The simple van life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s hard work, and it has its challenges. One of those challenges is finding healthy, fast meal options when you live in a small space, have limited resources, and don’t want to spend your entire day cooking. Before you think that living a simple van life is impossible because of these limitations, know that you can make anything possible with a little creativity and effort. The key is staying organized and having quick go-to recipes for those days when you don’t have much time or energy to cook an elaborate meal. With that in mind, here are some simple van life lunch recipes to keep you going during those busy days on the road.
Bean and Vegetable Soup
If you have some dried beans on hand, you can make a big pot of this delicious soup in less than an hour. This soup is packed with protein and fibre, which will help keep you satisfied and energized throughout the day. While you can eat this soup as-is, it tastes even better with a few sprinkled fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil. To make this soup, start by sautéing some diced onions and carrots in a large pot. Once the carrots are soft, add some chopped celery and a few minced garlic cloves. Add one or two cups of dried beans, along with a few tablespoons of tomato paste and a couple of cups of vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the beans are soft. Blend the soup with an immersion blender or transfer it to a regular blender in batches. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re ready to go.
Tuna Salad Sandwich
Hate the idea of giving up your favourite sandwiches just because you’re living the van life? Then this simple van life recipe is for you. You can make this quick and easy tuna salad recipe with just a few ingredients. It’s a lighter, more nutritious option than store-bought varieties, and it’s relatively inexpensive. It’s a great choice if you’re trying to lose weight or eat less meat, and it can be eaten on its own or stuffed into a sandwich. To make this tuna salad, mash a can of tuna with a fork and mix it with a tablespoon of light mayo. Add a dash of salt, pepper, and any other spices you like, and a couple of tablespoons of minced or chopped veggies like celery, carrots, and scallions. If you have time, you can also add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra flavour boost. Toast up some bread and stuff with the tuna mixture to make a quick and easy sandwich.
Easy Rice Bowl
You can eat this tasty rice bowl for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s a great healthy van life recipe that packs in lots of protein, fibre, and other nutrients. To make this easy rice bowl, start by cooking rice in a rice cooker or on the stovetop. While the rice is cooking, sauté some vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and peas. Whisk together a couple of tablespoons of soy sauce, a drizzle of sesame oil, and some brown sugar or honey. Once the rice is done, mix it with the vegetables and the sauce. You can add some chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds if you’d like. If you want to make the rice bowl even healthier, you can replace the soy sauce with coconut aminos, which is a healthier alternative.
Healthy Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is simple, healthy, and perfect for those days when you need to eat on the go. If you have a food dehydrator, you can make your own sun-dried tomatoes for this recipe. Otherwise, you can buy them or use regular tomatoes. To make this pasta salad, cook a box of whole-wheat or whole-grain penne according to the instructions on the box. While the pasta is cooking, chop up some tomatoes, olives, and scallions. To make a simple dressing, whisk together a couple of tablespoons of olive oil, a tablespoon of lemon juice, and a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar. When the pasta is done, mix it with the vegetables and dressing, and you’re ready to go. You can store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Chicken and Quinoa Bowl
This is a perfect recipe for those who are trying to lose weight or eat more healthfully. Quinoa is a great high-protein, low-fat alternative to rice. It’s also packed with fibre and other nutrients that will keep your energy levels high throughout the day. To make this chicken and quinoa bowl, start by cooking the quinoa according to the instructions on the box. While the quinoa is cooking, chop up some vegetables and fry them in a little oil or butter. Season the vegetables with salt, pepper, and your favourite herbs or spices. To make the sauce, whisk together a couple of tablespoons of soy sauce, a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar, and a tablespoon of sesame oil. Once the quinoa is done, mix it with the vegetables and the sauce. Top your bowl with some chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds if you’d like.
Wrapped Veggie Sandwich
When you’re really in a rush to eat and don’t have much time to prep, try this wrapped veggie sandwich. It’s quick, easy, and super portable, so you can eat it almost anywhere. To make this sandwich, start by slicing up some veggies, such as carrots, cucumbers, peppers, and sprouts. Drizzle the veggies with some balsamic vinegar or lemon juice. Once the veggies have marinated for a few minutes, wrap them in slices of multigrain or whole-wheat bread. Make sure to squeeze out any excess liquid from the veggies so that they don’t make the bread soggy.
Conclusion
The simple van life isn’t for everyone, but for the right type of person, it’s an amazing way to live. If you’re willing to make a few sacrifices, you can create a simpler, happier life with very little. With these simple van life lunch recipes, you’ll be prepared for whatever life throws your way.