5 Easy 'No-Cook' Meals for Camping in the Outdoors

Everyone who has camped or spent time in the outdoors knows the feeling. To arrive to your campsite after a massive day on the move and only wanting to setup camp, get comfortable, eat something filling. We’ve been there before… that’s why we’ve thrown together a list of 5 ‘no-cook’ meals which help reduce any chance’s of making a mess and are ready to eat from the moment you sit down. Admittedly, some of these meals do require some prep and cooking at home but the idea is to eliminate the need to cook when in the outdoors and arriving at camp.

Meal 01: Salmon Bagels w. Cream Cheese

Ingredients:

• Bagels (sesame seed, plain, everything - your choice!)
• Cream Cheese
• Thinly Sliced Smoked Salmon
• Red Onion (thinly sliced)
• Capers
• Lemon Juice or a Whole Lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste (optional)

Assembly:

1. Cut the Bagel and Spread the cream cheese: First things first, you’ll need to cut your bagel in half and dollop some softened cream cheese onto one half of the toasted bagel. Use a knife or spoon to spread it evenly and reaching all the way to the edges.
2. Layer the toppings: Place the smoked salmon on top of the cream cheese, creating a single layer. Scatter the red onion slices and capers over the salmon.
3. Squeeze of Lemon: Give your bagel that squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra burst of flavour.
   
   Important: Make sure you have a cool place to store the salmon while on the move. If you don’t have this luxury some great alternatives can be canned salmon or tuna.

Tips & Tricks:

1. Get creative with your cream cheese: Plain cream cheese isn’t the end all be all. Try some alternative flavours, our favourites are the Sweet Chilli and herb and garlic.
2. Get It Green: Add some raw spinach, some dill or any herbs to your liking to give your bagel an extra pop of flavour or colour
3. Prep ahead of time: If you have access to cooler storage and know you’ll be eating within the next few hours, feel free to prep this at home or in a cooking facility. Just be sure to wrap up the bagel closed with tin foil to ensure it all stays intact.

Meal 02: Charcuterie Board

A great social option and a feast away from those soggy sandwiches and scroggin. Arriving to the campsite with a bougee charcuterie board could be the move. This board is easy to assemble, easy to clean up and a great source of fuel for your adventures.

Ingredients

Meats:

• Salami
• Prosciutto
• Pepperoni
• Jerky

Cheeses:

• Tasty Cheddar
• Parmesan
• Brie Cheese
• Goats cheese
• Blue Cheese

Fruit & Veggies:

• Sliced Apples
• Grapes
• Berries
• Baby Carrots
• Fresh Bell Peppers
• Dried apricots
• Raisons
• Dates

Crackers and Bread:

• Wheat Thins
• Sliced Pita bread
• Baguette

Nuts & Seeds:

• Almonds
• Walnuts
• Pistachios

Dips & Spread Options:

• Hummus
• Pesto
• Honey
• Fig Jam
• Chutney

Bonus:

• Dark Chocolate

Assembly:

1. Choose your board: With the limitations of space when on the road make sure to choose a board that serve multiple purposes or a large plate that will fit in with your packing situation, it’s worth even considering individual containers for those spreads and dips.
   
   
2. Let The Board Build Begin: Start with crackers and bread, then arrange the meats and cheeses in a visually appealing manner.

3. Scatter the fruits, veggies, and nuts: Add pops of colour and texture throughout the board.
4. Don't forget the dips and spreads: Either Dollop these throwout the board or place them in small bowls for easy access.

5. Finishing touches: Garnish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of honey for some extra flare.

Meal 03: Greek Styled Pita Bread Pockets

These Greek-styled Pita Bread Pockets are simply amazing. Particularly when needing to pack light while still dealing to those camping cravings. This meal is the perfect quick fix for your next adventures in the outdoors. 

Ingredients:

• Whole Pita Breads
• Hummus
• Minced Lamb or Beef (Pre-Cooked)
• Red Onion (Diced)
• Green Bell Pepper
• Cucumber
• Diced Tomato
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Pitted olives (sliced)
• Lemon Juice or a Whole Lemon

Additional Options:

• Hummus
• Tzatziki Sauce
• Spinach or leafy greens
• Sliced Salami or Pepperoni is a great alternative if you do not have a cool space to store the lamb or beef

Assembly:

1. Prepping the Pita: Carefully cut the around a third of the edge of the pita and use your hands to open it up and create the pocket. Now take a knife and spread some hummus on the inside of the pita and try your best to spread it all the way to the edges.
2. Mix in the Fillin’: Take a Tupperware container and put the red onion, green bell pepper, cucumber, diced tomato and pitted olives into the pita. Then drizzle in some olive oil and lemon juice. Finally, fire a lid on the container and give it a gentle toss to mix up it all up.
3. Mix in the Meat and Fill Up That Pita: Scatter your minced lamb or beef over the tossed ingredients along with the crumbled feta and then take a spoon to fill up those pita and enjoy your pockets of goodness!

Tips & Tricks

Prep Ahead of Time:  Consider your veggies and even putting all the ingredients that needs to be tossed into the Tupperware container to help with storage space and cut down preparation time when out in the wild.

Go Veggie: This is one of the meals that doesn’t need the meat and is a great option for the vegetarians out there!

Heat It Up: If there’s fire crackling away at your campsite, consider wrapping the pita breads in tin foil and putting them on the embers. Just make sure it’s just for a minute or two so they don’t get burnt.

Meal 04: Breakfast Burrito (For Any Time of Day)

A staple within the adventurer list of go-to meal choices. A burrito can be loaded with all the nutrients you need when in the outdoors and is easily customisable to your cravings.

Ingredients:

Tortillas Options:

• Large Whole Wheat Tortillas
• Large Flour Tortillas

Protein Options (Pre-Cooked):

• Sliced Bacon
• Ground or Sliced Sausage
• Chorizo
• Smoked Salmon
• Shredded Chicken
• Canned Tuna 

Cheese Options:

• Grated Tasty Cheddar
• Grated Mozzarella
• Brie Cheese

Veggies:

• Red Onion
• Bell Peppers
• Tomatoes
• Avocado Slices (Optional)

Eggs Options (Pre-Cook at Home):

• Scrambled Eggs
• Boiled eggs
• Deviled Eggs. Make sure you prep these at home or in a convenient cooking facility before heading into the wild.

Sauces Options:

• Hummus
• Salsa
• Garlic Aioli
• Peri Peri Mayo
• Hot Sauce. 

Assembly:

Layout Everything Out: Lay out your chosen tortillas and assemble your ingredients within easy reach.

Spread the Base Layer: Take a knife and smear a thin layer of hummus, garlic aoili or peri peri mayo on one half of each tortilla.

Protein Power: Add your choose of protein, layering it evenly across that base layer of sauce.

Veggie and Eggie time: Pile on your favourite chopped veggies and egg for colour and texture.

Add the Add-ons: Slap on your choice of Salsa, hot sauce, olives etc.

Wrap it up: Fold the bottom of the tortilla up and over the filling, then fold in the sides. Roll tightly to create a snug burrito.

Tips & Tricks:

Prep ahead of time: These burrito’s are a great option if you’d like to prepare the entire meal and wrap it up in tin foil at home before hitting the road. This will save time and mess when out in the wild.

Keep It Cool: Utilize a cooler storage space when storing these. Whether they’re prepacked or individually contained it’s always good to play it safe.

Fire it Up: Once you’ve constructed your masterpiece and if your campsite has a fire, consider wrapping up the burrito in tin foil and putting it on the embers for a few minutes to give yourself a nice warm meal.

Meal 05: Chopped Italian Sandwich

Level up your sandwich building abilities with a Chopped Italian Sammy! This meal is stacked with great pre-packaged ingredients and doesn’t require any cutlery or plates, just your hands and an appetite.

Ingredients:

Bread Options:

• Plain White Sub Roll
• Garlic & Cheesy Sub
• Baguette

Meats Options:

• Salami
• Pepperoni
• Prosciutto
• Champagne Ham

Cheese Options:

• Mozzarella
• Cheddar
• Brie 

Veggie Options (Pre-Cut to save time):

• Shredded Lettuce
• Slice Tomato or Cherry Tomatoes
• Red Onion(sliced)

Dressing Options:

• Italian Dressing
• Mayonnaise
• Vinaigrette

Extras:

• Red Bell Peppers
• Drizzle of Pesto
• Olives
• Artichoke

Assembly

Preparation and Chop: Take a knife and slice your choice of sub length ways. Next dice up your choice of meats, veggies and cheese.

Build the Sub: Starting with your bread opened up flat, build your layers of meats, cheese and veggies, leaving room for your choice of dressings.

Drizzle the Dressing: It’s time to dress this masterpiece with your chosen dressing. Be as generous as you like.

Scatter the Extras and Dig In: Scatter the extra bits and pieces that you’d like to have involved, close it up that Sammy and dig in!

Tips & Tricks

Pack Smart: Choose Shelf-stable ingredients like pre-cut meats and veggies.

Portion Control: Pack ingredients separately to avoid food waste.

Clean Up: Opt for reusable or biodegradable plate options for minimal waste.