Planning meals for your vacation should be stress-free and delicious.
Whether you’re heading to the beach, the mountains, or a cozy cabin, these easy vacation meals will keep everyone happy and well-fed.
1. Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Juicy shrimp, marinated in garlic, lemon, olive oil, and fresh herbs, then grilled to smoky perfection.
Serve with a crisp cucumber salad, grilled corn, or a side of coconut rice for a meal that feels like a seaside feast.
Add a squeeze of fresh lime for extra brightness and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
2. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken
Chicken fillets are seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika, then seared with garlic, lemon juice, and butter until golden.
Add cherry tomatoes and asparagus to the pan for a full meal that’s light, fresh, and perfect for vacation dining.
Serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful pan juices.
3. Campfire Foil Pack Sausage and Veggies
Smoked sausage, bell peppers, zucchini, and baby potatoes are tossed in olive oil and seasonings, then wrapped in foil.
Grill over an open flame or bake in the oven for a simple, hearty meal with minimal cleanup.
For extra flavor, add a drizzle of honey mustard or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.
4. Caprese Pasta Salad
Cooked pasta is tossed with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a more filling meal.
Serve chilled for a refreshing lunch on a hot vacation day.
Consider adding a handful of arugula or toasted pine nuts for extra texture and flavor.
5. Sheet Pan Fajitas
Chicken or steak strips are tossed with sliced bell peppers, onions, and fajita seasoning.
Then, roasted on a sheet pan until tender and flavorful.
Serve with warm tortillas, guacamole, and fresh salsa for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner.
For an extra kick, add a squeeze of lime and a dollop of sour cream.
6. Beachside Fish Tacos
Crispy, golden-brown fish fillets are nestled in warm corn tortillas with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and a drizzle of lime crema.
Serve with black beans and rice for a meal that brings the taste of the ocean right to your plate.
A sprinkle of cotija cheese or a side of mango salsa makes these tacos even better.
7. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
A pork shoulder slow-cooked in barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and spices until tender enough to shred.
Pile onto soft buns with coleslaw for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is effortless.
Serve with pickles, baked beans, or potato salad to round out the meal.
8. Tropical Mango Chicken
Chicken breasts are pan-seared and coated in a sweet and spicy mango sauce made with fresh mango, lime juice, honey, and a hint of chili.
Serve over coconut rice with grilled pineapple slices for a meal bursting with tropical flavors.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and chopped macadamia nuts for a little crunch.
9. No-Cook Mediterranean Wraps
Soft tortillas are spread with hummus and filled with feta cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, red onion, and rotisserie chicken.
Roll them up and enjoy a refreshing, flavorful meal with no cooking required.
Pair with tzatziki sauce or a side of tabbouleh for a complete Mediterranean-inspired feast.
10. Breakfast Burritos
Scrambled eggs, melted cheese, sausage or bacon, and sautéed bell peppers are wrapped in warm flour tortillas.
Make them ahead of time and reheat for an easy, protein-packed breakfast before a day of vacation fun.
Add avocado slices, salsa, or a dollop of sour cream to enhance the flavors.
11. Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Bowls
Grilled chicken is brushed with teriyaki sauce and served over rice with pineapple chunks, avocado slices, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
This meal is light, sweet, and packed with island-inspired flavors.
Add shredded coconut or a drizzle of sriracha for an extra burst of flavor.
12. Lobster Roll Sliders
Sweet lobster meat is mixed with a touch of mayo, lemon juice, and chives, then piled onto buttery, toasted slider buns.
Serve with a side of potato chips and a crisp green salad for a simple yet decadent meal.
A light dusting of Old Bay seasoning or a bit of melted butter takes these sliders to the next level.
13. Pesto Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes
Spiralized zucchini is tossed in a bright basil pesto with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Add grilled shrimp or chicken for extra protein, and serve with crusty bread to round out the meal.
Toasted almonds or sun-dried tomatoes make a great addition to this dish.
14. Easy Make-Ahead Meatball Subs
Juicy homemade meatballs simmered in rich marinara sauce are stuffed into hoagie rolls and topped with melted mozzarella cheese.
These sandwiches are perfect for feeding a group and can be prepped in advance for stress-free vacation meals.
Serve with a side of garlic knots or a simple green salad for a complete dinner.
15. Classic S’mores
Toast marshmallows over an open flame, then sandwich them between squares of chocolate and graham crackers for the ultimate nostalgic vacation treat.
Enjoy them around the campfire with good company and laughter.
For a fun twist, try adding peanut butter, Nutella, or caramel drizzle.
Conclusion
These vacation meals are easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing with family and friends, no matter where your travels take you!