Mi-inspired hot dog, topped with turkey.
The result was nothing short of amazing – the combination of flavors and textures was incredibly satisfying!
Sheet Pan Oven Baked Gnocchi with Sausage and Vegetables
In a surprising twist on traditional gnocchi, this sheet pan oven-baked recipe combines the comfort of Italian-style dumplings with the convenience of a one-pan wonder. With only 25 minutes to spare, you can have a satisfying and flavorful dinner on the table, all thanks to the magic of sausage and vegetables teaming up with pillowy gnocchi.
Easy 30 minute Chicken Parmesan Recipe + Gluten Free and Low Carb Option
Indulge in the warm comfort of Easy Chicken Parmesan, a satisfying 30-minute meal that’s as effortless as it is flavorful. Tender chicken breasts are lightly coated with breadcrumbs and then seared to perfection in a skillet, before being bathed in rich marinara sauce and crowned with a generous sprinkle of creamy mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Serve this Italian-inspired delight over your favorite pasta or zoodles for a well-rounded meal that’s sure to become a staple in your household.
Best Easy Chile Relleno Casserole (+ Gluten Free Option)
This mouthwatering vegetarian dish, Chile Relleno Casserole, is a delightful creation that combines the earthy sweetness of whole roasted Hatch green chiles with the creamy richness of Monterey Jack cheese. The casserole’s crowning glory is its golden-brown egg and milk batter topping, which yields a fluffy and satisfying finish after being baked to perfection.
What’s more, this recipe can be effortlessly adapted to suit gluten-free dietary needs, making it an inclusive and welcoming option for all.
Crockpot Chicken Tacos – Make on Vacation Easy Meal
Indulge in the rich flavors of slow-cooked chicken thighs, transformed into an irresistible crockpot chicken taco meat that will become a staple in your culinary repertoire. With just five simple ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly this recipe comes together, yielding a dish that’s both mouthwatering and easy to prepare.
Portuguese Tomato Rice (Arroz de Tomate)
Indulge in the rich flavors of Portugal with a quick and easy-to-make rice and tomatoes dish that’s ready to devour in just thirty minutes. With minimal prep time, Arroz de Tomate is an ideal choice for a stress-free dinner solution. Experience the delightful taste of this traditional Portuguese recipe and make it your go-to option for a satisfying meal.
Instant Pot Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs
One of the standout features of Instant Pot Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs is its incredible convenience. The fact that you can utilize frozen meatballs means minimal prep time is required, making it an ideal option for a speedy meal. When paired with brown rice, this dish can be ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for those hectic days when cooking seems like a daunting task.
Sheet Pan Breakfast Tostadas
Step up your breakfast game with a flavorful twist on classic eggs and toast – sheet pan breakfast tostadas! Crunchy corn tortillas serve as the base for this Southwestern-inspired masterpiece, where the sweetness of the tortillas is perfectly balanced by the tanginess of sharp cheddar cheese, the richness of scrambled eggs, and the vibrant kick from brilliant salsa verde. Check out the recipe here.
Crock Pot BBQ Pulled Pork – Easy Meal to Cook for Beach Vacation
Indulge in the tender goodness of slow-cooked pulled pork, effortlessly prepared in your crock pot rather than on the grill. Simply cook a pork roast until it reaches fall-apart tenderness, then add your preferred barbecue sauce for a mouthwatering fusion. This crowd-pleasing recipe makes for an effortless weeknight dinner solution. For more convenient and stress-free vacation dining experiences, explore our curated collection of easy meal ideas perfect for snacking or dinner.
Whether you’re staying at an Airbnb, beach house, or rental property, these make-ahead recipes will save you time and ensure a relaxing getaway. With a focus on simplicity, you’ll find a wealth of snack inspiration and vacation dinner options to suit your tastes.
Instructions
Transforming summer vacations into a culinary delight is as easy as pie! When you’re away from home, it’s always a good idea to plan some delicious and effortless meals that the whole family will enjoy. To get you started, I’ve curated a collection of mouth-watering recipes that are sure to become new favorites. Simply click on the link below each photo to access the full recipe and instructions, then get ready to share your creations with me by pinning them under my post on Pinterest!
Whether you’re looking for classic American comfort food or something new and exciting, this summer’s menu is all about easy, breezy meals that bring people together.