5 Healthy Lunch Ideas For The Road Trip

Last Updated on Aug 9, 2024 by Happy Dieter

Taking a road trip can wreak havoc on your diet during travels. If you don’t plan ahead, you will likely spend these days eating fast food, candy bars, bags of chips, and soda. But, if you’d like to at least try to eat healthy foods while you’re on the road trip, some smart healthy lunch ideas for the road trip travel well and will keep you feeling good on your journey. These healthy lunch ideas are not only nutritious but also easy to pack and delicious, making your road trip more enjoyable and healthy.

Key Takeaways

• Prepare easy-to-eat meals like roast chicken and cheddar roll-ups for convenient road trip lunches.

• Opt for chicken salad sandwiches as a tasty and filling option that can be enjoyed on the go for lunch ideas.

• Pack refreshing pasta salad for fun road trip lunch ideas to keep you satisfied and energized during your journey.

• Include baked beans in your meal plan for a hearty and nutritious road trip lunch choice.

• Enjoy the freshness of vegetable wraps as a healthy and portable lunch alternative.

1. Roast Chicken and Cheddar Roll-Ups

These healthy roll-ups are the perfect accompaniment to your homemade soup to-go – a perfect road trip meal for lunch ideas!

Recipe: Roast Chicken and Cheddar Roll-Ups

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 2 tbsp. chopped parsley

• 4 large flour tortillas

• 1 head romaine lettuce

• 8 ounces thinly sliced deli roast chicken

• 4 ounces cheddar, thinly sliced

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese and parsley.

2. Spread evenly over each tortilla.

3. Layer the tortillas with the lettuce, roast chicken, and cheddar, and roll up.

4. Enjoy.

2. Chicken Salad Sandwiches

If you have an ice chest in your vehicle and you are planning a trip, then chicken salad is one awesome meal for the road.

Recipe: Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Ingredients:

• 3 medium chicken breasts

• Olive oil

• Salt and pepper

• 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion

• 1/2 cup chopped celery

• 1/2 cup thinly sliced roasted red pepper

• 1/2 cup almonds, toasted

• Whole grain bread

• 2 tbsp. red wine vinegar

• 3 tbsp. olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.

2. Sprinkle some olive oil over the chicken and season with salt and pepper.

3. Roast for 30 min.

4. Remove from oven and dice.

5. Combine the onion, celery, red pepper, almonds, parsley, and diced chicken in a large bowl.

6. Add 1 tbsp. olive oil and vinegar, and toss all to combine.

7. Make your sandwiches and enjoy.

3. Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is a great road trip lunch. You can pack them in individual serving cups to make it easier to eat while on the road during a trip.

Recipe: Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces whole-wheat pasta

• 2 tbsp. olive oil

• 1 lemon, juice

• Salt and pepper

• 2 whole zucchini, diced

• 10 ounces, grape tomatoes, halved

• 6 ounces, tofu, diced

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta until done. Drain until cool.

2. Add olive oil and lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste, and toss all to combine.

3. Add zucchini, tomatoes, and tofu, and toss to combine.

4. Cover with plastic wrap for a few hours before eating.

5. Enjoy your meal.

4. Baked Beans

Looking for a quick, easy, and recipe for your road trip? Baked beans are the answer!

Recipe: Baked Beans

Ingredients:

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 tbsp. canola oil

• 3 cans (28 ounces each) baked beans

• 2 tsp. ground mustard

• 1 tsp. garlic salt

Instructions:

1. In a large kettle, cook onion in oil until soft.

2. Add the beans, garlic, salt, and mustard.

3. Cook over medium heat until bubbly, stirring occasionally.

4. When cold, place in a plastic container.

5. Bon appetit.

5. Vegetable Wraps

If you want something a little more filling for your family as you travel on a road trip, try vegetable wraps for lunch ideas. You can add your favorite dressing.

Recipe: Vegetable Wraps

Ingredients:

• 1 red pepper, halved, remove the seeds and stem

• 1 red onion, sliced into thick rings

• 1 eggplant, sliced lengthwise

• 2 zucchini, sliced in half lengthwise

• Olive oil

• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

• 4 tortillas

• Your favorite tapenade or salsa

Instructions:

1. Preheat your BBQ grill to high.

2. Toss the red pepper, onion, zucchini, and eggplant with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Grill until they are caramelized.

4. Spread the tortillas with your favorite dressing and grilled vegetables then roll it up.

5. Bon appetit.

Can the Healthy Beach Lunch Ideas Also Be Suitable for a Road Trip?

Looking for Beach-Friendly Lunch Ideas that can also work well for a road trip? Consider packing some fresh fruit, trail mix, and sandwiches with lean protein and whole grain bread. These healthy options will satisfy hunger and provide energy for your journey, whether it’s at the beach or on the road.

Conclusion

You’ve now got a range of tasty and healthy lunch ideas for your upcoming road trip. From roast chicken and cheddar roll-ups to vegetable wraps, these lunch options will keep you satisfied and energized throughout your road trip. Whether you prefer something light like a chicken salad sandwich or heartier fare like baked beans, there’s something here for everyone.

Make sure to prepare these meals in advance, especially lunch, and pack them securely for easy access on the road trip. By choosing nutritious options like these for lunch, you’ll not only enjoy delicious food but also maintain your energy levels and stay focused while driving on a road trip. Bon appétit on your road trip adventure!

FAQ

What are some easy and healthy lunch ideas for a road trip?

For a nutritious road trip meal, consider making roast chicken and cheddar roll-ups, chicken salad sandwiches, pasta salad, baked beans, or vegetable wraps. These options are convenient for a road trip lunch, providing essential nutrients for sustained energy during your journey.

How can I prepare roast chicken and cheddar roll-ups for a road trip?

To make roast chicken and cheddar roll-ups, simply layer thinly sliced roast chicken and cheddar cheese on whole-grain tortillas. Add fresh vegetables like lettuce and tomatoes, then roll them up tightly. Cut into smaller pieces for easy snacking while traveling.

Are chicken salad sandwiches a good option for a road trip?

Yes, chicken salad sandwiches are an excellent choice for a road trip as they are filling and packed with protein. To make them healthier, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the chicken salad mixture and opt for whole-grain bread for added fiber.

Can pasta salad be a suitable meal option during a road trip?

Pasta salad is a versatile and satisfying dish that can be prepared ahead of time for a road trip. Choose whole wheat pasta and load it with colorful veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. Toss with a light vinaigrette dressing for a flavorful meal on the go.

Why include vegetable wraps in the list of healthy lunch ideas for road trips?

Vegetable wraps are an ideal choice for road trips because they offer a refreshing crunch from fresh veggies wrapped in a soft tortilla. They are customizable based on personal preferences and dietary restrictions, making them a convenient and nutritious option to enjoy while traveling.