30 Float Trip Food Ideas To Keep You Active (With Recipes)

Whether you are using a kayak, canoe, raft, or tube to paddle down a river, the exercise is going to do a number on your appetite.

You need to have enough food on hand to sustain you throughout the duration of your floating trip.

However, planning float trip food can leave even the most experienced adventurers feeling confused and overwhelmed.

To help take some of the stress out of prepping for your next trip, I’ve put together some amazing food ideas that will surely hit the spot and help you replenish the energy you burn along the way.

Explore: Pontoon Boat-Friendly Food Ideas

Float Trip Food Ideas

1. Baked potatoes

This is a great easy to make meal to take with you on your float trip. It packs well and doesn’t go rancid quickly, so you can save it for lunch or dinner after you have been out exploring the water for hours.

If you have space to pack an oven or you can make arrangements for one when you reach shore, you can take the raw ingredients and cook the meal fresh whenever you are ready to eat.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp coarse salt
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chives, chopped
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F
2. Scrub potatoes and pat dry; pierce all over with fork
3. Rub with olive oil and salt
4. Bake directly on oven rack for 45-60 minutes until tender
5. Cut open immediately, fluff with fork
6. Top with butter, sour cream, chives, cheese, and bacon
7. Ready to eat

2. Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups

The last thing you want when you are out on the water is to get too hungry that you lose focus because that’s a recipe for things to go awry.

This bite-sized snack is the perfect stomach companion to keep you going until mealtime.

All it requires is some bread, turkey, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese slices, or cream cheese and you’re good to go.

You can make this protein-packed snack ahead of time and just pop one into your might when the hunger pangs start to hit.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 slices deli turkey
• 4 slices cheese (cheddar or Swiss)
• 4 flour tortillas
• 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup lettuce, shredded
• 1/2 cup tomatoes, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Spread cream cheese on each tortilla
2. Layer turkey, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes
3. Season with salt and pepper
4. Roll tightly and slice into pinwheels
5. Secure with toothpicks if needed
6. Ready to eat

Also Read: Boat Dinner Party – 15 Great Recipes

3. Beach Burger with Mango Salsa

No matter what time of the day it is, you can never go wrong with this float trip food staple. It’s simple, achingly delicious, and so damn satisfying.

The great thing about burgers is that you can make them at home before heading out for your trip or wait till you set up your campsite, then place a grilling rack over hot coals and cook your beef patties.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 beef patties (1/4 lb each)
• 4 burger buns
• 1 ripe mango, diced
• 1/4 red onion, finely diced
• 1 jalapeño, minced
• 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix mango, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice for salsa
2. Season patties with salt and pepper
3. Grill burgers 4-5 minutes per side
4. Toast buns lightly
5. Assemble burgers with mango salsa on top
6. Ready to eat

4. Sweet Chilli Shrimp Kabobs

These spicy grilled skewers are what you need to bring an extra kick to your water adventures.

They taste incredible and don’t require a lot of prep work so you’ll be dining and relaxing in minutes.

This meal can work as a simple appetizer or you can pair it with some rice and veggies and transform it into the main course.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 bell pepper, chunked
• 1 red onion, chunked
• Wooden skewers

Instructions:

1. Marinate shrimp in sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and honey for 30 minutes
2. Thread shrimp, peppers, and onions onto skewers
3. Grill 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink
4. Brush with remaining marinade while cooking
5. Ready to eat

Explore: Best Snacks For Kayaking Trips

5. One-Pot Pesto Pasta

Whether you plan to be out on the water alone or you are making a group or family hang out of it, pesto pasta is one of the best float trip food ideas to keep you full, happy, and satisfied.

To save yourself some cooking time, make the pesto beforehand. You can even take things one step further by buying a jar of pesto.

This way, when mealtime comes around you only have to cook your pasta, add the pesto, toss it all together, and serve. Since it cooks in one pot or pan, cleaning up will be much easier to handle.

Or follow the recipe below.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Bring broth to boil in large pot
2. Add pasta and cook until tender
3. Stir in pesto, tomatoes, and cream
4. Cook 2-3 minutes until heated through
5. Top with Parmesan cheese
6. Ready to eat

6. Breakfast Sandwich

This float trip breakfast sandwich has everything you need to buoy your spirits before or after embarking on your on-the-water adventures for the day.

You get the refreshing taste of avocados, tomatoes, bacon, and fried or scrambled eggs perfectly ladies out on toasted bread.

Making breakfast sandwiches doesn’t require a lot of prep or utensils. It can be made in one skillet over a campfire or stove.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 English muffins, halved
• 4 eggs
• 4 slices Canadian bacon or ham
• 4 slices cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toast English muffin halves
2. Cook Canadian bacon in skillet until heated
3. Scramble eggs with butter, salt, and pepper
4. Layer bottom muffin with bacon, eggs, and cheese
5. Top with other muffin half
6. Ready to eat

Explore: Boat-Friendly Quick And Easy Lunch Ideas

7. Sweet and Savory Oatmeal

You are probably used to eating oatmeal one way. Throw in some sugar, milk, and pieces of fresh or dried fruit and you’re good to go.

But what if I told you that you can take oatmeal to a new level by spicing it up with bacon bits, some shredded cheese, and a drizzle of maple syrup?

You have to admit that sounds interesting. Give it a try on your next canoeing, kayaking, or rafting trip, and see what you think about the pairing.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts
• 2 tbsp bacon bits
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook oats with milk according to package directions
2. Stir in maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt
3. Top with cranberries, nuts, and bacon bits
4. Serve hot

8. Burrito Wraps

This classic Mexican dish contains refried beans, cheese, rice, avocados, peppers, onions, and your favorite proteins packed tightly to make one big, yummy wrap.

The beauty of burritos is they can be customized to suit your specific taste or preferences so feel free to swap out the ingredients you don’t like and throw in the ones you love to ramp up the flavor profile.

Don’t be surprised if you feel yourself drifting asleep after having this tasty and filling meal. Just make sure you are safely tucked away on land before letting your eyelids close.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 lb ground beef or chicken
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 cup rice, cooked
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Instructions:

1. Cook meat with taco seasoning
2. Warm tortillas in microwave
3. Fill with meat, beans, rice, cheese
4. Add salsa and sour cream
5. Roll tightly, tucking in sides
6. Ready to serve

Explore: Best Pontoon Boat Grills

9. Chilli and Garlic Bread

This is one of those meals that feel like home in a bowl and it will make a perfect addition to your float trip food menu. It’s incredibly easy to make and doesn’t require a lot of time or effort to put together.

Most of the ingredients for this meal, beans, tomato sauce, veggies, and ground beef or textured vegetable protein can be dehydrated so they will take up little room in your supplies bag.

If you don’t have a dehydrator you can buy the dehydrated versions and just throw them in a pot when you’re ready to eat.

You can also bring along some garlic bread with or pack the bread mixture and make it fresh. It only takes a few minutes.

Recipe

Ingredients:

For Chili:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can kidney beans
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin

For Garlic Bread:

• 1 French bread loaf
• 4 tbsp butter, softened
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp parsley

Instructions:

1. Brown beef with onion and garlic
2. Add tomatoes, beans, and spices; simmer 30 minutes
3. Mix butter, garlic, and parsley
4. Spread on bread, bake at 375°F for 10 minutes
5. Serve chili with garlic bread

10. Grilled Chicken Tacos

Tacos are another food idea for your float trip that’s worth trying if you want a lot of flavor without having to do a lot of cooking or prepping.

The citrus-based marinade can be made ahead of your trip to add some zing to the taste of the chicken.

All you have to do when you set up camp is break out a grill, throw the chicken on it, assemble the tacos, and let the deliciousness flood your tastebuds.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 8 corn tortillas
• 1 cup cabbage, shredded
• 1/2 cup cilantro
• Lime wedges

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken with oil and spices for 1 hour
2. Grill chicken 6-7 minutes per side
3. Let rest, then slice
4. Warm tortillas on grill
5. Fill with chicken, cabbage, cilantro, and lime
6. Ready to eat

11. Beans and Vegetable Soup

This comforting, one-pot meal is a great way to retire after a long day of paddling across the river and soaking in the scenic surroundings.

Don’t let the soup in the name fool you, this can be a very filling meal depending on how you make it.

It’s also very simple to make. All you have to do is throw the beans and whatever vegetables you have on hand into the pot, pour in the broth, mix and let it cook for a while.

You can serve it with bread to make it even more filling.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cans mixed beans
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 tsp Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until soft
2. Add broth, beans, tomatoes, and herbs
3. Simmer 20-25 minutes
4. Season with salt and pepper
5. Serve hot with crusty bread

12. Thai Red Curry and Rice

If you’re looking for float trip meals that won’t have you toiling over pots or waiting long hours before you can finally feast, this Thai red curry is the answer to your desires. It is easy to make and super delicious too.

Instead of making your own Thai curry paste, you can simply buy a few small jars of it to mix with the other ingredients. The jars don’t require refrigeration before opening so the Thai curry paste will stay fresh until you’re ready to use it.

Boil some rice and scoop the Thai curry sauce onto it and dig in once the food is ready.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 tbsp red curry paste
• 1 lb chicken, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cups jasmine rice, cooked
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• Thai basil leaves

Instructions:

1. Heat half coconut milk, whisk in curry paste
2. Add chicken, cook until done
3. Add vegetables, remaining coconut milk
4. Season with fish sauce and sugar
5. Serve over rice with basil

13. Spaghetti in Clam Sauce

After a long day on the water, you will probably find yourself craving a hot meal and there’s nothing like a tasty plate of pasta to help you recover from the day’s activities.

The best thing about spaghetti with clam sauce is how easy and quick it is to make. It will be ready to eat in 20 minutes tops.

You don’t have to worry about packing fresh clams, canned clams will work just as well. The juice from the canned clams will give this dish the tasty-briny flavor you’ll love.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb spaghetti
• 2 cans clams with juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• Red pepper flakes
• Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions
2. Heat oil, sauté garlic until fragrant
3. Add wine and clam juice, simmer
4. Add clams and parsley
5. Toss with pasta, serve with cheese

14. Albacore Tuna Salad

For an inexpensive and easy to prepare meal option for your float trips, I heavily recommend an albacore tuna salad.

All you need is some canned tuna, lemon juice, dill pickles, celery, herbs, and your favorite flavor of mayonnaise to bring this comfort food together.

You don’t need a stove or to build a fire to cook this meal. Just toss and mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and it will be ready to eat.

You can serve your albacore salad with slices of bread or fold it into a tortilla to make a wrap.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cans albacore tuna
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1/4 red onion, diced
• 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper
• Mixed greens

Instructions:

1. Drain tuna and flake with fork
2. Mix with mayo, celery, onion, egg
3. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper
4. Serve over mixed greens
5. Chill before serving

15. Quick Skillet Beans with Hot Dogs

One of the best float trip food ideas to plan for after a long, fulfilling day of exploring the outdoors and enjoying fun-filled activities is hot dogs with a generous serving of beans cooked in a cast iron skillet over a grill.

You can grill the hotdogs or cut them up and cook them with the beans in the app. The choice is yours, but either way, you are going to love downing this hearty meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 hot dogs, sliced
• 2 cans baked beans
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

1. Cook hot dogs in large skillet until browned
2. Add onion, cook until soft
3. Stir in beans, brown sugar, mustard, ketchup, and Worcestershire
4. Simmer 10-15 minutes
5. Serve hot

16. Lime Butter Grilled Salmon and Veggies

I promise you that this float trip food will have you licking your fingers or utensil in delight. It’s incredibly easy to make too.

Just place your salmon and vegetables in a foil then melt butter, mix with lime juice and zest, and pour it over the salmon.

Throw in a few lime wedges, fold the foil packet to seal it, place it on the grill, and your mouth-watering lunch or dinner will be ready in a few minutes.

Or follow these steps:

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 4 tbsp butter, melted
• Juice of 2 limes
• 2 zucchini, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix butter and lime juice
2. Brush salmon with half the mixture
3. Toss vegetables with oil, salt, and pepper
4. Grill salmon 4-5 minutes per side
5. Grill vegetables until tender
6. Ready

17. Cast Iron Brats with Sauteed Peppers and Onions

No matter what time it is or what the season is saying where you are, this meal will make you feel like it’s a warm summer day.

There are no special tricks or abilities required to cook up appetite-stimulating food.

Here’s how to make it.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6 bratwurst sausages
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 2 onions, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Brat buns

Instructions:

1. Heat cast iron skillet over medium heat
2. Cook brats, turning frequently, 15-20 minutes
3. Remove brats, add oil to pan
4. Sauté peppers and onions until soft
5. Serve brats with peppers and onions on buns

18. Cowboy Caviar with Chips

This is the perfect snack to accompany you for a day on the river, lake, or ocean.

You can choose to prep it before you head out so you can munch on it whenever hunger strikes.

If you want to save some prep time or make the meal while you’re on the go, you can skip making your own chips and just buy some.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeño, minced
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 3 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Tortilla chips

Instructions:

1. Combine beans, corn, pepper, jalapeño, onion
2. Add cilantro, lime juice, and oil
3. Season with salt and pepper
4. Chill 2 hours
5. Serve with tortilla chips

19. Foil Packet Shrimp Scampi

Whether you are having it on its own, with some cooked rice, a side of bread, or over a bowl of pasta, shrimp scampi is one of the best float trip food ideas you can try.

This foil packet version is easy to assemble and saves you the trouble of having to wash up pots and pans after you’re done cooking.

The shrimp will soak up all the buttery, lemony, and herby goodness of the ingredients to create an aromatic dish that will have you swooning even before it comes off the grill.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp white wine
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper
• 4 sheets heavy foil

Instructions:

1. Divide shrimp among foil sheets
2. Top each with garlic, butter, wine, lemon juice
3. Season with salt, pepper, and parsley
4. Seal packets tightly
5. Grill or bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes
6. Ready to eat

20. Sweet and Spicy Snack Mix

It’s always a great idea to pack some tasty snacks to munch on during your float trips so you don’t get lightheaded before you have to stop for food.

This sweet and spicy snack mix will have you licking the inside of the bag to make sure you’ve gotten every last morsel out.

There’s plenty of room for customization when making your snack mix so feel free to use a combination of your favorite crackers, cereal, and nuts in your mix.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed nuts
• 2 cups cereal squares
• 1 cup pretzel pieces
• 3 tbsp butter, melted
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Mix nuts, cereal, and pretzels
2. Combine butter, honey, and spices
3. Toss dry ingredients with wet mixture
4. Bake at 300°F for 15-20 minutes, stirring once
5. Cool completely before storing
6. Ready

21. Fish Chowder

Since you’re out having adventures on the water, eating seafood seems like an unavoidable consequence.

And what better way to enjoy the gifts of the sea than with generous servings of thick and creamy fish chowder.

The combination of fish filler, carrots, peas, potatoes, and sweet corn helps to make this hearty meal quite filling.

But you can always grab some crusty bread to go with it if you need a little more weight from your meal.

Or follow the recipe below.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb white fish fillets, cubed
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 2 cups fish or chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp flour
• Salt and pepper
• Chives for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook bacon until crispy, remove
2. Sauté onion in bacon fat
3. Add potatoes and stock, simmer until tender
4. Mix flour with cream, stir into pot
5. Add fish, cook 5 minutes; garnish with bacon and chives
6. Done

22. Chickpea Breakfast Hash

This breakfast food idea for float trips does away with the traditional potatoes and introduces chickpeas in their place to deliver a truly satisfying meal that is chock-full of proteins.

The cooking process only requires one skillet so cleaning up will be an uncomplicated affair.

Another great thing about the chickpea breakfast hash is its staying power.

You won’t find yourself desperately craving an early lunch after eating this, which means you’ll have plenty of time to get into your float trip bucket list before you have to take a break.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 2 potatoes, diced small
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 4 eggs
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in large skillet
2. Cook potatoes until golden, about 10 minutes
3. Add onion and pepper, cook 5 minutes
4. Add chickpeas and spices, cook 5 minutes
5. Make wells, crack eggs into them; cover and cook until set
6. Ready to eat

23. Grilled Corn on the Cob

If you’re looking for simple food ideas for float trips, corn on the cob is one of the most uncomplicated meals you can make.

It’s also very versatile which means that you can enjoy it as a standalone healthy snack or incorporate it as a side for another meal like chilli or warmed-up baked beans.

Or follow the recipe below.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6 ears corn, husked
• 4 tbsp butter, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley, chives)
• Salt and pepper
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix butter, garlic, and herbs
2. Brush corn with herb butter
3. Grill over medium heat, turning frequently, 10-15 minutes
4. Season with salt and pepper
5. Sprinkle with Parmesan if desired
6. Serve it now

24. Avocado Toast with Hard Boiled Egg

This is another mouth-watering dish you would want to try.

Have it as a snack during your float trip.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 slices bread, toasted
• 2 ripe avocados
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper
• Everything bagel seasoning (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mash avocados with lemon juice, salt, and pepper
2. Spread avocado mixture on toast
3. Top with sliced eggs
4. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and seasoning
5. Serve immediately

25. Shakshuka

Give this North-African dish a try the next time you go on a float trip.

Whether you’re having it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Shakshuka is hands-down one of the best and most interesting ways to enjoy eggs.

It’s a simple dish that involves gently poaching eggs in a spicy tomato sauce and adding a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese at the end.

You can enjoy this heartwarming meal on its own or add some slices of crusty bread to elevate the experience.

Feel free to add avocados and microgreens as a garnish and don’t forget to relish every spoonful.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 6 eggs
• 1/2 cup feta cheese
• 2 tbsp parsley

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in large skillet, sauté onion and pepper
2. Add garlic, paprika, and cayenne; cook 1 minute
3. Add tomatoes, simmer 10-15 minutes
4. Make wells, crack eggs into them
5. Cover and cook until eggs are set; top with feta and parsley
6. Ready to serve

26. Cheesy Garlic Fries

When you’re outdoors having the time of your life, you need a satisfying meal to keep your energy levels up and ensure you make it to the end of your float trip in one piece.

Cheesy garlic fries are the perfect quick and easy food option for you.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs frozen French fries
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Bake fries according to package directions
2. Melt butter, add garlic and cook 1 minute
3. Toss hot fries with garlic butter
4. Top with both cheeses and parsley
5. Return to oven until cheese melts
6. Done

27. Red Lentil Sloppy Joes

Swap out the meats for this plant-based, protein-dense spin on the classic burger.

I promise it’ll taste even better than you imagine so don’t be surprised if you find yourself whipping up a bash to eat even on days when you’re back home.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red lentils
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 6 hamburger buns

Instructions:

1. Cook lentils in broth until tender, about 15 minutes
2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft
3. Add cooked lentils, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire, and chili powder
4. Simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes
5. Serve on toasted buns

28. Mac and Cheese

Few meals provide the comfort and satisfaction that the mac and cheese offer, so it deserves a spot on my list of best float trip food ideas.

Whether you’re picking up the mac and cheese from the store or making your own, this meal involves very light prep work.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 tsp mustard powder
• Salt and pepper
• Breadcrumbs (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions
2. Melt butter, whisk in flour to make roux
3. Gradually add milk, cook until thickened
4. Stir in cheeses and mustard powder
5. Combine with pasta; top with breadcrumbs if baking
6. Ready to eat

29. Panzanella Salad with Peaches and Tomatoes

If you love croutons, you are going to thoroughly enjoy this nourishing float trip food.

The croutons are tossed with tomatoes, peaches, basil, and mozzarella with a healthy drizzle of white wine vinaigrette.

This meal works great as the star of the show or as a quick side act before the main event.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups day-old bread, cubed
• 3 large tomatoes, chopped
• 2 ripe peaches, sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup basil leaves, torn
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toast bread cubes until golden
2. Combine tomatoes, peaches, and onion in large bowl
3. Add bread and basil
4. Whisk oil and vinegar, season with salt and pepper
5. Toss salad with dressing, let sit 30 minutes
6. You’re done

30. Chicken Ramen

After spending the day fishing and basking in the scenic views as you float down the river, a good bowl of chicken ramen soup is just what you need to nourish your body and warm your heart.

It only takes about 30 minutes to cook up this flavorful recipe so you’ll be able to dine in no time.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 packages ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
• 2 chicken breasts, cooked and sliced
• 2 eggs, soft-boiled
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 sheet nori, cut into strips
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp miso paste (optional)
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Heat broth, whisk in soy sauce and miso
2. Cook ramen noodles separately, drain
3. Divide noodles between bowls
4. Pour hot broth over noodles
5. Top with chicken, eggs, green onions, nori, and drizzle with sesame oil
6. Ready to serve

Conclusion

You no longer have to spend days or weeks wondering what you’re going to eat on your float trip, nor do you have to carry a ton of processed foods with you.

You can still enjoy healthy, amazing meals even while you’re out exploring the waters.

No matter your food preferences or how picky an eater you are, you’re bound to find a couple of float trip food ideas on this list that will help fuel your next outdoor adventure.