Have you ever wanted to enjoy the great outdoors but struggled to come up with no-cooking camping food ideas? One of the best ways to ensure that you’ll have a great camp trip is to plan ahead and pack a few tasty, easy camp meals that will satisfy everyone’s appetites.Â
In this article, you’ll learn the best (and our favourite) easy camping meals—no cooking—what you need to prepare in advance, and solutions to make preparing camp food even easier.
Our Favourite Camping Food Ideas, No Cooking Required
Eating nutritiously while out camping just requires a little creativity. These 17Â no-cook camping mealsrequire no extensive prep, and only a little planning on your part. .Â
Easy Breakfast No Cook Camping Meals
Breakfast can be a challenging meal to handle when you’re out camping. But with the right breakfast ideas in mind, you can make something both easy to prepare and delicious. Here are a few of our favourite no-cook camping breakfast dishes.
1. Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are a super convenient and tasty option for those who love oatmeal but hate the traditional setup required to make it outside.
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All you need for overnight oats is some oatmeal, milk (or a non-dairy alternative), and your favourite toppings. Mix everything together in a jar the night before, then store in a cooler overnight. In the morning, you’ll have a tasty and delicious meal that only requires a few minutes of thought.
2. Cereal or Granola with Milk
There’s a reason most people opt for something like cereal when they’re in a rush in the morning—it’s easy to make. The same goes for when you’re out camping. All you need is a box of cereal, some milk (or a non-dairy alternative), and a bowl, and you’re good to go. Don’t forget to pack a spoon!
3. Hard Boiled Eggs
Hard boiling your eggs is a great way to have a protein-packed breakfast that will last you a few days. Simply boil eggs in a pot of water for about 10 minutes, then store in a cooler until you’re ready to eat them. You can enjoy them as-is, or add them to a breakfast burrito or sandwich.
4. Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits
If you’re looking for something a little lighter, fruit and yogurt parfaits are a great option. Simply layer your favourite fresh fruit with yogurt (again, dairy-free options work great here) in a jar or cup. If you want something a little sweeter, you can add a drizzle of honey, some chopped nuts, or trail mix.
Camping Lunch Ideas—No Cook or Prep Necessary
For lunch, you’ll want something that’s easy to pack and doesn’t require any cooking. After all, you’re probably in the middle of exploring and don’t want to have to stop and cook a big meal. Here are some amazing camping lunch ideas, no cooking necessary.
1. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
A classic for a reason, PB&J sandwiches are always a good option when you’re looking for an easy no-cook camping food. You can make them ahead of time or even assemble them on the spot—it’s up to you. Just be sure to pack some extra peanut butter and jelly in case you get any hungry campers.
2. Cold Cuts and Cheese
Another classic lunchtime favourite, cold cuts and cheese require no cooking and are easy to pack. Simply layer your favourite meats and cheeses on some slices of bread, then wrap everything up in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For an extra kick, add a little mustard or mayo.
3. Cold Sandwiches
Cold sandwiches are always a great option for lunch, whether you’re at home or out camping. Simply choose your favourite sandwich fixings—think deli meats, tuna salad, cream cheese, vegetables, condiments, or other options—and pack them up in a lunchbox or cooler. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble and enjoy.
4. Beans
Beans are a camping staple for a reason—they’re high in protein, filling, and easy to prepare. Simply open a can of beans (chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans, etc.), add your favourite seasonings, and enjoy as-is, or on top of some crackers or bread.
5. Salads
Salads are another great option for an easy camp lunch. You can either make your favourite salad at home and pack it up to take with you, or you can create a makeshift salad using whatever ingredients you have on hand. Boiled eggs are a great option here, as are diced vegetables, dried fruit, red onion and crumbled cheese.
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6. Wraps
Wraps are another easy and convenient camp food for a no-cook camping meal. Simply choose your favourite wrap ingredients—we like hummus, avocado, roasted vegetables, and leafy greens—and assemble when you’re ready to eat.
No-Cook Camping Food for Dinner
For dinner, you’ll want something that’s a little more substantial. After a long day of hiking or exploring, you’re going to be pretty hungry. Luckily, there are plenty of great no cook camping recipes that are both easy to prepare and delicious for dinner.
1. Taco BowlsÂ
For our first of many camp food ideas, taco bowls are one of the best camping recipes out there. An alternative to the traditional take on the dish, all they require is some protein like canned beans, chopped vegetables, and your favourite taco toppings. Simply mix everything together in a bowl and enjoy.
2. Pasta Salad
Pasta salads are an excellent way to fill up on the trail. Simply cook your pasta at home, then mix with your favourite vegetables, protein, and dressing. Olive oil and vinegar, Italian dressing, or even a creamy ranch dressing all work great here.
3. Hot Dogs and Sausages
Hot dogs and sausages are always a hit when camping. You can either cook them at home before you leave or over the fire when you get to your campsite. Serve with some grilled vegetables and buns for a complete meal.
4. Soup and Chili
Soup and chili are also great easy-to-cook camping foods. You can make it yourself and store it in a thermos, or as an even easier option, opt for canned soup or chili from your local grocery store. Just heat it up over the fire (or using a portable stove if you have one) and enjoy.
No-Cook Camping Meals: Snacks and Desserts
No camping trip is complete without some tasty snacks to help keep you going throughout the adventure. Here are some of the easiest to make while out in nature.
1. S’mores
S’mores are the ultimate camping dessert. Simply roast marshmallows over the fire, then sandwich them between graham crackers and chocolate. Yum!
2. Fruit Salad
If you’re looking for something a little lighter, fruit salad is a great option. Simply mix your favourite fresh or canned fruits together and enjoy.
3. Banana Boats
Banana boats are another easy and delicious camping dessert. Simply hollow out a banana, then fill with your favourite toppings—chocolate chips, nut butter, cinnamon, etc. Wrap in foil and roast over the fire for a few minutes.
Easy, Nutritious, No-Cook Camping Meals
If the idea of having to cook meals while camping daunts you, consider going with a pre cooked solution. Protein Chefs specialises in curating fresh, nutritious, on-the-go dishes perfect for those who want to focus on the adventure, not worrying about the food.Â
Browse our menu today and see what we can do for you!
