Taking a vacation is all about relaxing and enjoying new experiences, but dining out for every meal can be costly, unhealthy, and depending on the wait times, very time-consuming. Cooking simple, enjoyable meals while on vacation is a great way to save money and enhance your travel experience. Plus, it’s an opportunity to have some fun in the kitchen with family and friends using minimal supplies. Here are some practical tips that will ensure your vacation meals are both satisfying and low-stress.

Easy Meals with Minimal Supplies

• Breakfast Ideas:
  • Quick Oats with Mixed Fruits: Simply boil water, add oats, and top with your favorite fruits. Add a dollop of butter and a sprinkle of brown sugar for a comforting touch.
  • Yogurt Parfaits with Granola and Honey: Layer yogurt, granola, and a drizzle of honey for a healthy start. Fresh berries or a spoonful of jam can add a tasty twist.
  • Eggs with Bacon: Cook bacon first, then use the bacon grease to fry your eggs – a classic, filling breakfast with minimal cleanup. Serve with a side of grits or biscuits.
  • Southern Style Pancakes: Mix up a batch of pancake batter, adding a bit of vanilla extract and a pinch of cinnamon. Serve with butter and syrup.

• Lunch Suggestions:
  • Sandwich Bar: Use a variety of cold cuts, cheeses, and fresh vegetables for customizable sandwiches to suit everyone’s tastes. Add pimento cheese spread or a smear of homemade mayo for a fancy flair!
  • Pre-Packaged Salads: Boost these with added proteins like canned tuna or hard-boiled eggs. Top with homemade cornbread croutons for an extra crunch.
  • Chicken Salad: Combine cooked chicken, mayo, celery, and grapes. Serve on a bed of greens or between slices of bread.
  • BLTs:  With bacon as the centerpiece, you can’t go wrong! Cook the bacon in the oven to make cooking and cleanup even simpler.

• Dinner Options:
  • One-Pot Pasta: Combine pasta with simple ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Cook everything in one pot to save time and effort. For a tasty twist, add some andouille sausage or shrimp! And if you don't feel like making the sauce, you can always just buy a jar of whatever your family and friends prefer.
  • Stir-Fried Rice or Noodles: Use leftover vegetables and any protein you have for a quick and flavorful meal. Add a splash of soy sauce and a sprinkle of sugar for balance. Even simpler, use a bottle of sauce from the store.
  • Crockpot Meals: If you have access to a crockpot, consider simple recipes like chili, stew, or a roast that can cook throughout the day while you explore. A hearty chicken and dumplings recipe is also a comforting choice.
  • Shrimp and Grits: Cook grits according to package instructions, then top with sautéed shrimp, garlic, and a bit of hot sauce.

• Snacks and Quick Bites:
  • Fruit Smoothies: A blender can make refreshing smoothies with fruits and yogurt. Add a spoonful of peanut butter for extra richness.
  • Hummus and Veggie Sticks: A healthy and easy snack option. Serve with homemade pita chips for added crunch.
  • Deviled Eggs: Hard boil eggs, then mix the yolks with mayo, mustard, and a bit of relish. Spoon back into the egg whites for a classic southern snack.

• Side Dishes:
  • Roasted Vegetables: A fantastic, hands-off side dish that can be tailored to whatever fresh produce is available locally. Just Preheat the oven to 400°F, chop into uniform pieces, toss with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
  • Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a comforting favorite and adding garlic and Parmesan elevates them without much extra effort.
  • Corn and Black Bean Salad: This vibrant salad is quick to make and is perfect for adding a bit of southwestern flair to your meal. For simplicity, use rinsed/drained canned black beans, canned corn, diced red bell pepper, chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper. Mix it all together and enjoy!
  • Store Bought Sides:  For the simplest option of all, some sides like macaroni salad, potato salad, and baked beans are easily bought at the store and pair well with many dishes.

Potatoes (AKA "taters") are a versatile vegetable that can be prepared many ways and even cooked with some main dishes!

Tips for Minimalist Cooking

• Plan and Shop Smart: Before heading to your vacation rental, plan your meals and make a shopping list of essential ingredients. Look for versatile items that can be used in multiple dishes. Check with your host if you’re unsure about what’s available.
• Multi-Purpose Ingredients: Choose ingredients that can be used in various recipes. For example, eggs can be used for breakfast, added to salads, or included in a stir-fry.
• Use Local Ingredients: Take advantage of local markets to find fresh produce and regional specialties. This not only enhances your meals but also adds to the travel experience.
• Keep it Simple: Focus on recipes with few ingredients and straightforward steps. This approach reduces stress and makes cooking more enjoyable.