Lunch Ideas for Road Trips: Tasty On-the-Go Meals

Going on a road trip often means spending long hours behind the wheel, and those hunger pangs are bound to strike. But stopping for a meal every time you feel peckish might not be feasible or budget-friendly.

Luckily, there are plenty of scrumptious lunch ideas that you can easily prepare and pack for your journey! These meals will save you time and money and help you maintain a healthier diet while on the road.

Make-ahead meals are especially convenient, as they minimize the fuss and mess associated with on-the-go food prep and cleanup.

With the right planning and execution, you’ll have satisfying and delicious lunches to fuel your road trip adventures.

Lunch Ideas for Road Trips

Sandwiches and Wraps

When it comes to road trip lunches, sandwiches and wraps are a go-to choice due to their convenience and portability. Here are some options to consider, which can be enjoyed by the whole family:

• Tuna Melt: Combine canned tuna, mayo, chopped celery, and optional seasonings like herbs, salt, and pepper. Place the tuna salad on bread, add a slice of cheese, and toast until the cheese is melted.
• Turkey and Avocado Wrap: Spread guacamole onto a whole wheat wrap or tortilla, add turkey slices, lettuce, and tomato, and roll up. Slice in half to make two servings.
• Apple and Cheddar Sandwich: Layer thinly sliced apples and cheddar cheese on whole wheat bread. Add lettuce and a light spread of mustard or honey for extra flavor.
• Peanut butter and Fruit Wrap: Spread peanut butter on a wrap, add sliced bananas or berries, sprinkle granola over the fruit, and roll up tightly.
• Veggie Wraps: For a vegetarian or vegan option, prepare wraps with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. Add some hummus or a flavorful spread, along with fresh greens, for a satisfying and nutritious lunch.

Salads

Salads are a fresh and healthy sandwich alternative and can provide various flavors and textures.

Consider packing a cooler with ice packs to keep these dishes fresh:

• Pasta Salad: Make a pasta salad with your choice of cooked pasta, diced vegetables (such as bell peppers, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes), olives, and feta or mozzarella cheese. Toss it with a simple vinaigrette dressing and pack it in a sealed container.
• Southwestern Quinoa Salad: Combine cooked quinoa, canned beans, avocado, corn, and diced bell pepper. Dress with lime juice, olive oil, and cumin.
• Salad in a Jar: To keep salad ingredients fresh and avoid sogginess, layer ingredients like spinach, cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, and protein like boiled eggs, grilled chicken, or chickpeas in a jar. Place your dressing at the bottom and shake the jar to mix when you’re ready to eat.
• Chicken salad is a satisfying and portable option that provides a good balance of protein and flavors. Enjoy it as a refreshing lunch or snack during your road trip!

Non-Perishable Healthy Snacks

Keeping a stash of non-perishable snacks in your car will help ensure you have easy access to grab-and-go foods.

• Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, cashews, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds make for low-effort snacks, providing protein and healthy fats.
• Dried Fruit: Raisins, dried apricots, and figs are a sweet alternative to candies or cookies, while still satisfying your sweet tooth.
• Granola Bars and Protein Bars: Ensure you choose ones made from whole foods and without excessive sugar.
• Crackers and Cheese: Select crackers made from whole grains, and pair them with a variety of cheese, like string cheese or a handy cheese stick.
• Jerky: Beef jerky, turkey jerky, or other meat-based jerky varieties are high in protein and portable, making them a great road trip snack.

Don’t forget to pack utensils, reusable food containers, and a cooler for items that need to stay cold. Being prepared with these road trip lunch ideas will make your journey more enjoyable while avoiding the need to rely on fast food or gas station meals.

What is the easiest food to eat in a car?

When it comes to eating in a car, it’s important to choose foods that are easy to handle, not too messy, and can be consumed without utensils. Here are some examples of easy-to-eat foods for car travel:

• Sandwiches or Wraps: Sandwiches are a classic car-friendly option. Opt for sandwiches that are easy to hold and don’t have too many messy ingredients. Wraps with secure fillings are also convenient.
• Fresh Fruits: Fruits like apples, grapes, berries, or bite-sized fruits are easy to eat in the car. They don’t require utensils and provide a refreshing and healthy snack option.
• Cut Vegetables: Pre-cut vegetables like carrot sticks, celery sticks, cucumber slices, or cherry tomatoes are convenient and can be eaten without much fuss.
• Cheese and Crackers: Pack some cheese cubes or slices with whole grain crackers. They are simple to eat and provide a satisfying combination of flavors.
• Nuts and Seeds: Snack on a mix of nuts and seeds such as almonds, cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds. They are bite-sized and offer a good source of protein and healthy fats.
• Granola Bars: These bars are designed to be portable and are great for on-the-go snacking. Look for options with wholesome ingredients and minimal mess.
• Yogurt Tubes or Squeezable Pouches: Individual tubes or pouches of yogurt are easy to handle and can be consumed without utensils. They provide a quick and nutritious snack.
• Popcorn: Opt for pre-packaged popcorn or make your own at home and pack it in sealed bags. It’s a relatively mess-free and enjoyable snack for the car.

Meal Planning and Preparation

Make-Ahead Meals

When planning your road trip, it’s essential to include make-ahead meals in your meal plan.

Preparing meals in advance saves you time and ensures that you have healthy and delicious options on the road. Try to include a mix of sandwiches, wraps, salads, and finger foods.

Here are a few ideas:

• Tuna Melt: Make easy-to-eat tuna melts by filling a sandwich with your preferred tuna salad mix and a slice of cheese, then grilling in a panini press before your trip.
• Italian Collard Green Wraps: Prepare these hearty wraps with fresh collard green leaves, your choice of deli meat, cheese, and chopped veggies. Be sure to wrap them tightly and store them in a food container to maintain their shape.
• Apple and Cheddar Sandwiches: Combine sweet and savory flavors by layering cheddar cheese and thinly sliced apples on whole-grain bread. Adding a thin layer of mustard or honey can enhance the flavor.

Packing Food for Road Trips

When packing food for your road trip, consider investing in high-quality food containers to prevent spills and keep your food fresh. Choose containers that are airtight, leak-proof, and easy to clean. As you pack, keep the following tips in mind:

• Cold Storage: Use a cooler with ice packs or frozen water bottles to store perishable items and keep them cold throughout your trip.
• Divide and Conquer: Separate snacks and meals into individual portions, making it easier to access and share food in the car. Ziplock bags and small food containers are perfect for this purpose.
• Layer Smartly: Place heavier items on the bottom of the cooler and lighter items on top to prevent squishing delicate foods. It’s also a good idea to layer foods by when you plan on eating them, with the first meal on top and later ones on the bottom.
• Keep Utensils Handy: Don’t forget to pack utensils, napkins, and any other essentials you need for easy meal access and clean-up during the trip.

By carefully planning and preparing your make-ahead meals and efficiently packing your food, you’ll ensure that your road trip is filled with delicious and satisfying lunches to keep everyone happy and energized throughout your journey.

Healthy Eating on the Road

Choosing Healthy Meal Options

While on a road trip, you must ensure you’re eating healthy. Packing your own meals helps you maintain control over what you’re consuming. Focus on including a variety of healthy road trip snacks and meals, such as:

• Yogurt
• Fresh fruit, like bananas, apples or oranges
• Whole grain sandwiches with lean meats or nut butter
• Low-fat string cheese or cheese slices
• Hummus, guacamole, or tuna in single-serving containers
• Nuts, like almonds or cashews
• Vegetables, such as baby carrots, celery sticks, or sliced bell peppers

Avoiding Fast Food and Gas Station Food

It’s easy to fall into the trap of grabbing a quick meal from a fast-food joint or finding snacks at a gas station, but these options often lack nutritional value.

Skip fast food, opt for healthier restaurants, or visit local markets during your road trip.

If you must stop at a gas station, look for healthier snack options, such as:

• Nuts or trail mix
• Fresh fruit
• Yogurt
• Granola bars

As road trip foods go, these will help ensure you’re still maintaining a healthy diet even during your travels.

And always keep a list of the healthy road trip snacks you have prepared, so you can make better choices on the go.

Road Trip Supplies

Preparing and packing the right supplies for your road trip is essential. Here are some important items to consider:

• Food storage: Invest in a quality cooler to keep your lunch and snacks fresh and safe throughout your journey. You might also want to have reusable containers, ziplock bags, and cutlery for easy packing and consumption of your meals.
• Hydration: Carry sufficient water and refillable bottles to stay hydrated during your trip, especially in warm weather.
• Sanitation: Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and napkins are essential items to maintain cleanliness while enjoying your road trip lunches.

Keep in mind that planning and packing your road trip lunch supplies in advance will help you make the most of your journey. Stay organized and have a memorable trip!