vacation meals (cold)

When my husband and I went "up north" for a weekend, we knew we wouldn't have appliances. (We were staying in a motel, but there was no fridge in the room and we knew that in advance; we brought a cooler with ice packs, but that was good for 24 hours.) As I recall, I made a pasta salad with roasted vegetables in a balsamic vinaigrette. We got some muffins on our way out of town. I think we brought along a jar of peanut butter and some jelly. (This was pre-MFP). Otherwise, it was mostly making meals out of snacks like granola bars, fruit, cheese and crackers, etc. It was just for three days. The salad was a lifesaver.

I'd say hearty salads that don't need refrigeration, then. So shy away from eggs (including mayo) if it's hot out, dairy, etc. Lettuce will probably wilt once you add dressing, but maybe keep it separate and add at the last minute. Most vegetables will keep for a few hours. Cut fruit should be tossed with some citrus juice to keep it from going brown. Pasta, rice, corn are all good bases.

Also, check this out: https://www.insider.com/foods-you-can-leave-out-overnight-2018-12#some-raw-uncut-vegetables-can-be-stored-on-your-counter-instead-of-the-fridge-7 (Not sure about temperatures higher than room temp, mind.)

If I understand you properly, you will be on vacation soon. You will be staying at home, but venturing out during the day for activities, and returning home at night. Assuming this is correct and assuming you are fishing for "healthier" (less calorie dense) foods...

Anything you can meal prep and put in a cooler with ice for a day will work great.
-salad fixings; bagged lettuce, diced veggies, pre-cooked chicken, ham, hard boiled eggs, dressing, etc.
-pre-made sandwiches; if you are worried about too much bread make ham and cheese roll ups or something. Or lettuce wraps.
-fruit; apples, oranges, bananas
-other non-greens based salads; pasta salad, potato salad, chicken salad, egg salad, pea salad, corn salad, etc.
-veggies such as carrots, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, celery, sliced bell pepper or whatever you like. Dip for said veggies such as hummus, yogurt dip, salsa
-cheese or cheese sticks


Higher calorie options if you have the room (typical road food fare that needs no refridgeration):
-chips
-crackers
-tortilla chips and refried beans
-cookies
-muffins
-summer sausage
-peanut butter
-trail mix


Edit: Just saw your reply about traveling back and forth to the in-laws house. You could still open up your options if you have room for a 5-day cooler. You could store pre-made cold foods in it and it would keep your food safe for a few days. They make them in smaller sizes too. You could then top off your ice as you go back and forth to your "home base". Just make sure you put stuff in tupperware or zip lock baggies to avoid anything getting soggy from ice melting.

Tuna, salmon, and smoked trout are all shelf stable and good eaten at room temp. I am pretty content mixing my tuna with olive oil and mustard but some people really have to have the mayo.

Soups, stews, chili, and anything with enough sauce to be slightly soupy can be kept warm for hours in a thermos. Spaghetti with a bolognese sauce would make for a hearty meal.

NovusDies wrote: »

emialyssa13 wrote: »

LyndaBSS wrote: »

What's a dioblotin?

I said it in french cause i don'k know the English word for this meal.
Basically it's an egg boiled, cut in half on the long side. Save the Yolk .
Mix it with Mayonnaise, herbs and what you wish, and then put it back on the white egg with paprika on the top




And Crafty_camp Thank you ! you gave me an excellent meal. The lettuce Wrap. I Never thought of that ! I'll try it !

They are called deviled eggs which is funny because they are super popular at church socials. There is a reason for the name but I forget what it is now.

It had to do with the preparation or seasioning process(don't remember which). It was called "deviling.

I made a bunch of fafalel- it’s basically chickpeas- dipped in whatever sauces you like. I usually do fafalel with a side of salad. I was gonna suggest salmon cakes but your allergic.