Quick & Easy Van Life Meals

 

 

While van life is fun and exciting, it can be intimidating trying to cook for yourself when you don’t have the comfort of your home’s kitchen. Easy classics such as pasta are great when on the road but, it’s always fun to change things up. Whether meal planning for your first van trip or looking to change up your menu, here are some simple recipes to give a try in your Curious Camper this summer. 

BREAKFAST 

My personal favourite morning meal is overnight oats. They’re quick to make the night before and all set for you in the morning when you’re hungry and ready to start your day. Plus, there are endless flavours to choose! 

 

What you need to make overnight oats: 

• ½ part rolled oats 

• ½ part milk (dairy free alternatives work too) 

• Sweetener – Maple Syrup is my go to but you can use sugar, honey or anything sweet 

• Any flavours and toppings you want! 

• Jar/container with a lid to store oats overnight 

   

Here are some different things I add to get my favourite flavours: 

Banana Bread 

Mashed or sliced banana, Vanilla extract*, Cinnamon, a Pinch of Salt, and Pecans 

Classic Vanilla 

Vanilla extract*, Chia Seeds, Pinch of salt, and Blueberries 

Chocolate Peanut Butter 

Peanut butter, Cocoa powder, Chocolate Chips, a Pinch of Salt, and top with some fresh banana in the morning 

Coconut Dream 

Shredded Coconut, Chocolate Chips, Chia seeds, Pinch of salt, and Sliced Almonds 

*Alternatively, you can also use vanilla flavoured milk. 

 

LUNCH 

A great van lunch that’s simple, yummy, and doesn’t require any cooking is chickpea salad! The recipe below is a great basic salad, and can be brought to the next level by adding any other veggies or protein you have around! 

 

RAW CHICKPEA SALAD 

What you’ll need: 

• Can of Chickpeas 

• Bell peppers 

• Cherry Tomatoes 

• Avocado 

• Red Onion 

• 2 cloves Garlic 

• 3 tbsp. Olive Oil 

• 3 tbsp. Lemon Juice 

• Salt and Pepper 

 

For the salad: 

▪ Drain and Rinse the chickpeas. 

▪ Mince the onion and garlic. 

▪ Chop the peppers, avocado, tomatoes, and parsley into little pieces. 

▪ Combine all these ingredients in large bowl. 

For the dressing: 

▪ In a small bowl, stir together the lemon juice and olive oil. 

Gently toss the dressing and salad together, season with some salt and pepper, and enjoy! 

DINNER 

One-pot meals are great for keeping things simple on the road. The options for what you can make are endless! Some of my favourites include spicy Thai noodles, curries, and Chicken Fajitas (which I’ve included the recipe for below). 

CHICKEN FAJITAS 

What you’ll need: 

• Chicken or an alternative protein such as tofu mince 

• Onions 

• Peppers 

• Olive Oil 

• Fajita seasoning 

• Tortilla Wraps 

• Toppings (optional) 

  • Sour Cream 

  • Guacamole 

  • Salsa 

  • Cheese 

     

What to do: 

▪ Fry the chicken in a bit of olive oil. Once partially cooked add in the onions and peppers. 

▪ Add your seasoning (premade fajita seasoning or smoked paprika both work great) 

▪ Put it in a wrap with any toppings you want to add and voila! 

While these are a great place to start, there are lots of ways to turn your kitchen favourites into van friendly meals. Comment below if you have any easy and fun recipes that you love for on the road!