Is there anything more satisfying than setting up your OOO (Out of Office) email responder? I think not. Vacation is an integral part of summer whether you're hightailing it to your in-laws house or renting a house somewhere fun and exciting. The only things you have to think about are what cocktail you're making for happy hour and WTF to make for dinner.
After just returning from an epic rental house vacation with some friends - I'm here to impart some of my favorite "vacation rental" recipes on you because at the end of the day it really boils down to two things: 1: what's in season and 2: what kind of kitchen equipment is available at your rental property. The answer to #2 is usually... almost nothing so here are my favorite recipes that don't require many tools or utensils. Note: a grill is helpful but any of the grilling recipes below could be done on a cast iron skillet if that's there!
Table of Contents
What to bring:
One quick note before we get to the recipes... I bring my own salt (yes I realize I'm a lunatic but I had shitty salt) and I splurge on a couple great quality items the first day of vacation.
- Olive Oil
- Vinegar
- Coffee + Matcha
- Salsa
Okay here are my favorite summer forward recipes that require MINIMAL equipment and no hard to find ingredients...
Salad
This Tomato Feta Panzanella really only requires a blender or a food processor for the dressing and a little sheet pan to make the croutons!
Stone Fruit is in season pretty much everywhere so if you're seeing that at the markets, you'll want to make this peach tomato caprese! Or this stone fruit fattoush if you want a more lebanese vibe!
Corn season is kinda short for my liking so let's make the most of it with this Corn Avo Salad! Great on top of some grilled steak or chicken too!
If you're anywhere in California then consider yourself lucky because it's peak avocado season right now and this avocado peach salad is EVERYTHING.
Ditto to the above but with Watermelon! This Watermelon Salad is my love language! As this is version with more feta and less stone fruit!
We all know I love a cucumber feta salad and this is my go-to salad pretty much forever. Bonus, it takes 5 minutes to make!
Pasta
If you're somewhere with fresh caught lobsters: Lobster Pasta!
If you've overdone the eggplant or tomatoes, this Summer Ratatouille Pasta is about to be your new bff!
Or if you're somewhere with access to fresh Crab... this crab pasta is LIFE!
Need a great pasta salad - look no further! This Caprese Orzo is perfection and can really stretch to feed a CROWD!
Sandwiches (for a crowd)
This Burrata and Tomato Sandwich situation is the perfect lunch to feed a crowd!
The most perfect Breakfast Sandwich of all times will rock your families / friends world!
Chicken + Steak
This Cuban Mojo Chicken Marinade might be my favorite thing on earth these days for marinating meat!
If you're vacationing somewhere that readily stocks Tri-Tip, then you absolutely must make this recipe!
Steak Tacos with Corn Salsa require nothing more than a grill!
Same goes for this Grilled Skirt or Flank Steak with Tomatoes! It's summer simplicity at it's finest!
And just a few more links to round it out - these are my favorite simple grilled side dishes! Ok friends... vacation away! We deserve it!
FAQs:
What are some easy and delicious recipes to cook in a vacation rental?
You can try preparing simple yet satisfying dishes like pasta with marinara sauce, grilled chicken with roasted vegetables, shrimp stir-fry with rice, or a hearty vegetable soup.
How can I make the most of the limited cooking equipment in a vacation rental?
Utilize versatile cooking tools like a skillet or a slow cooker, which can be used for a variety of recipes. Additionally, consider preparing one-pot meals or sheet pan dinners to minimize the need for multiple pots and pans.
Are there any tips for grocery shopping while on vacation to cook in a rental?
Prioritize purchasing pantry staples like spices, oil, and basic condiments, which can enhance the flavor of your dishes without taking up much space. Opt for fresh and local ingredients when available, and plan meals in advance to avoid excess purchases.
Can you provide a sample meal plan for cooking in a vacation rental?
Certainly! Here's a sample meal plan:
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with toast and fresh fruit.
- Lunch: Caprese salad with grilled chicken or a sandwich with deli meats and a side of mixed greens.
- Dinner: Spaghetti aglio e olio (garlic and olive oil pasta) with a side of steamed broccoli.
- Snacks: Fresh cut vegetables with hummus or yogurt with granola.
Remember to adjust the meal plan based on your preferences and dietary restrictions.
Yes! Thank you! I'm always the one who plans meals when my family meets at a cabin for a week, and this will make it so much easier now.