In this post, we will be showcasing some of our favourite recipes, featuring ideas shared by fellow RoadLofters on the Roadloft van life group. In our minivan, we are able to pack a food supply of about one week. Our pantry allows us to take a lot of dry food with us, and we can store lots of fresh ingredients in our 40L refrigerator. It’s absolutely possible to cook up tasty meals in a van. On the other hand, we usually attempt to limit the number of dishes we use, since we can then spend more time enjoying our meals.
For fans of outdoor cooking, the kitchen kit is perfect for minimalist campers who want to indulge in the pleasure of cooking like chefs, no matter the location! If you want a removable, ergonomic camping kitchen that minimizes handling on the road or at camp, the kitchen kit is the perfect addition to your camping set-up!
Here are some fresh recipes for hot summer days on the road.
You can season your protein of choice with Mexican spices (fajita style) and throw in peppers and onions or rather opt for a tzatziki sauce, cucumbers, tomatoes and feta cheese. It’s always a hit and is so easy to prepare!
There are probably as many salad recipes as there are people reading this article. The great thing about salads is that you can switch things up a bit every time and still eat fresh food. Why not be inspired by seasonal vegetables or local produce of the place you’re visiting?
Whether it’s a chicken breast, beef skewer, flank steak or tofu, grab the protein of your choice. Add your favourite marinade and serve with seasonal vegetables grilled en papillote. It’s an easy meal to make while camping and a reliable crowd pleaser.
Whether you make your dough ahead of time at home or buy it at the grocery store, homemade pizza is easy and always delicious, be it grilled on your stove or cooked over the fire. Yum! Check out our Reels on Instagram for inspiration!
Since traveling in our minivan allows us to extend the camping season well into October, here are some comforting fall recipes to warm you up.
This Indian dish is a fantastic fall meal. Whether the sauce is homemade or store-bought, it’s easy to cook while camping, just serve it along a scoop of rice.
Just like salads, the recipes for hearty, filling soups are endless. They are incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time at home and then heat up while camping. When you’ve been out to enjoy the fall colours and the cooler weather, it’s so satisfying to come back to your little house on wheels in the evening and to warm up with a hearty bowl of soup.
Having an organized camp kitchen will help you cook more efficiently, save time, and enjoy every meal—even in the middle of nowhere.
Discover how your daily car equiped by an outdoor kitchen can elevate your travels in our full article on the subject.
Our first tip: let local ingredients guide your meals. Shop at farmers’ markets or small local producers to support the community—and enjoy ultra-fresh foods you can cook the same day. This not only enhances your culinary experience on the road, but also helps reduce the need for pantry or fridge storage in your camper.
Our second tip: pack sauces, oils, and ingredients in reusable containers that can also be used for storing leftovers later. This saves space and cuts down on waste—two essentials in a compact camper kitchen. We personally love using the Bugaboo Base Camper Cookset. It’s compact, stackable, and takes up very little space in the van, while serving multiple functions during our road trips.
Third tip: organize your spices in small, reusable containers to save space and stay efficient while cooking. We like to reuse pill organizers or pick up small jars from the dollar store—then label each one for easy access. Stored just under the stove, they’re always within reach when it’s time to add a little flavor to your camp meals.
Our final tip comes straight from the RoadLoft community: prepare your proteins in advance and vacuum seal them for the road. It’s a great way to save time, reduce mess, and extend freshness—especially when you’re off-grid. There are plenty of reusable, zero-waste vacuum bags available on the market, making this method not only practical, but also eco-friendly.
No matter how compact your setup is, the right accessories and a bit of smart organization can improve your outdoor cooking experience.
Looking for inspiration? We’ve gathered some of our favorite accessories for cooking great meals with ease while on the road. Read our full article on the subject here.
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