10+ Camping Recipes Healthy for Delicious Outdoor Meals

When you’re out in the great outdoors, enjoying nature, you need meals that are not only delicious but also healthy. Choosing camping recipes that focus on nutrition can enhance your camping experience while keeping you energized for outdoor activities. Being mindful of what you eat can make a big difference in how you feel during your adventure.

Healthy camping meals can be simple and quick to prepare, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the surroundings.

Whether you’re looking for breakfast options, lunch ideas, or tasty snacks for the trail, there are many recipes that fit the bill. With a little planning, you can create satisfying meals that keep your energy up and taste great in the fresh air.

Grilled Veggie Skewers

Grilled veggie skewers are a tasty and healthy option for your camping meals. You can enjoy a variety of colorful vegetables packed with flavor.

Start by choosing your favorite veggies, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. They can be tossed in balsamic vinaigrette for extra flavor.

To prepare, cut the vegetables into uniform pieces. Then, soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Thread the veggies onto the skewers, alternating colors for a fun presentation.

Grill them over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Turn them occasionally until they are tender and have grill marks.

These skewers make a great side dish or a light main course. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauces!

Ingredients

• Bell peppers
• Zucchini
• Cherry tomatoes
• Balsamic vinaigrette
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
2. Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes.
3. Thread vegetables onto skewers.
4. Preheat grill to medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
5. Grill skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.

2) Quinoa Breakfast Bowls

Quinoa breakfast bowls are a nutritious way to start your camping day. They are easy to prepare and can be customized to fit your taste.

You can mix cooked quinoa with fruits, nuts, and seeds. For a simple bowl, try combining quinoa with sliced bananas and a drizzle of honey.

Another tasty option is a savory version with avocado, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. You’ll love how vibrant and filling these bowls can be.

These bowls are not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber. Perfect for keeping your energy up while you enjoy the great outdoors.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 banana, sliced
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ avocado, sliced
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a bowl, add cooked quinoa.
3. Top with sliced banana and honey.
4. Alternatively, add avocado and tomatoes for a savory bowl.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

3) Sweet Potato Hash

Sweet potato hash is a great dish for camping. It is tasty, filling, and packed with nutrients. You can easily prepare it over a campfire using a cast-iron skillet.

Start by cooking some bacon for flavor. Then, add diced sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and scallions. Cook these until the sweet potatoes are tender.

For seasoning, you can use salt, paprika, and garlic powder. A little water helps steam the sweet potatoes and makes them soft. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes.

This dish is versatile. You can add cooked sausage or eggs on top for extra protein. Enjoy your hearty meal under the stars!

Ingredients

• 4 slices thick-cut bacon
• 2 lb. sweet potatoes, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 6 scallions, chopped
• 1 ½ tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. garlic powder

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the bacon in a cast-iron skillet until crispy.
2. Add the diced sweet potatoes, bell pepper, and scallions.
3. Stir and cook for about 10 minutes.
4. Add water, salt, paprika, and garlic powder.
5. Cover and cook for another 8-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4) Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Zucchini noodles, also known as zoodles, are a great camping recipe that is light and healthy. They are easy to make and provide a fresh taste while enjoying the outdoors.

To prepare, spiralize or use a julienne peeler to cut fresh zucchini into noodle shapes. Toss the noodles with your favorite pesto for a burst of flavor. You can make the pesto at home or bring store-bought for convenience.

For added freshness, top your dish with cherry tomatoes or some basil leaves. This meal is colorful and nutritious, making it perfect for a camping trip.

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchinis
• 1 cup pesto (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Spiralize the zucchini into noodle shapes.
2. In a large bowl, toss the zoodles with the pesto until well coated.
3. Add salt to taste.
4. Optional: Top with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil.

5) Chickpea Salad Wraps

Chickpea salad wraps are a perfect choice for healthy camping meals. They are easy to make and packed with flavor. You can prepare them ahead of time for convenience.

Start with canned or cooked chickpeas. Mash them up and mix with some mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, and your favorite spices. This gives a creamy texture that’s really satisfying.

Next, layer the chickpea mixture on a tortilla. Add fresh veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers for extra crunch. You could also include avocado for a creamy finish.

These wraps are not just tasty; they are also loaded with protein from the chickpeas. They make for a filling meal that keeps you energized for outdoor fun.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
• Tortillas (gluten-free if needed)
• Lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers

Cooking Instructions

1. Mash the chickpeas in a bowl.
2. Mix in the mayonnaise and pickle relish.
3. Spread the mixture onto a tortilla.
4. Add your choice of fresh veggies.
5. Roll the tortilla and enjoy!

6) Avocado & Black Bean Tacos

Avocado and black bean tacos are a tasty, healthy option for your camping meals. They are easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

To make these tacos, start with black beans. You can use canned beans for convenience or rehydrate dry beans before your trip. Mix them with diced avocados, lime juice, and some salt.

For added flavor, include chopped onions and fresh cilantro. You can also spice things up with a bit of hot sauce if you like heat.

Serve this mixture in corn or flour tortillas. You can warm the tortillas over the campfire for extra taste.

These tacos are not only delicious but also provide healthy fats and protein, perfect for an active day outdoors.

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans (15 oz or 425 g)
• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt to taste
• 1 small onion, chopped (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• Tortillas (corn or flour)

Cooking Instructions

1. If using canned beans, drain and rinse them.
2. In a bowl, mash the avocados and mix in lime juice and salt.
3. Stir in black beans, onions, and cilantro.
4. Warm the tortillas over the campfire.
5. Fill each tortilla with the avocado and black bean mixture. Enjoy!

7) Lentil Stew

Lentil stew is a perfect dish for camping. It’s healthy, filling, and easy to make. You can prepare it in one pot, which means less clean-up!

Start by rinsing 1 cup of lentils. Use a fine mesh colander and remove any debris.

Next, chop up some vegetables like onions, carrots, and zucchini. You can also add tomatoes for extra flavor.

In a large pot, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions and garlic for a few minutes until soft.

Then add the carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms. Stir them together for about 5 minutes.

Add the lentils, 4 cups of vegetable broth, and your favorite spices. Bring the mixture to a boil and then lower the heat. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes until the lentils are tender.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils
• 1 medium onion
• 3 large carrots
• 2 large zucchini
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 carton of mushrooms
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse lentils and remove debris.
2. Chop onion, carrots, zucchini, and garlic.
3. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
4. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
5. Add carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms; cook for 5 minutes.
6. Stir in lentils, broth, and spices.
7. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.

8) Campfire Banana Boats

Campfire banana boats are a fun and delicious treat you can make while camping. They combine the sweetness of bananas with your favorite toppings, all cooked over a fire.

To prepare, you’ll slice the bananas but not all the way through. Keep the peel on for easy handling.

You can fill them with mini chocolate chips, marshmallows, or even fruits and nuts for a healthier twist.

Wrap each banana in tin foil and place it over hot coals. Cook for about 10-15 minutes until the banana is soft and the fillings are melted.

Let them cool a bit before unwrapping. Enjoy your warm, gooey banana boat!

Ingredients

• Bananas
• Mini chocolate chips
• Marshmallows
• Optional toppings: nuts, peanut butter, or berries

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the bananas lengthwise, keeping the peel on.
2. Fill the banana slits with chocolate chips and marshmallows.
3. Wrap each banana in tin foil.
4. Place the wrapped bananas over hot coals.
5. Cook for 10-15 minutes.
6. Carefully remove from heat and unwrap before enjoying.

9) Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a tasty and healthy choice for your camping meals. They’re simple to make and you can fill them with different ingredients to match your taste.

Start by choosing your favorite bell peppers. They can be red, yellow, green, or orange. You’ll need to remove the tops and seeds before stuffing them.

A classic filling includes ground beef, cooked rice, and some spices. If you prefer something lighter, you can use beans, veggies, or quinoa for a vegetarian option.

Once filled, you can cook the peppers in a dutch oven over charcoal or on a campfire until they’re tender. This usually takes about 30-45 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers
• 1 lb ground beef (or a vegetarian substitute)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your cooking method to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the bell peppers by cutting off the tops and removing the seeds.
3. Mix the filling in a bowl.
4. Stuff the peppers with the filling.
5. Cook in the dutch oven or over the campfire for 30-45 minutes.

10) Oatmeal with Berries

Oatmeal is a great choice for a healthy camping breakfast. It’s easy to prepare and fills you up for the day ahead. Adding berries gives your oatmeal a tasty twist.

You can use fresh or dried berries based on what you have. Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries all work well. They add natural sweetness and nutrients to your meal.

To make your oatmeal, start by boiling water. For every cup of oatmeal, use about two cups of water. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. Then, stir in your berries before serving.

For a little extra flavor, consider adding honey or a sprinkle of nuts. This will give your oatmeal some crunch and extra energy for your adventures.

Ingredients

• 1 cup oatmeal
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup berries (fresh or dried)
• Honey or nuts (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil 2 cups of water in a pot.
2. Add 1 cup of oatmeal to the boiling water.
3. Stir and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
4. Mix in your choice of berries.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!