From a simple breakfast to multiple dinner options, here are our best recipes for camping, backpacking, and the great outdoors. A little prep at home can save you time and hassle at your campsite. Plus, you know we're always going to make things a little healthier for you!
------------
Strawberry Scones
Kodiak pancake mix has whole grains and extra protein. With a little added fruit and sugar, we turned it into sweet, warm scones that are perfect for the great outdoors!
Ingredients
1 cup protein Kodiak pancake mix
½ cup dried strawberries
¼ cup powdered sugar
½ cup water
Directions
At home, pack pancake mix, strawberries, and sugar in a ziplock bag. At camp, stir together the dry mix and water.
Divide batter into fourths, then place all 4 scones on a hot pan. Cover. Cook until bottoms are golden brown, then flip.
Cook until golden brown on both sides and done in the middle. Enjoy warm or cold.
------------
Chicken & Couscous
Couscous is a great carb source for backpacking, because it is light and requires minimal cooking. Look for whole wheat versions for added fiber. You can enjoy this flavored with ranch or honey mustard!
Ingredients
½ cup whole wheat couscous
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes
¼ cup dehydrated peas
2 Tablespoons pine nuts
1½ ounces ranch dressing or honey mustard (1 individual cup)
3 ounces cooked chicken in foil-lined packet
Directions
Place all the ingredients in a resealable bag, keeping the ranch and chicken in their packages.
On the trail, remove chicken and dressing and set aside. Add 1 cup of boiling water to the ziplock bag and mix.
Set aside for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and add chicken and sauce to the bag. Mix well and enjoy!
------------
Mushroom Spaghetti
This vegetarian pasta is a great backpacking option. You can also add chicken for extra protein. I like to use little packages of marinara from the deli, but you can take your favorite variety in a small bottle, like a travel shampoo bottle.
Ingredients
4 ounces whole wheat spaghetti noodles
½ cup freeze-dried mushrooms
2 Tablespoons pine nuts
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon powdered garlic
3 ounces single-serve cups marinara sauce
Directions
At home, in a plastic bag, add your noodles (break into thirds for easy packing).
Add the mushrooms, pine nuts, oregano, basil, garlic, and marinara. Keep the marinara in its package.
At camp, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add all the ingredients (other than the marinara sauce) and cook until almost all of the water is absorbed.
Add marinara and mix well. Enjoy warm, out of the bag for easy cleanup!
------------
Peanut Noodles
This is an easy meal for the trail with an Asian flare. Warm, rich, carbs are the perfect way to refuel after a long day of hiking.
Ingredients
4 ounces whole wheat spaghetti noodles
1½ ounces single-serve cups of peanut butter
1 Tablespoon soy sauce (1 to-go packet)
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
¼ cup roasted peanuts
Directions
At home, place noodles in a resealable bag (break into thirds for easy packing).
Add the peanut butter, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, and peanuts.
At camp, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add noodles and cook until almost all the water is absorbed.
Add remaining ingredients and mix until smooth. Makes 1–2 servings. Enjoy warm.
------------
Rice & Beans Wrap
This filling dish is full of healthy carbs to refuel those muscles after a day hiking. This is great on it’s own, but feel free to add chicken or wrap it in a tortilla for a little something extra.
Ingredients
1 cup brown rice (look for a quick cooking variety)
1 (15 ounce) package refried black beans*
¼ teaspoon powdered garlic
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon cumin
1 whole wheat tortilla
Directions
At home, add spices to the brown rice and store in a resealable bag.
On the trail, dump everything into a pot with 1½ cups water. Bring to a boil and simmer, stirring constantly until thickened and rice is cooked—usually about 10 minutes, depending on the kind of quick cooking rice you choose.
Wrap in a tortilla and enjoy!
------------
Salmon Lemon Couscous
You can prep this quick, high-protein salad before you head into the great outdoors. It can be made while you’re hiking or camping, with either hot or cold water.
Ingredients
⅓ cup couscous
¼ cup pine nuts
¼ cup peas
¾ teaspoon lemon pepper
3 ounces cooked salmon in foil-lined packet
⅓ cup water (cold or hot)
Directions
Place the couscous, pine nuts, and lemon pepper in a pint-sized, resealable bag, leaving the salmon in its pouch.
When you’re ready to eat it, remove the salmon packet. Heat the water, if desired, then add to the sandwich bag. Seal, then set aside for 10 minutes.
Fluff up with a fork, stir in the salmon, and enjoy!
