We all know the feeling of waking up hot and hungry, with no desire to walk a mile to the nearest breakfast taco truck. Getting a meal for under 10 bucks that satisfies your cravings is hard to come by during festival season, so I find it best to make as many meals as I can. There have been far too many times that I just rely on the vendors and don’t bring any fuel for myself, which can result in being fatigue and hangry. Forget about the hassle of complex cooking setups; here are some easy-to-make festival meals that will keep you fueled and ready to dance!
No-Grill Required Recipes:
1. Caprese Skewers:
All you need is cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, balsamic glaze, and skewers to make this delicious snack. Thread all of the ingredients on the skewer and top with balsamic glaze for a quick snack that has plenty of flavor and protein to satisfy your needs.
2. Banana-Nutella Crepes:
Bring pre-made crepes (or you can make your own) and fill them with sliced banana and a generous spread of Nutella, this is also great with peanut butter. If you opt for peanut butter, adding chocolate chips is a nice way to add more flavor. Fold them up for a sweet treat that can be enjoyed in the comfort of your camp site or while you are walking to the gates.
3. Protein Ball Bites:
Buying store bought protein bars is an option, but I honestly really like making homemade protein balls because I can control what ingredients go into the mix and they’re way cheaper. Not to mention you can add or take out anything you don’t like! Check out my favorite recipe on the Gimme Some Oven: https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/no-bake-energy-bites/
Photo from Gimme Some Oven Blog “No Bake Energy Bites”
4. Pasta Salad:
Combat the festival heat with a refreshing cool pasta salad. Cook pasta in advance and toss it in a large bowl with a variety of veggies, olives, feta cheese, and your favorite dressing (I use store bought italian dressing). In terms of veggies, I love bell pepper, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and green onions because of the crunch and color that they add. Of course you can add or remove whatever you want but this is a convenient and flavorful option that promises to keep you energized and satisfied. I love this recipe on the Inspired Taste blog: https://www.inspiredtaste.net/38019/easy-pasta-salad-recipe/
Photograph from Inspired Taste “Quick and Easy Pasta Salad”
5. Protein Trail Mix Parfait:
When it comes to festival food, yogurt is an easy way to get a good source of protein and also a delicious snack. I typically get organic vanilla greek yogurt and top it with store bought protein granola clusters from Kroger, strawberries and blueberries. It’s a quick and satisfying option that offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, keeping you fueled for the festivities.
Grill Required:
6: Quesadillas:
Quesadillas are the perfect way to get tons of nutrients and have a delicious meal. While everyone probably knows how to make a quesadilla, I will share with the ingredients that I love to stack in. I use mexican cheese, chicken (precooked refrigerated chicken is wonderful for festivals), bell peppers, onions, rice, beans, and taco sauce on the side. Extra points if you saved enough taco sauce from taco bell to use on these quesadillas. This with a side of chips and jarred salsa is such a great way to stay full for a night of festivities.
7: Stuffed Pita Pockets:
Instead of spending $17 on a lousy pita stand, make your own stuffed to the brim. I use premade pita pockets and fill them with a mix of hummus, bell peppers, and grilled chicken. This could definitely be made without a grill but for me, I need grilled chicken to complete my pita. This is a wonderful handheld meal that can be made before a long walk to the festival grounds or as a treat while you sit at your camp site.
8: Teriyaki Chicken Skewers:
Cut up bite-sized chicken pieces and create a teriyaki sauce to marinate your chicken. Once marinated, add your chicken to skewers and pop on the grill until they are cooked. What I find easiest, is creating the marinade and mixing the chicken in before you get to camp so that they are ready for the grill. Just make sure if you are using raw chicken to keep it in ice so that it doesn’t spoil before you get there. Check out this recipe: https://minimalistbaker.com/grilled-teriyaki-chicken-skewers-quick-marinating/
Photograph from Minimalist Baker
Now if I can give one tip for camping, it is to invest in a large cooler and bring/buy plenty of ice. The last thing you want is soggy, warm food and having a nice cooler with lots of ice will help prevent this. My group has a Yeti cooler and we all switch off on paying for ice throughout the days of the festival. We first stop at a gas station to fill up on the cheap ice and in this cooler it usually lasts us about 30 hours before it starts melting. Put your meat in a Ziploc, submerge it in all the ice and make sure it is closed so no water can leak in and spoil it.
As you embark on your festival journey, these easy-to-make meals promise to enhance your overall experience. Not only are you saving money, you are also eating healthier than you would be when going to the nearest vendors chicken tender stand. Set up that foldable table, get your large cooler of ice ready, and savor these festival feasts that go beyond mere sustenance- they’re a celebration of flavor and convenience. You have to nourish your body and mind while you are still able to enjoy the music and dance freely.
-Rex