Camping is an exciting outdoor activity that offers a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of modern-day life. However, the success of your camping trip depends on many factors, including the delicious meals you enjoy. Good sides are a vital component of any camping menu and can turn a decent meal into a memorable feast. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best sides you can serve on your next camping trip to make it a resounding success.
Whether it’s a picnic with family and friends or a solitary retreat in the wilderness, everyone loves to indulge in camp food. Sides complement your main dish and offer a burst of flavor and nutrients that will leave you feeling energized and satisfied. Therefore, selecting the right sides is crucial to the success of your camping menu, and in this article, we will share some of the best options for you to consider.
Quick and Easy Camping Side Dishes
When you’re camping, the last thing you want to do is spend hours preparing complicated side dishes. That’s why quick and easy camping side dishes are a must-have for any camping trip. One of the simplest and most popular options is canned baked beans, a classic camping side dish. Simply heat up the beans in a pot or over an open fire, and serve alongside your main course. Another quick and easy option is instant mashed potatoes, which can be cooked in minutes and require only water. Add some butter and salt for extra flavor.
If you want to add some vegetables to your meal, grilled or roasted vegetables are a great choice. Slice up some bell peppers, zucchini, and onion, sprinkle them with olive oil, and grill them in a foil packet. Or, toss some chopped carrots and potatoes with olive oil and herbs, and roast them in a cast-iron skillet over the fire. These quick and easy camping side dishes will help you save time and effort, while still providing tasty and satisfying options for your camping meals.
Healthy and Nutritious Camping Sides
Are you looking for healthy and nutritious side dishes to include in your camping menu? Look no further! These sides will not only provide essential nutrients but also keep you energized throughout your outdoor adventure.
Grilled vegetables are a perfect choice for a healthy and nutritious side dish. As you hit the campsite, toss some zucchini, squash, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes on the grill. Vegetables are rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, providing the necessary nutrients for your body. Additionally, grilling creates an irresistible smoky flavor, making you feel like a seasoned grill master.
Another healthy option is a fresh green salad. You can prep this ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. Include a variety of greens like kale, lettuce, and spinach. Add in a mix of colorful veggies and nuts like cherry tomatoes, carrots, almonds, and sunflower seeds. Top it off with a simple vinaigrette or balsamic dressing. Salads are an excellent source of both vitamins and minerals and can be a healthy and refreshing meal option.
One-Pot Meal Ideas for Camping
When you’re out camping, keeping things simple can make all the difference in your enjoyment of the trip. One-pot meals are a great option for those looking for convenient and delicious options that require minimal effort and cleanup. There are plenty of one-pot meal ideas that can satisfy and nourish even the hungriest of campers.
Some classic one-pot meals for camping include chili, beef stew, and vegetable curry. These hearty dishes can be prepped ahead of time and cooked in a single pot over the fire or on a portable stove. For a lighter option, consider a one-pot pasta dish, such as spaghetti with clam sauce or tomato and basil penne. Whatever your preference, one-pot meals for camping are sure to be a hit with your friends and family.
Best Sides for Grilling and BBQ
When it comes to grilling and BBQ, having delicious sides that complement the main dish is essential. One classic side that always hits the spot is coleslaw. A good slaw should be cold, crunchy, and slightly sweet. You can go for a classic creamy coleslaw or mix things up with a vinegar-based one. Grilled vegetables are also a perfect addition to any BBQ. You can cook bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchinis, onions, or corn on the cob. Grilling these vegetables enhances their natural flavors, making them sweet and smoky.
Potato salad is another fantastic side for BBQs that everyone loves. You can go for the traditional recipe, featuring mayonnaise, onions, celery, and a pinch of mustard. Or you can play with different flavors, such as bacon, dill pickles, or ranch dressing. Lastly, baked beans are a BBQ staple that should never be missed. A good recipe should include brown sugar, bacon, onion, and molasses. The flavors come together to create a sweet, savory, tangy, and smoky dish that will make everyone want seconds.
Vegan and Vegetarian Camping Sides
If you are a vegan or vegetarian, finding the right camping sides can be quite a challenge. However, there are plenty of delicious and nutritious options that can complement your camping meals. Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, peppers, and mushrooms are a perfect choice for vegan and vegetarian campers. To prepare, all you need to do is drizzle some olive oil and herbs, and then grill over a fire until they are tender and golden brown.
Another option is a fresh mixed salad with a variety of greens, vegetables, and nuts. This is perfect for those hot summer days when you need something light and refreshing to cool down. You can also indulge in some vegan-friendly potato or macaroni salad, as these are easy to prepare and can be a great source of carbs needed to fuel your camping activities. Remember to pack some hummus, pita bread, and fresh fruits to snack on during the trip. With a little planning and creativity, vegan and vegetarian camping sides can be delicious and satisfying.
Homemade Snacks for Campsite Munchies
When it comes to camping, there’s no such thing as too many snacks. The great outdoors often gives us an appetite and having something quick and easy to munch on is a lifesaver. Homemade snacks are a great option for satisfying those cravings, as they allow you to control the ingredients and make sure they are healthy and delicious.
Trail mix is a classic camping munchie that can be customized to your taste. Mix nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and chocolate chips to create a snack that’s packed with protein and energy. You can also bake your own granola bars or energy balls ahead of time and pack them in resealable bags for a grab-and-go snack. Other easy homemade snacks include roasted chickpeas, popcorn, and homemade beef jerky. With a little bit of preparation, you can have plenty of delicious and healthy snacks to enjoy on your camping trip.
Camping Side Dishes That Kids Love
Camping is a great way for kids to experience the outdoors, bond with family and friends, and enjoy delicious food. With a little bit of creativity, you can make sure that the side dishes that you pack for your next camping trip are both nutritious and kid-friendly.
One of the best ways to make sure that your camping side dishes are kid-approved is to involve them in the process of choosing and preparing the food. Kids love to feel empowered and when it comes to food, they love to express themselves. You can include them in the decision-making process by asking them to suggest what kinds of side dishes they would like to have on their camping trip or by letting them help with the cooking and preparation. Some popular options that children love include mac and cheese, fruit salad, roasted vegetables, and gooey s’mores.
Final Thoughts
Camping is an excellent way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and connect with nature. While camping, it’s essential to have delicious and nutritious sides to make your experience enjoyable and fulfilling. A combination of fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins can go a long way in ensuring you have a balanced and satisfying meal.
By planning your meals ahead of time, packing the necessary ingredients, and preparing healthy and tasty sides, you can be sure that your camping experience will be a memorable one. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a beginner, you can never go wrong with bright and fresh salads, roasted vegetables, baked potatoes, and grilled meats. So, next time you plan a camping trip, be sure to include these sides in your menu for a wholesome and nourishing experience.