Embarking on a camping trip doesn’t mean vegetarians have to miss out on satisfying and delicious meals. In fact, there are plenty of mouth-watering vegetarian options that will make the camping experience enjoyable for everyone, even meat-eaters.
With a focus on wholesome ingredients and creative recipes, these meals will prove that vegetarian camping cuisine can be not only nutritious but also flavorsome and hearty.
In this guide, we’re sharing with you 16 meal vegetarian meal ideas you can try the next time you go camping. So keep reading, and let’s get cooking!
Vegetarian Camping Meals To Try
Breakfast Ideas
1. Overnight Oats
If you’re looking for a warm and cozy meal to start your morning in nature, campfire breakfasts are the perfect choice. One delicious and nutritious option is apple cinnamon overnight oats. Simply combine rolled oats, chopped apples, cinnamon, and your choice of milk in a mason jar, and let it sit overnight. In the morning, heat the oats over the campfire to achieve a warm and satisfying breakfast.
2. Breakfast Scramble
Eggs are another fantastic food to cook over a campfire. Vegetarian campers can make a lovely scrambled egg dish with added veggies like mushrooms, tomatoes, or spinach. For those who prefer a plant-based option, a chickpea flour breakfast scramble with vegetables and seasonings is a tasty and protein-rich alternative.
3. Breakfast Burrito
While your campfire is warming up, fill a tortilla with scrambled eggs, beans, avocado, or even leftover veggies from the night before. Wrap it up, and you have yourself a portable and filling meal to enjoy while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
Whether you prefer a warm campfire-cooked meal or a quick and easy bite, these vegetarian breakfast ideas are sure to satisfy your hunger while camping.
Lunch Options
Cold Lunches
For quick and easy vegetarian meals during camping, cold lunches are an excellent choice.
4. Avocado and Cheese Sandwich
To prepare this delicious meal, simply spread mashed avocado on whole grain bread and add a slice of cheese.
5. Chickpea Salad
To make this protein-packed option, mix together chickpeas, diced avocado, and cherry tomatoes, then season with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
6. Whole Grain Sandwiches
There’s nothing more yummy than a whole grain sandwich with hummus, pesto, or almond butter. Pair these sandwiches with some crunchy fresh vegetables, like cucumber, carrot, or bell pepper slices, for a well-rounded and nutritious meal.
Grilled Delights
Camping offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy some scrumptious grilled vegetarian food.
7. Grilled Sweet Potato Fajitas
Simply slice sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and onions, then season them with a mixture of olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, and cumin. Cook on the grill or over the campfire, and serve on warm tortillas with avocado and your choice of toppings.
8. Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Stacks
Cut eggplant into rounds, season with salt and pepper, and grill until tender. Layer the grilled eggplant rounds with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil, then continue grilling until the cheese melts. Serve this delightful combination over a bed of freshly cooked pasta for a truly satisfying meal.
Remember to pack enough light and non-perishable ingredients, such as spices, condiments, and nuts, to help enhance the flavor of your vegetarian camping meals. With a bit of creativity and planning, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious meals while enjoying the great outdoors.
Dinner Recipes
Vegetarian camping meals can be both delicious and filling, especially when it comes to dinner time. In this section, we will explore some easy-to-prepare and tasty dinner options that are perfect for camping adventures.
One-Pot Dinners
9. Dutch Oven Lasagna
This satisfying dish combines pasta, vegetables, and cheese in a Dutch oven to create a homestyle, hearty meal. Layer cooked pasta with spinach, bell peppers, and crumbled tofu. Then, top with your favorite sauce and cheese, cover, and cook over the campfire until bubbly and delicious.
10. 5 Can Chili
A simple and versatile option for campfire cooking, this recipe includes black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, green chilies, and vegetarian chili seasoning. Just combine all the ingredients in a large pot and simmer over your campfire until heated through. Serve with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips.
11. Campfire Macaroni and Cheese
For a campfire twist on a classic, boil macaroni and add your favorite cheese sauce. Add spinach and cooked vegetables like bell peppers to incorporate additional nutrients and flavors. Cook until all ingredients are well combined and heated through.
12. Vegetarian Chili
Replace the ground beef with a variety of beans or lentils and pack your chili full of vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes, and onions. A one-pot red lentil chili can be an easy, versatile dish that is perfect for a campfire meal. Additionally, spice up your meals by experimenting with chili seasoning, hot sauce, or even adding cocoa powder for a unique flavor twist.
Foil Packet Meals
13. Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos
This tasty vegetarian recipe is made by wrapping sweet potatoes, black beans, and your favorite taco toppings in individual foil packets. Cook directly on the campfire coals, allowing for even heat distribution and a delicious, smoky flavor. Serve with additional toppings like avocado and salsa.
14. Campfire Nachos
Campfire Nachos are a fun twist on a classic dish that involves layering tortilla chips, black beans, cheese, and your choice of veggies, like bell peppers and olives, in a foil packet or a cast iron skillet. Cook in the coals until the cheese is melted, and serve with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Grilled to Perfection
15. Vegetarian Burgers
Vegetarian burgers are a fantastic way to enjoy a classic camping meal without the need for meat. Bean burgers, made with a variety of beans like black beans or chickpeas, can offer a filling and protein-rich alternative. To further enhance the outdoorsy experience, you can grill these patties on skewers over the campfire. Use your creativity and choose different types of toppings to customize your camping burgers and make them extra special.
16. Grilled Ratatouille Kebabs
Perfect for a light and flavorful dinner, thread pre-chopped vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes onto skewers. Brush with olive oil, season, and grill over an open flame until tender and slightly charred. Serve over a bed of rice or quinoa.
Ingredients and Preparation
Packing Tips
When preparing for a camping trip, it’s crucial to pack ingredients that are convenient to carry and have a longer shelf life. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Store dry ingredients like cumin, chili powder, and nutritional yeast in small, airtight containers or ziplock bags.
- Protect fragile vegetables, such as tomatoes and red onions, by wrapping them in foil or placing them in a firm container.
- Pack potatoes, sweet potatoes, and carrots in breathable mesh bags to prevent spoilage.
- Use versatile ingredients like oil, salt, and baking powder that can be utilized in multiple recipes.
Ingredient Selection
Selecting the right ingredients is essential for creating delicious and nutritious vegetarian camping meals. Here’s a list of popular ingredients and how they can be used:
- Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes: These starchy vegetables are rich in complex carbohydrates, making them a great energy source. They can be baked, boiled, or grilled. Wrap them in foil and cook over the campfire.
- Onions and Garlic: These aromatic vegetables add flavor to various dishes. Choose red onions for their robust taste and milder sweetness.
- Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes can be used in salads, sandwiches, or cooked into a sauce. Cherry tomatoes are more convenient to pack and less prone to bruising.
- Carrots: These crunchy vegetables add color, texture, and natural sweetness to salads, stir-fries, or roasted vegetable dishes.
- Cucumber: Opt for seedless varieties, such as English cucumbers, for a crisp and refreshing addition to salads, sandwiches, and wraps.
- Green Pepper: Adds crunch to salads, stir-fries, and wraps. Pair them with tomato, cucumber, and onions for a simple, yet flavorful salad.
- Coconut Milk: Provides a creamy base for soups, stews, and curries. Its high-fat content supplies sustained energy during physical activities.
- Spices and Seasonings: Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami flavor in sauces and dips. Cumin adds warmth and earthiness to dishes, while chili powder provides a spicy kick. Incorporate a variety of these seasonings to create diverse and flavorful meals.
By carefully selecting and packing suitable ingredients, vegetarian campers can enjoy an array of delicious and nourishing meals during their outdoor adventures.
Wrapping Up
Vegetarian camping meals can be just as enjoyable and satisfying as traditional meat-heavy meals. With countless options and varieties, campers can maintain a balanced diet while enjoying their time outdoors.
One of the many advantages of vegetarian camping meals is their simplicity and ease of preparation. Carefully planned dishes can minimize the need for extensive kitchen gear while still being packed with nutrients, providing fuel for those long hikes and outdoor adventures. From creative breakfast ideas, like banana bread pancakes, to fulfilling lunch wraps and hearty dinner options abound in the vegetarian world.
Diversifying the camping menu to include vegetarian options not only appeals to different dietary preferences but also offers a fresh approach to traditional camping food. Including meals that cater to plant-based diets would surely enhance the experience for every camper, giving them the energy they need to fully enjoy the natural beauty around them.
For more information about cooking in the outdoors, visit our camping food page!
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Hey there, I’m Ryan, the face behind Beyond The Tent.
With decades of camping experiences, my journey into the wilderness began on the rustic trails of a farm in southern Minnesota, where my childhood was filled with explorations and camping by a picturesque river.
My family’s adventures across the United States, from the majestic Colorado mountains to the serene national parks and the pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area of Northern Minnesota have given me a broad perspective. With each journey, whether in state parks or private encampments, and through the homely comfort of our camping trailers, we’ve amassed a trove of stories, experiences, and invaluable camping wisdom.