Vegetarian camping food: 25 delicious meals for your next trip

Having some vegetarian camping meals under your belt can make your experience all the more pleasant when you’re on the go. 

Yes, meat-based lunch gives you so-needed proteins and calories, and oh, who can refuse those juicy grilled hot dogs or steaks that are the winners of the camp kitchen?

But hear us out – you’d be surprised at how many alternative ways there are to go if we choose a vegetarian approach and have a decent campfire cooking kit. Veggies can be a real game-changer for those ease and portability lovers. 

So whether you’re a strict vegetarian or just want to experiment with some vegetarian food while on the camp, let’s get you set.

Why it’s worth eating vegetarian while camping

Before we jump into some mouth-watering vegetarian camping recipes, let’s just make clear why considering a vegetarian way for your next camping trip is worth a shot:

Nutrients-packed vegetarian meals are your energy source

Vegetarian camping food allows you to stock up on essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Think about beans, lentils, chickpeas, quinoa, or sweet potatoes – these are all amazing and healthier options for boosting your energy levels during the day. 

You’ll fill up without feeling heavy or bloated

Vegetarian camping food is not only incredibly nutritious but also won’t make you feel like a giant boulder in your stomach the way meat-based foods might. So if you want to be light and free on your feet, a vegetarian camping meal is your way to go.

Variety, variety, variety

If you’re a vegetarian camping food rookie, be prepared for a real surprise – the vegetarian world is vast and full of unique flavors that won’t make your taste bored. As for recipes, there are many easy vegetarian dishes that you can make on a campfire, from vegetarian burritos to veggie quesadillas and hummus. We’ll get into them very soon.

It’s cost-effective

Another great thing about vegetarian camping meals is that they will save you some money too. As vegetarian ingredients are usually cheaper than meat ones (we talk about those quality ones)  – it’s always a good idea to look at vegetarian options.

It’s an eco-friendly move

Last but not least, vegetarian camping food can contribute to the environment. The agriculture industry is one of the leading causes of climate change and global warming, so opting for vegetarian meals while camping is both responsible and sustainable. Not only for you but for the whole planet.

5 quick vegetarian breakfast recipes

If you’re ready to give vegetarian camping food a try, let’s jump into some delicious camping breakfasts for a great kick-off of the day.

1. Overnight oats with fruit and nuts

What you’ll need:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup milk or non-dairy milk
• 1/2 cup yogurt or non-dairy yogurt
• 1/2 cup fruit (such as berries, chopped apples, or sliced bananas)
• 2 tablespoons nuts or seeds (such as almonds, walnuts, or chia seeds)
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

What to do:

Combine the oats, milk, yogurt, fruit, and nuts in a jar or a lid. Add honey or maple syrup for extra taste. Stir it all up, seal the jar, and leave it in the fridge overnight. 

In the morning, stir the oats, add some fruit or nuts on top, and serve – hot or cold, as you prefer.

2. Breakfast burritos with beans, tofu, and veggies

What you’ll need for 4 burritos:

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup diced tofu or scrambled eggs
• 1 cup cooked beans (such as black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans)
• 1 cup cooked and diced vegetables (such as spinach, tomatoes, or mushrooms)
• 4 flour tortillas
• 1 cup grated cheese (optional)
• Hot sauce, salsa, or other condiments, to taste

What to do: 

Heat the oil in a large frying pan. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook for around 5 minutes until they’re soft. Add the tofu or eggs and cook until they’re done. Some salt or other seasonings will take things to another level if you’re using tofu. Add the beans and vegetables and cook until they’re hot.

Warm tortillas in a dry pan and start assembling. Put some tofu or an egg and vegetable mixture onto the center of each tortilla and sprinkle some cheese.

To assemble the burritos, place a portion of the tofu and vegetable mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Roll up and enjoy!

3. Tofu scramble with veggies and whole grain toast

What you’ll need for 4 servings:

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 cup diced vegetables (such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach)
• 1 cup crumbled tofu
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 slices whole grain bread
• Butter or margarine, for spreading

What to do:

Heat the oil in a large frying pan and add the onion. Cook for about 5 minutes until it’s soft. Then, add the vegetables and again cook until they’re soft. Put the tofu and spices, and cook till you get a pleasant smell of your spices. Add some salt and pepper to taste.

Toast the bread, spread butter, and top with the tofu scramble. You’re good to go.

4. Frittatas with veggies and cheese

What you’ll need for 6 servings:

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 cup diced vegetables (such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach)
• 6 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk or non-dairy milk
• 1 cup grated cheese (such as cheddar, feta, or mozzarella)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

What to do:

Heat the oil in a large frying pan, toss some onion and cook till it’s soft. Add vegetables and again, cook till they’re soft. 

Whisk the eggs and milk in a large bowl. Stir in the cheese and the cooked vegetables. Season with salt and pepper.

Pour the egg mixture into the frying pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the eggs are set, and the bottom is golden brown. Carefully flip the frittata to finish the other side.

5. Pancakes or waffles made with a mix and topped with fruit and syrup

What you’ll need for 4 servings:

• 1 cup pancake or waffle mix
• 1 cup water or milk
• 1 egg (optional)
• 1 cup fruit (such as sliced bananas, berries, or chopped apples)
• Syrup or honey, for serving

What to do:

In a large bowl, whisk together the pancake or waffle mix, water or milk, and egg (if using). 

Heat a camping griddle or frying pan, or set up a pie iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Lightly oil the griddle or pan, or spray the pie iron with cooking spray. Pour the pancake or waffle batter onto the griddle or the waffle iron, using about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake or 1/2 cup for each waffle.

Place the fruit on top of the batter and cook till your creature is golden brown on both sides.

5 vegetarian lunch ideas

Now, it’s lunchtime. Here are some vegetarian recipes to get your tasty lunch going:

6. Sandwiches with hummus, avocado, and veggies

What you’ll need for 4 sandwiches:

• 4 slices bread
• Hummus
• Avocado, sliced
• Vegetables, such as lettuce, tomato, or cucumber

What to do:

Spread a layer of hummus on each slice of bread. Top with slices of avocado and vegetables. Form a sandwich by placing the other slice on top. Wrap it in wax paper or foil if that’s the plan for later.

7. Wraps with beans, rice, and salsa

What you’ll need for 4 tortillas:

• 4 tortillas
• 1 cup cooked beans (such as black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans)
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup salsa
• Lettuce or spinach, optional

What to do:

Lay the tortillas out on a flat surface. Divide the beans, rice, and salsa in the center of each tortilla. Top with a few leaves of lettuce or spinach. Roll them up tightly and eat.

8. Salads with veggies, grains, and beans

What you’ll need for 4 servings:

• 4 cups lettuce or mixed greens
• 1 cup cooked grains (such as quinoa, rice, or pasta)
• 1 cup cooked beans (such as black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans)
• 1 cup diced vegetables (such as tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers)
• 4 tablespoons of dressing of your choice

What to do:

Divide the lettuce or mixed greens among four bowls or containers. Top the greens with grains, beans, and vegetables. Drizzle some dressing like soy sauce over it and enjoy. 

9. Quiche with veggies and cheese

What you’ll need for 6 servings:

• 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup diced vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, or spinach)
• 1 cup grated cheese (such as cheddar, feta, or mozzarella)
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup milk or non-dairy milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste

What to do:

Preheat a dutch oven by placing it over a bed of hot coals. Press the pie crust into it and sprinkle some vegetables and cheese on top.

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and milk. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables and cheese. Pinch some salt and pepper.

Place the lid on the dutch oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the quiche is set and the top is golden brown. 

10. Soup with beans, veggies, and grains

What you’ll need for 4 servings:

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 cup diced vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini)
• 1 cup cooked beans (such as black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans)
• 1 cup cooked grains (such as quinoa, rice, or pasta)
• 4 cups broth or water
• Salt and pepper, to taste

What to do:

Heat the oil in a large pot, put onion, and cook till it’s soft. Add the vegetables and cook until they’re soft, too. Then, put the beans, grains, broth or water, and any desired seasonings. Bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low (if you’re using a camp stove, if you have an open fire – bring it somewhere cooler, check the fire temperatures in our blog post) and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5 vegetarian dinner recipes

The day is over, meaning it’s time to end it with a mouth-watering vegetarian dinner. Some ideas you’ll love: 

11. Pasta with marinara sauce and veggies

What you’ll need for 4 servings:

• 1 cup uncooked pasta
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup diced vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms)
• Grated cheese, for serving (optional)

What to do:

Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions (you can actually do this step at home). 

In a separate pan, heat the marinara sauce and vegetables until they’re tender.

Drain the pasta and add it to the pan with the sauce and vegetables. Stir to combine and top with some grated cheese to the maximum result. 

12. Stew with beans, veggies, and grains

What you’ll need for 4 servings:

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 cup diced vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, or a sweet potato)
• 1 cup cooked beans (such as black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans)
• 1 cup cooked grains (such as quinoa, rice, or pasta)
• 4 cups broth or water
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

What to do: 

Heat the oil in a large pot, add the onion, and cook until it gets soft. Then, add the vegetables and repeat the process – wait until they’re soft. Add the beans, grains, broth or water, bay leaf, and herbs. Get it boiling. 

Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Finish with some salt and pepper.

13. Grain bowls with roasted veggies, beans, and a sauce

What you’ll need for 4 servings:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small zucchini, chopped
• 1 small yellow squash, chopped
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup cooked black beans (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
• 1/2 cup your choice of sauce (such as tahini sauce, chimichurri, or peanut sauce)

What to do:

Preheat your camp stove or grill. Rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and add it to a pot with the water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and set aside.

While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the veggies. Toss the cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, and red onion with olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Grill the veggies over until they’re slightly charred. 

Divide quinoa among the bowls and top with the roasted veggies, black beans, and a drizzle of sauce.

14. Vegetarian chili with beans and veggies

What you’ll need for 4 servings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small zucchini, diced
• 1 small yellow squash, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

What to do:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot. Add the onion, bell pepper, zucchini, and yellow squash, and cook for a few minutes until they’re tender. Add the garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, coriander, and salt, and cook for 1 minute more.

Stir in crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, kidney beans, black beans, and corn. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes or until the vegetables get soft.

Stir in the cilantro and serve!

15. Tacos with beans, tofu, and veggies

What you’ll need for 4 servings:

• 1 cup cooked black beans (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup cooked kidney beans (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
• 1 block firm tofu, pressed and crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small zucchini, diced
• 1 small yellow squash, diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup vegan sour cream
• 1/2 cup diced avocado

What to do:

Put the black beans, kidney beans, and tofu into a large pan. Cook for about 5 mins till they’re heated through.

Use another pan or a griddle to heat the olive oil. Add the onion, bell pepper, zucchini, and yellow squash and cook until soft. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, paprika, and salt.

Finally, divide the bean and tofu mixture among the tortillas. Top with cooked veggies, lettuce, tomatoes, vegan sour cream, and avocado. Voila.

5 vegetarian snacks

If you’re a snack enthusiast, vegetarian snacks can be your legitimate argument to keep snacking. These snack options are healthy and can keep your energy at maximum. 

You can get them at stores, but if you’re feeling creative to prepare some of them at home (or at camp, why not), we’ll give you an idea of how you can do it.

16. Trail mix with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit

A trail mix combines nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. It’s a perfect camping food as it’s portable, easy to pack, and provides a quick energy boost when you’re on the go.

To make a trail mix, you can simply mix together a variety of your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. Some popular combos include almonds, cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, raisins, cranberries, and apricots. You can also add chocolate chips or coconut flakes for an extra treat.

17. Energy balls with oats, nuts, and dried fruit

Energy balls are small, bite-sized snacks made of oats, nuts, and dried fruit. They’re different from a trail mix in a way they come in the form of actual balls.

To make energy balls, combine your favorite nuts, dried fruits, nut butter, and maple syrup in a food processor and pulse until the mixture comes together. Chia seeds, flaxseed, and vanilla extract can be good add-ons. Once combined, roll it into small, cherry tomato-sized balls. 

18. Fruit and nut bars

This is yet another combination of fruits and nuts, just this time in a bar style. To make them, start by mixing your favorite nuts and fruits in the food processor. Once the mixture is well set, press it into a tiny, shallow container lined with parchment paper. Leave in a fridge for an hour, then cut it into small bars. 

19. Hummus and veggies

Hummus is a traditional Middle Eastern dip or spread made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and spices. It’s often served with vegetables, such as carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and radishes, as a healthy and satisfying snack or appetizer. 

In a food processor, you can make hummus by combining chickpeas, tahini, fresh lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and olive oil. One minute and the hummus is ready.

20. Protein bars

Protein bars are snack bars high in protein and nutrients (beloved by fitness enthusiasts for a good reason). They’re often made with a combination of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit and are held together with a binding agent such as honey or syrup. 

You can make protein bars the same way as simple fruit and nut bars, just adding your beloved syrup on top of the firm mixture.

5 mouth-watering vegetarian desserts:

Let’s put a cherry on top with these five delicious vegetarian-friendly desserts:

21. Baked goods, such as muffins or cookies

The good news is that any of your favorite muffins or cookies are or can easily be turned vegetarian. 

Our beloved ones are vegan blueberry muffins – mix wet ingredients (milk, sugar, oil, and vanilla), then dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt), and finally combine them. Toss some blueberries in, stir, bake, and enjoy!

22. Fruit-based treats, such as grilled pineapple or baked apples

This one is as simple as it gets. Just take some favorite fruits and bake them in your cook pot, dutch oven, or camping griddle. Be careful with timing as they cook fast! 

23. Pudding with tofu or coconut milk

It’s a good option for lactose-intolerant or following a dairy-free diet. And for everyone else, as the taste is worth a shot. 

You can make this pudding by combining coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla in a small saucepan and cooking it over medium heat, constantly stirring, until the pudding thickens and comes to a boil.

24. Frozen yogurt with fruits

Toss some frozen fruit like mango or berries, Greek yogurt, sugar, and a little corn syrup into your food processor. Blend it all up and put it into the freezer. It won’t be an option to take if you don’t have a camping freezer, but this will surely make you happy before leaving for your camping trip.

25. Chocolate fondue with fruit and cookies

Chocolate fondue is the universal dessert that just can’t be beaten. Melt some chocolate and grab strawberries, bananas, or pears to dip into it. 

Wrapping it up

This list is just a starting point for some perfect vegetarian camping food ideas. With some creativity, you can make vegetarian-friendly versions of almost any camping meal (really, just try it – take some simple camping breakfast, campfire lunch, or campfire dinner recipes and do the twist.)

Try using different types of vegetarian proteins and grains, adding spices and fresh herbs to your dishes, and experimenting with various cooking methods like grilling or roasting to add a unique twist to your best vegetarian camping meals. Bon appetit!