Cooler Friendly Recipes

When the heat of summer is at its worst, a day at the beach is welcome relief. Tuna sandwiches get boring quickly, and many of our seaside favorites could use a little help in the nutrition department. These recipes will all pack beautifully in a cooler for a refreshing, healthful trip to the beach.

Pineapple Banana Smoothie
Pineapple Banana Smoothie

Chickpea Pesto Sandwich

3 Guiding StarsDairy-free and not highly sensitive to temperatures, this sandwich filling is a great and tasty bet for a meal that might be siting in a lukewarm cooler for a while. (3 Guiding Stars)

Curried Chicken Salad

3 Guiding StarsWe’ve highlighted this recipe before and we’ll do it again. Delicious, with just enough pizzazz to make life interesting, and easy to bring along for the sandwich lovers in your crew, this recipe is a sure winner. (3 Guiding Stars)

Pineapple Banana Smoothie

2 Guiding StarsFor a frosty treat mid-day, make these smoothies in advance and freeze them overnight, being sure to leave room in the container. Take them along for a creamy chilled treat when you need it. (2 Guiding Stars)

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bumps

2 Guiding StarsThis recipe is a summer 2-for-1: keep the kids entertained making the bumps and then keep them fed and happy at the beach with the handy, no-mess energy bites. (2 Guiding Stars)

Orange Smoothie

2 Guiding StarsIf you’re a lover of creamsicles, you’ll love this sweet frozen treat. Make ahead and freeze in jars (with headroom) for a carryalong refresher later in the day. (2 Guiding Stars)

Quick Bruschetta

1 Guiding Star Think you can’t enjoy an elegant snack at the park? Think again. Pre-slice your bread into finger-friendlys sizes and toast it in advance to dip into this easy-to-store spread. (1 Guiding Star)

Beef, Mango & Barley Salad

1 Guiding Star For easy service at the beach, spoon this grain salad into glass jars with the lettuce ripped up on top. It’s as lovely to look at as it is to munch, so enjoy it as a wholesome new cooler lunch. (1 Guiding Star)