Road Trip Kitchen: 12 Delicious & Affordable Van Life Meals

Living life from a van offers a unique sense of freedom and adventure, but it also requires a bit of creativity when it comes to meal preparation. After months of van-life, we've come to have a few staple meals that are simple, affordable, and quick to make. These dishes are perfect for those days when you want something delicious without spending hours over a camp stove. Whether you want to indulge in a special meal or just need something easy, these dishes are sure to satisfy.

One-Pan Dishes

Shakshuka

Shakshuka is a versatile one-pan dish that doesn’t have to be reserved for breakfast. It's easy to prepare with ingredients such as eggs, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Feel free to add your favorite spices or vegetables to make it your own.

One Pot Pasta

One-pot pasta is a lifesaver for van dwellers. Whether it's tuna pasta, chorizo tomato pasta, or gnocchi, this dish is both filling and simple to prepare. Pair it with some homemade garlic bread cooked on a pan for an extra treat.

Mediterranean Orzo

Mediterranean Orzo is not only delicious but also perfect for batch cooking. You can make it in advance and enjoy it as a salad over several days. Packed with flavors like olives, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes, it's a true crowd-pleaser.

Burrito Bowl

For a hearty meal, try a burrito bowl. Add packet rice to cooked beef, beans, and your choice of toppings for a satisfying one-pot delight. Personally, we love to add sour cream, guac, salsa and some chopped lettuce.

Pan Nachos

Pan nachos are a fun and easy meal that can be customized with your favorite toppings. Simply layer tortilla chips with cheese, guac, salsa, sour cream, and any other ingredients you love, and heat them on the pan (low-heat and covered with tin-foil).

Quick and Simple Bites

Omelette/Eggs & Avocado

Omelettes are one of our favorite filling and warm quick meals. You can keep them simple or bulk them up with a variety of additions such as ham, mushrooms, spinach, cheese etc. Plus, they're great for breakfast or dinner.

Toasties

Toasties (we love a pesto mozzarella combo), are a warm and comforting option - particularly if paired with a soup for those colder van life days. Just load up with your favourite fillings and fry on the pan on both sides.

Banana Oat Pancakes

For a sweet treat, whip up some banana oat pancakes. They require just a few ingredients and are perfect for breakfast or dessert. Drizzle with honey or greek yogurt - or both - and top with some fresh berries and nuts for the ultimate filling treat.

No-Cook Meals

Tuna Salad

Tuna salad, or any salad for that matter, is a great option on hot days where you a) don't want to stand around cooking and b) want something quick and easy. Mix canned tuna with your favorite salad vegetables, maybe drizzle some dressing or simply olive oil and enjoy.

Cheese Board

A cheese board is our go-to "fancy" meal when we want something a little special but can't be bothered to cook. It can be prepared in minutes and is extremely customisable, just add anything you enjoy (or need to use up) and enjoy a delicious spread.

Anything Wraps

When you’re in a pinch, wraps are the way to go. Simply wrap whatever ingredients you have on hand, elevate with a sauce like pesto or even mayo, and enjoy a quick and satisfying meal.

Topped Yogurt

For breakfast or as a healthy sweet treat, your favourite yogurt topped with anything such as fruit, granola or nuts/seeds is always bound to satisfy. If you're extra fancy and have a blender, then a topped smoothie bowl also makes a delicious treat.