When I tried sticking to my Mediterranean diet during camping trips, I ended up eating boring canned beans and dry bread because I didn’t know any Mediterranean-inspired camping food. After several trips, I finally have creative solutions for eating Mediterranean-style in the great outdoors. Embrace the flavors of the Mediterranean while enjoying the great outdoors with these Mediterranean diet camping recipes.
Contents
- Mediterranean Diet Camping Recipes
- 1. Campfire Oatmeal With Berries and Nuts
- 2. Asparagus and Goat Cheese Frittata
- 3. Yogurt Parfaits With Granola and Fruit
- 4. Hummus and Veggie Wraps
- 5. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
- 6. Tuna Salad With Whole Wheat Crackers
- 7. Campfire Foil Packets With Salmon and Vegetables
- 8. Chicken and Vegetable Skewers
- 9. Lentil Stew in a Dutch Oven
- 10. Campfire Pizza With Whole Wheat Pita Bread
- 11. Greek Lemon Potatoes in Foil
- 12. Campfire Paella
- 13. Freezer Bean and Cheese Burritos
- 14. Campfire Baked Falafel Pitas
- 15. Grilled Halloumi Salad With Roasted Vegetables
- 16. Trail Mix With Nuts, Seeds, and Dried Fruit
- 17. Grilled Pineapple With Honey and Mint
- 18. Stuffed Grilled Avocados With Shrimp and Mango Salsa
- 19. Summer Rolls With Almond Butter Satay
- 20. Campfire Baked Apples With Cinnamon and Nuts
- 21. Grilled Peaches With Honey Mascarpone
- 22. Fruit Kebabs With Chocolate Drizzle
- 23. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili
- 24. Campfire Baked Feta
- 25. Campfire Ratatouille
- 26. Campfire-Roasted Chickpea Snacks
- 27. Greek Yogurt Dip With Herbs and Vegetables
- 28. Campfire Bruschetta
- 29. Campfire-Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
- 30. Campfire-Roasted Corn on the Cob
- 31. Campfire Smores With Dark Chocolate and Fruit
- 32. Campfire Banana Boats
- Conclusion
Mediterranean Diet Camping Recipes
Planning Mediterranean diet-friendly meals for camping trips can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with limited cooking equipment and the need to keep ingredients fresh in the wilderness. This collection of camping recipes for a Mediterranean diet solves these challenges by featuring foil packet dishes and make-ahead components that maintain the authentic flavors and health benefits of Mediterranean cuisine in the great outdoors.
Who says you have to sacrifice healthy eating while camping? Enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean while experiencing the beauty of nature with these campfire-friendly recipes. Remember to prioritize fresh, whole foods and savor every bite!
1. Campfire Oatmeal With Berries and Nuts
Kicking off with a simple breakfast, cook oatmeal over the campfire and top with fresh or dried berries and nuts for a hearty and healthy breakfast. Oats are a whole grain rich in fiber, promoting digestive health to keep you comfortable for the whole trip. This nutty and creamy recipe is a comforting breakfast on a chilly morning.
2. Asparagus and Goat Cheese Frittata
Here’s a versatile breakfast or brunch option you can enjoy hot or cold. Whisk eggs with milk or cream, add chopped asparagus and crumbled goat cheese, and then cook in a cast iron skillet over the campfire until set. To avoid bloating during your camping trip, you can eat asparagus, a natural diuretic that reduces bloating and promotes water retention.
3. Yogurt Parfaits With Granola and Fruit
Even while you’re outside, you can still have a sweet and tangy breakfast with a satisfying crunch. You just have to layer yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit in a jar for a refreshing and nutritious breakfast. This is also a great way to continue getting calcium for bone health.
4. Hummus and Veggie Wraps
Need a light and portable lunch you can easily reheat over a campfire? Spread hummus on whole wheat tortillas and fill with your favorite chopped vegetables for a quick and easy lunch. Legumes in the hummus can help control your cholesterol levels, even when you’re away from your home.
5. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Here’s a zesty and energy-boosting lunch to power up your energy. Combine cooked quinoa with chopped vegetables, herbs, and a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing and flavorful salad. Quinoa is a good source of iron that helps carry oxygen throughout the body.
6. Tuna Salad With Whole Wheat Crackers
Mix canned tuna with Greek yogurt, chopped celery, and herbs for a healthy and protein-packed lunch. This is a quick and easy lunch that travels well. This Mediterranean diet campfire recipe is lighter on the stomach, making it easier to digest.
7. Campfire Foil Packets With Salmon and Vegetables
Wrap salmon fillets and chopped vegetables in foil with herbs and spices, then cook over the campfire for a healthy and flavorful dinner. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that support brain health and reduce inflammation. This is a flaky and flavorful Mediterranean dish that’s easy to clean up.
8. Chicken and Vegetable Skewers
Marinate chicken pieces in a lemon-herb marinade and thread onto skewers with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini, then grill over the campfire until cooked through. Chicken is a good source of niacin, which is important for energy metabolism. It’s a fun and interactive meal that everyone can enjoy.
9. Lentil Stew in a Dutch Oven
Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in a Dutch oven, then add lentils, vegetable broth, and spices. Simmer until the lentils are tender for a hearty and flavorful stew. This hearty dish is packed with fiber that prevents constipation.
10. Campfire Pizza With Whole Wheat Pita Bread
Top whole-wheat pita bread with tomato sauce, vegetables, and cheese, then cook over the campfire until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Whole wheat pita bread provides fiber and complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy. It’s a fun and customizable meal that everyone can enjoy.
11. Greek Lemon Potatoes in Foil
Craving for a tangy and crispy meal after a day of exploring? Toss quartered potatoes with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano, then wrap in foil and bake in the campfire embers until tender. This is a simple and satisfying side dish that pairs well with grilled meats or fish.
12. Campfire Paella
Cook rice with saffron, vegetables, and chicken or seafood in a large skillet over the campfire for a flavorful and festive meal. This is an aromatic dish that’s perfect for sharing. Aside from that, saffron has antioxidant properties that can also improve your mood and make the trip more enjoyable.
13. Freezer Bean and Cheese Burritos
Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, contributing to satiety and digestive health. Fill tortillas with a mixture of cooked beans, cheese, and your favorite spices, then wrap tightly and freeze for easy transport and campfire reheating. This recipe is a convenient and filling lunch or dinner option that can be prepared ahead of time.
14. Campfire Baked Falafel Pitas
Planning a camping trip consisting of vegetarian-friendly meals packed with protein? Stuff whole wheat pita bread with baked falafel balls, hummus, and chopped vegetables for a hearty and flavorful vegetarian meal. When cooked over a campfire, this crispy dish can still provide plant-based protein and fiber to sustain your energy.
15. Grilled Halloumi Salad With Roasted Vegetables
Grill halloumi cheese until golden brown and serve over a bed of roasted vegetables like bell peppers, eggplant, and zucchini. This Mediterranean dish provides a balance of protein, healthy fats, and vegetables. The results in a salty and creamy texture that can be a summertime favorite.
16. Trail Mix With Nuts, Seeds, and Dried Fruit
Looking for the simplest snacks to bring to your camping trip? Combine your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for a healthy and energy-boosting snack. Nuts and seeds are a good source of vitamin E, which can help protect your skin as you walk under the sun.
17. Grilled Pineapple With Honey and Mint
Grill pineapple slices until golden brown and caramelized, then top with honey and fresh mint for a refreshing and tropical dessert. Pineapple contains bromelain that aids digestion. This Mediterranean recipe’s sweet and tangy flavor makes a good, refreshing dessert after a tiring day of activities.
18. Stuffed Grilled Avocados With Shrimp and Mango Salsa
Avocados are a good source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. Halve avocados and remove the pit, fill with cooked shrimp and mango salsa, and then frill the avocados until slightly softened. This is a creamy and refreshing dish with a tropical twist from the mango salsa.
19. Summer Rolls With Almond Butter Satay
Here’s a light and refreshing with a satisfying crunch and a flavorful dipping sauce. Fill rice paper wrappers with fresh vegetables, herbs, and cooked shrimp or tofu, then serve with a creamy almond butter satay sauce. Rice paper wrappers are low in calories and fat, while the filling provides a variety of nutrients.
20. Campfire Baked Apples With Cinnamon and Nuts
Need a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for late-night camping stories? Core apples and fill with cinnamon, nuts, and a drizzle of honey, then bake in the campfire embers until tender. Fiber from the apple helps regulate digestion and can contribute to weight management.
21. Grilled Peaches With Honey Mascarpone
Grill peach halves until tender and slightly caramelized, then top with a dollop of mascarpone cheese and a drizzle of honey. Peaches offer natural sweetness and fiber, while mascarpone provides healthy fats and protein that give energy for a long hike. This sweet and tangy recipe is also a great gluten-free dish for a warm evening.
22. Fruit Kebabs With Chocolate Drizzle
Need a fun and interactive dessert that even kids can enjoy at camp? Thread your favorite fruits onto skewers and drizzle with melted dark chocolate for a fun and festive dessert. This sweet and fruity dessert is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for heart health.
23. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili
Combine sweet potatoes, black beans, diced tomatoes, onions, and spices in a Dutch oven and simmer over the campfire until the sweet potatoes are tender. This chili is packed with vegetables, fiber, and plant-based protein, making it a nutrient-dense meal. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A, which promotes healthy vision and immune function.
24. Campfire Baked Feta
Place a block of feta cheese in a small cast iron skillet or foil packet, then top with olive oil, herbs, and cherry tomatoes. Bake in the campfire embers until the feta is soft and warm. Dairy products like feta can contribute to bone health and muscle function.
25. Campfire Ratatouille
For a hearty and satisfying vegetarian meal, combine eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, and herbs in a Dutch oven and cook over the campfire until tender. Eggplant is a good source of fiber and potassium that maintain proper fluid balance in your body, particularly when sweating heavily during outdoor activities.
26. Campfire-Roasted Chickpea Snacks
Chickpeas are a good source of iron and folate increase energy levels and promote cognitive function. Toss chickpeas with olive oil, spices, and herbs, then roast over the campfire until crispy. You can even bring some of these while you’re walking.
27. Greek Yogurt Dip With Herbs and Vegetables
This recipe features a tangy and creamy snack or appetizer for camping. Combine Greek yogurt with chopped herbs, garlic, and lemon juice for a healthy and flavorful dip, then serve with fresh vegetables or pita bread. The fresh ingredients provide protein, calcium, and probiotics that aid in gut health and digestion.
28. Campfire Bruschetta
Looking for a light and refreshing appetizer that’s perfect for sharing? Toast slices of bread over the campfire and top with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil for a simple and flavorful appetizer. Whole grains, healthy fats, and antioxidants to control cholesterol levels.
29. Campfire-Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Need a vegetarian-friendly main course or side dish? Marinate portobello mushrooms in balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and herbs, then grill over the campfire until tender. The dish’s plant-based protein and fiber can help you recover energy.
30. Campfire-Roasted Corn on the Cob
Even in the great outdoors, you can continue protecting your eye health with the help of lutein and zeaxanthin from corn. Simply roast corn on the cob over the campfire until tender and slightly charred. This Mediterranean dish gives a sweet and smoky flavor with a satisfying crunch.
31. Campfire Smores With Dark Chocolate and Fruit
Here’s a fun and nostalgic dessert that everyone can enjoy. Make traditional s’mores with graham crackers, dark chocolate squares, and sliced bananas or strawberries for a healthier twist on a classic campfire treat. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants that contribute to heart health benefits.
32. Campfire Banana Boats
Bananas are a good source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. Slice bananas lengthwise and fill with chocolate chips, marshmallows, and chopped nuts, then wrap in foil and bake in the campfire embers until the chocolate is melted and the marshmallows are gooey. This is a fun and easy dessert that’s perfect for kids and adults.
Conclusion
These camping recipes for a Mediterranean diet will help you stay true to your healthy lifestyle while creating unforgettable memories around the campfire with dishes. With a little creativity and planning, you can enjoy delicious and healthy Mediterranean meals on your next camping adventure!
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.