Going on a road trip does not mean all you have to eat are chips and junk foods! Here are healthy and quick make-ahead meals and lunch ideas for when you are on the road!
Even though I like to explore the kitchen and craft new recipes to share with you guys, going on a road trip with my family and some close friends is one more thing that values just as much. In this article, I will be sharing with you some of my favorite road trip food for lunch as well as new ones that I made all by myself.
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Road Trip Food Ideas
Is it just me or did you ever feel like healthy eating rules get thrown out the window once we go road tripping?
All of a sudden, it’s okay to eat chocolate bars and ice cream when you feel like it. I love ice cream too but if it gets a little out of control, this can take us several steps back into our health goals once the road trip is over.
I figured that the best way to avoid something like this is to really prepare beforehand. So, let me just share with you some of the road trip fast food ideas that helped me see through my previous long road trip:
- Beef Jerky
This is classic for any trip. That’s because it is filled with lots of protein. Hence, you can go for hours without feeling hungry. It’s both practical and wise for people wanting to watch their weight.
- Popcorn
Maybe you thought that popcorn was only good for movies. Think again. Popcorn has lots of fiber. Similar to protein, fiber also keeps your tummy full for a longer time compared to other food.
- Hard-boiled eggs
You’ll feel full a lot faster with hard-boiled eggs. You’ll have to take time the day before to prepare them if you want to pack several eggs. But aside from being a healthy option, it also lets you be versatile on the trip which is great if you are going to go on a hike or mountain climbing where you need to move quickly.
Food That Travels Well Without Refrigeration
When we talk about road trips, people often think about packing food that they will enjoy the most during the epic road trip.
They probably think of junk food, soda, pizza, or whatnot. But aside from our favorite food and the implication of the said food to our health, we also ought to think about shelf life.
How long can the food last with you on the trip without refrigeration? Below are some examples of easy-to-prepare food that travels well without refrigeration.
- Oatmeal
You’d want to bring the instant version. Do not bring oatmeal that has already been cooked. Instead, take the ones that are still wrapped. All you need is a mug and hot water and you’ll have your meal.
- Canned Tuna or Chicken
If you’re on an adventure trip, you still need to eat a bit of meat along the way. That said, canned chicken or tuna can really come in handy.
- Granola Bars
I recommend this as a snack but it can help you survive through lunchtime if you find yourself walking in the woods at this time and suddenly go hungry.
- String Cheese
Even though this is usually used for snack time, you can bring some apples or crackers to mix your string cheese to so that it becomes more suitable for lunchtime.
- Grapes
Isn’t Grapes just one of the most delicious fruits ever? You can just bring a pack with you and then eat them as you go.
How to Eat Healthy on the Road Trip
Plan your road trip ahead. And when we say plan, we mean plan for your meals to be healthy.
Don’t go around buying junk food if you are looking to eat healthy. We’ve shared some easy-to-bring healthy foods in the earlier section. You can go to the grocery a few days before the trip to purchase some of the food that we mentioned. Hang on tight because we will be sharing some new recipes we’ve come up with that can truly be helpful for your healthy road trip lunch.
Here’s another tip. We know we already gave you some ideas on which food you can bring that doesn’t require refrigeration.
And these types of food are really good to bring in road trips but just so you can stop and smell the roses during the trip, a cooler would come in handy. You could put some sodas or bottled water there, perhaps a couple of chicken meat.
Along the road trip, you could decide to stop, get some firewood, and cook. This could be just a little break before you continue on with the rest of the trip.
Road Trip Snack Ideas for Adults
We shared some really good road trip food ideas here but if you decide to go on a longer trip, you might crave for more adult-like meals. So, here are a few more examples of road trip snack ideas for adults that you can add to your snack list:
- Banana Muffins
These things taste like cupcakes. Both adults and children are bound to love them. It only takes about half an hour to get it done.
- Energy Balls
They sort of look like munchkins but these are very healthy. If you ever feel like satisfying your sweet tooth without having to compromise your diet, this would be the perfect snack for you.
- Oatmeal Bars
Since these are made of oats, they are bound to make you feel full quicker. It is a great snack or lunch alternative during a trip.
- Chia Seed Protein Bites
These are one of the best things ever. I feed them to my husband and he doesn’t even realize that this is a healthy meal.
Our exploration of road trip meals had just gotten started. Below, you are about to learn some of the best road trip meals you can munch on that won’t compromise whatever dietary plans you are following.
21. Coconut Chips – Healthy Snack for your Road Trip Food List
I’m a complete enthusiast for anything coconut. Be it in a cake or a cookie, I can’t resist. So, when I stumbled upon this coconut chips recipe, I couldn’t help but try it out.
These coconut chips are absolutely astonishing! They offer a sweet, nutty flavor, and an unparalleled crunch.
A sprinkle of salt adds a contrasting sweet-salty balance.
And the best part? These chips are a healthy snack.
20. Baked Veggie Chips – Easy Meal for Road Trip!
Having dietary constraints doesn’t mean you must miss out on a scrumptious snack.
These vegetable chips are devoid of oil, vegan, gluten-free, and unquestionably guilt-free.
Most importantly, they’re flavorful. This recipe brings you a diverse mix of crispy beetroot, zucchini, carrots, sweet potato, and rutabaga.
Isn’t that exciting? The vibrant colors alone are mouthwatering.
19. Green Bean Chips – Healthy Road Trip Meal
If you own a dehydrator, I have the perfect recipe for you.
These green bean chips surpass store-bought veggie sticks in taste and health benefits, and they’re more cost-effective.
Seasoned with just a touch of salt and nutritional yeast and dehydrated overnight, these green bean chips offer an unexpected crunch and flavor.
Trust me, even children will adore them.
18. Roasted Chickpeas – Best Road Trip Food!
Chickpeas might not be your first thought for a travel snack.
However, you’ll undoubtedly want to bring this delightful snack along on your journey.
Canned chickpeas can be soft, sometimes mushy. But an oven-roasted transformation turns them incredibly crispy and irresistible. Seasoned with various herbs and spices, they’re so flavorsome they’ll surprise your taste buds.
17. Fire Crackers – Road Trip Breakfast Idea
Let’s admit it – saltine crackers can be dull. If anything could dampen the excitement of your road trip, it might be saltine crackers.
However, there’s a way to transform these boring crackers into an exciting treat.
This fire crackers recipe will turn those bland squares into a flavor explosion.
Saltine crackers drizzled with spiced melted butter and baked until golden make a world of difference. The transformation is simply remarkable.
16. Chocolate Chip Cookies – Next Road Trip Snack for Kids
There’s no denying the immense pleasure chocolate chip cookies bring to a road trip. These timeless delights are famed for their extraordinary taste.
However, these are not just any regular chocolate chip cookies.
Inspired by the renowned Doubletree cookies, this recipe results in enormous cookies boasting an enticing blend of buttery and chewy textures.
In addition to chocolate chips, these cookies are loaded with walnuts, offering a perfect blend of gooey and crunchy elements.
15. Granola Bars – Road Trip Lunch Idea
Granola bars do an excellent job keeping your energy levels up throughout the day. However, they can be quite expensive.
Instead of splurging on granola bars, why not save those funds for keepsakes and additional expenses? With this simple, budget-friendly recipe, you have a solution.
Incorporating almonds, oats, peanut butter, maple syrup, and dates, these homemade granola bars match, if not surpass, the taste of any store-bought variant.
The best part? You can indulge in as many granola bars as you wish without breaking the bank.
14. Trail Mix – Best Road Trip Snack
Let’s kick off with a snack appreciated by both young and old alike. This trail mix goes beyond just nuts and dried fruit.
Loaded with pretzels, Cheerios, mini-marshmallows, and M&M’s, it scores high in terms of color, flavor, and texture.
Its taste is so irresistible that you may find it hard to stop snacking.
Hence, I’d recommend packing it in smaller bags so that everyone gets their share.
13. Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad
This Greek Yogurt Avocado Chicken Salad recipe is not just healthy but also devoid of mayo. It’s packed with nutritious ingredients and only takes 5 minutes to prepare, making it an excellent way to use leftover chicken! Perfect for a wholesome lunch or light dinner.
Check it here.
12. 5 Healthy Make-Ahead Lunches (For Back to School & Work)
In need of quick, uncomplicated, and healthy lunches for back to school or work? I’m sharing 5 cold lunchbox suggestions that offer a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and fats, complemented by fresh fruits and veggies to keep everyone satiated. Discover more healthy cold lunch ideas and daycare-friendly cold lunch ideas for children.
Check it here.
11. Rainbow Hummus Veggie Wrap (Tortilla Wrap)
This vibrant, easy-to-make Vegan Rainbow Veggie Tortilla Wrap is brimming with colorful vegetables that will appeal to kids and adults alike. This plant-based wrap is perfect for school lunches, brunches, or when you’re on the go.
Check it here.
10. Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
A family favorite, these nutritious and child-friendly air fryer pizza rolls are destined to be a hit in your home! Fantastic as a snack or a meal, they’re so straightforward to make that your little ones can join in the fun of making them.
Check it here.
9. Tabbouleh with Preserved Lemon
Refreshing, light, filled with herbs, and vibrant, tabbouleh is one of my favorite salads. Whether you enjoy tabbouleh for a light lunch or pair it as a side with grilled chicken skewers, there’s a reason tabbouleh is adored throughout the Mediterranean.
Check it here.
8. 5 Ingredient Eggy Quinoa Cups
I appreciate keeping things simple… and recipes with just 5 ingredients? They are ultra-simple! So here’s how to fill your freezer with vegetable-rich deliciousness, quickly and effortlessly… and pack some protein into the kids’ meals at the same time. These 5 ingredient quinoa egg cups are perfect for lunchboxes!
Check it here.
7.
One of the simplest and most delicious crustless quiches you’ll ever make, this Zucchini Slice is incredibly straightforward. Simply fry, mix, and bake! This classic Australian dish is a surefire winner.
Check it here.
6. Vegan Curry Chickpea Salad
This vegan curry chickpea salad is quick, easy, and versatile. It combines the aromatic spices of the curry powder with the crunch of the veggies and the earthiness of the chickpeas.
Check it here.
5. Incredible Vegan Egg Salad (So Realistic Ultimate Road Trip Food!)
Drop what you are doing and make this vegan egg salad! Now, you may think I am crazy and wonder how tofu could ever taste like egg, but hear me out.
Check it here.
4. Road Trip Without Vegetarian Sushi Recipe in Packing List? No!
This vegetarian sushi recipe is such a delicious, healthy and simple meal. I love making rainbow sushi so I always try to stuff as much color as I can into each roll.
Check it here.
3. Vegan Chickpea Salad Sandwich
This vegan chickpea salad sandwich recipe is so incredibly easy and delicious! It only needs one bowl, some basic and healthy ingredients, 10 minutes and a dash of vegan mayo.
Check it here.
2.
For me, the key to a successful road trip is all in the planning – what route to take, what food to bring and potential interesting stops along the way. These Chicken Caesar Wraps were part of our road trip food!
Check it here.
1. Best Quinoa Salad Recipe
This easy Quinoa Salad Recipe is fresh and delicious! Quinoa, veggies, avocado & dill are tossed in a homemade lemon vinaigrette for a nutritious summer salad!
Check it here.
20+ Best Road Trip Food Ideas for Lunch - Quick Make Ahead Healthy Snacks
Hit the road with the best road trip food for lunch! Quick make-ahead healthy snack ideas to keep you fueled up for your journey.
Ingredients
- Avocado Chicken Salad
- Hummus Veggie Wrap
- Pizza Rolls
- Tabbouleh
- Eggy Quinoa Cups
Instructions
- Choose any road trip lunch recipes from the post that you like.
- Click on the link below the photo to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Try the best road trip lunch recipes and share your photo under my pin on Pinterest!
I’m Anastasia and I’m a full-time blogger, online entrepreneur, and Pinterest marketing strategist. I help digital entrepreneurs and bloggers drive targeted traffic from Pinterest either through my online courses or through Pinterest consultancy.