Beach Trip Food Ideas | Easy Recipes
• Posted July 5 • 2024.
Mini Quiches
A delicious and unique option is to prepare mini quiches with spinach, mushrooms, and cheese that can be eaten cold or at room temperature. They are easy to transport, and children love them.
Recipe for Spinach, Mushroom, and Cheese Mini Quiches
Yields: 12 mini quiches (depending on the size of the muffin pan, it could serve approximately 6-12 people, assuming each person eats 1-2 mini quiches).
Ingredients:
- 1 package (10 oz or 285 g) of ready-to-use pie crust
- 1 cup (240 ml) of fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup (150 g) of fresh mushrooms, chopped
- 1 cup (150 g) of shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) of milk
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) of ground black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Unroll the pie crust and use a cookie cutter or a small glass to cut circles about 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter.
3. Place each circle of dough into the molds of a greased muffin pan, pressing gently to form a small base.
4. In a bowl, mix the spinach, mushrooms, and shredded cheese. Fill each dough base with this mixture.
5. In another bowl, beat the eggs with the milk, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the spinach and mushroom fillings in each mold.
6. Bake the mini quiches for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is firm and the edges of the crust are golden.
7. Let cool in the pan for a few minutes before unmolding. They can be served cold or at room temperature.
Fruit Skewers
Fruit skewers are fun and easy to make and eat. You can use a combination of strawberries, kiwi, mango, and banana. If you sprinkle them with a bit of lemon juice, the fruits will maintain their freshness and color.
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Fruit Skewers Recipe
Serves 4-8 people, depending on whether they are used as a snack or part of a larger meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (150 g) of strawberries, washed and hulled
- 2 kiwis, peeled and cubed
- 1 large mango, peeled and cubed
- 2 bananas, peeled and sliced thickly
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons or 30 ml)
Instructions:
1. Prepare your fruits by cutting them into uniform pieces that can be easily skewered.
2. On wooden or metal skewers, alternately thread strawberries, kiwi, mango, and banana until the skewer is filled.
3. Generously spray the fruit skewers with lemon juice. This not only adds a refreshing flavor but also helps prevent the fruits from oxidizing and losing their vibrant color.
4. Place the skewers on a plate or tray and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cold Pasta Salad
A cold pasta salad is very easy to make and can be prepared in advance. Use colored pasta to make it more appealing, add chunks of cheese, cherry tomatoes, olives, and some diced chicken breast or tuna to make it more substantial and delicious. Dress it with a bit of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Cold Pasta Salad Recipe
Serves: 4-6 people
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450 g) of colored pasta, cooked and cooled
- 1 cup (150 g) of cubed mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (150 g) of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup (75 g) of pitted and spced black opves
- 1 cup (150 g) of cooked and diced chicken breast or 1 can (5 oz or 142 g) of tuna in water, drained
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) of opve oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of balsamic vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix the cooked and cooled pasta with the mozzarella cheese, cherry tomatoes, olives, and chicken or tuna.
2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil and balsamic vinegar to make the dressing. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and stir well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated.
4. Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
Turkey and Avocado Wraps
These wraps are nutritious and delicious, as well as being a substantial meal, and can easily be kept fresh in a portable cooler. Use whole wheat tortillas, slices of turkey breast, ripe avocado, and a bit of lettuce. They are a different and healthier alternative to traditional sandwiches.
Recipe for Turkey and Avocado Wraps
Ingredients:
- 4 whole wheat tortillas (approximately 10 inches or 25 cm in diameter)
- 8 slices of turkey breast (approximately 1/2 pound or 225 g)
- 1 large, ripe avocado, peeled and sliced
- 2 cups (60 g) of chopped romaine lettuce or sprouts
- Optional: low-fat mayonnaise, mustard, or dressing to taste
Instructions:
1. If desired, you can warm the tortillas in a skillet over medium heat for a few seconds on each side to make them more pliable.
2. Lay out each tortilla on a flat surface. If you are using mayonnaise, mustard, or any dressing, lightly spread it on each tortilla.
3. Evenly distribute the slices of turkey breast across the tortillas.
4. Add the avocado slices and lettuce or sprouts on top of the turkey.
5. Roll up each tortilla tightly, ensuring the filling is well-wrapped inside the tortilla. If necessary, you can use toothpicks to keep the wraps closed.
6. Cut each wrap in half crosswise to make them easier to eat.
Servings:- This recipe makes 4 full wraps, enough to serve 4 people for a light lunch or dinner.
Grilled Chicken Salad
A classic indeed, to prepare a grilled chicken salad, simply mix various lettuces, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers. For the dressing, a vinaigrette works best as it is less likely to spoil in the heat compared to cream-based dressings. Pack it in a sealed container to keep it fresh.
Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe
Serves: 4 people
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts (approximately 1 lb or 450 g)
- 4 cups (960 ml) of mixed salad greens
- 1 cup (150 g) of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and place them on the grill.
2. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until well cooked and grill marks appear. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips or cubes.
3. In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices.
4. To make the dressing, mix the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk well until the mixture is emulsified.
5. Add the chicken to the salad and pour the dressing over it. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
6. If not serving immediately, pack the salad in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you prefer, you can carry the dressing separately and add it just before serving to keep the salad crisp.
Homemade Oatmeal Cookies
Baking oatmeal cookies at home with chocolate chips or raisins is a great sweet snack idea for the beach.
Homemade Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup (90 g) of rolled oats
- 3/4 cup (95 g) of whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) of salt
- 1/2 cup (115 g) of unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100 g) of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (50 g) of granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (85 g) of chocolate chips or raisins
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix the oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In another large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla, and continue to beat until well incorporated.
4. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing until everything is well combined.
5. Stir in the chocolate chips or raisins with a spatula or wooden spoon.
6. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each for them to expand during baking.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are golden at the edges and still slightly soft in the center.
8. Allow to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies, enough for 8-12 people depending on the serving size.
Spring Rolls
Spring rolls with fresh vegetables and shrimp or tofu are a light and refreshing option. They can be served in many ways, for example with peanut sauce or soy sauce to add more flavor.
Recipe for Spring Rolls with Shrimp or Tofu
Ingredients:
- 12 rice paper sheets (8 inches or 20 cm in diameter)
- 1 cup (100 g) of grated carrots
- 1 cup (100 g) of julienned cucumbers
- 1 cup (100 g) of chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/4 cup (15 g) of fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup (15 g) of fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 pound (225 g) of cooked, peeled shrimp cut in half lengthwise, or 1/2 pound (225 g) of firm tofu, cut into strips
- Peanut sauce or soy sauce for serving
Instructions:
1. Set up a workstation with warm water in a large bowl. Submerge a rice paper sheet in the water for 20-30 seconds until it softens.
2. Place the softened rice paper on a flat, dry surface. On the lower third of the paper, place a small amount of carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, mint, cilantro, and shrimp or tofu strips.
3. Fold the sides of the rice paper inward over the filling, then roll tightly from the bottom edge upwards to form a sealed roll. Repeat this process with the remaining rice paper sheets and filling.
4. Cut the rolls in half if desired and serve them with peanut sauce or soy sauce to enhance the flavor.
Servings:- This recipe makes approximately 12 spring rolls. Depending on whether they are served as an appetizer or as a main dish, it can feed 4-6 people.
Drinks
When planning a day at the beach, undoubtedly one of the most important aspects to consider is what we will drink, not just for the pleasure of drinking itself but to stay hydrated. Under the sun and with the physical activity usually done on the beach, staying hydrated is a basic necessity for everyone. Here is a suggested list of refreshing beverages for the day:
Water
Water is a must for any outing, especially to the beach. It is always advisable to bring more water than you think you will need. A good rule is to carry at least half a liter (approximately 17 ounces) of water per person, per hour you plan to be outdoors. This means that for a family of four planning to spend the entire day at the beach, it is best to bring at least 8 liters (approximately 2 gallons) of water. It is useful to carry the water in a portable cooler to keep it cool throughout the day.
Hydrating Beverages
In addition to water, hydrating drinks can be an excellent option to replenish electrolytes lost through sweat. We all know sports drinks like Gatorade, available in a wide variety of flavors, which not only help to rehydrate but also to recover essential minerals such as sodium and potassium. However, it might be a good idea to choose options with low levels of added sugar to avoid dehydration that can be caused by high sugar content.
Homemade Lemonade and Iced Tea
Especially on family days, more natural and homemade alternatives, such as a jug of lemonade or iced tea, are often an excellent choice. Homemade lemonade, made with fresh lemon juice, water, and a touch of honey or sugar to taste, is not only refreshing but also delicious. Iced tea, on the other hand, can be a comforting, fresh, and antioxidant-rich beverage. You can prepare green or black tea, let it cool, and add ice and some lemon slices or herbs like mint for an extra touch of freshness.
Sodas
With the ease of purchasing and transporting them, sodas are extremely tempting, especially for the younger ones, but it is sometimes better to limit their consumption during trips to the beach. This is because sodas contain high levels of sugars and can contribute to dehydration. A good idea is to bring them as a complement and not as the main beverage option on the beach trip.
In conclusion, when we go on a beach trip and want to bring and eat homemade, natural, and healthier foods, the options mentioned above are not only delicious but also easy to prepare and guarantee great flavors for our beach day. Along with refreshing drinks, they will allow us to spend a comfortable and delightful day at one of those places with sand, sun, and sea that so many of us love.
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Tastes of La Paz.