Delicious and Easy Boat Lunch Ideas

With summer right around the corner, I can almost feel the sun on my skin and hear the hum of the boats on the lake!

Some of our best family memories have been made on the water and we are all itching for those slow summer lake days.  If being on the lake is your happy place, I know you will love these easy boat lunch ideas!

Charcuterie on the Boat

Who says charcuterie is only for dinner parties?  These finger food meals can be perfect for your day on the lake.

Pack your already-prepared food items in large, flat containers with lids.  Then all you have to do is take the lids off, add some tongs for serving,  and your boating lunch is ready to be served!

Ideas for Your Lake Day Charcuterie

• Meats – such as turkey, ham, salami and prosciutto
• Cheeses- cheddar, provolone, pepper jack and gouda
• Nuts- almonds, cashews, pecans, pistachios
• Olive assortment
• Fresh fruit – apples, oranges, bananas, pears and berries
• Veggies – pre-cut carrots, celery, broccoli, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes and cauliflower
• Crackers, pretzels, or sliced baguette
• Dips such as hummus or jelly

Sandwiches

Sandwiches are a classic and hassle-free option for boat lunches. Before you head out on the water, create a DIY sandwich bar where everyone can customize their meal with their favorite toppings.

Once the sandwiches are made, pack them in labeled baggies and store them in a cooler for easy grab-and-go convenience.

Keep it simple with a variety of deli meats, cheeses, and bread, or prepare something special like chicken salad or pulled pork sandwiches in advance.

For a twist, use the same ingredients to make wraps instead of traditional sandwiches.

Pair your sandwiches with simple, boat-friendly sides like chips, precut fruit and veggie sticks.

Boat Lunch Ideas for Grilling: Hamburgers, Hotdogs, or Kebobs

If you are lucky enough to have a grill on your boat, this can elevate your lunch into something even more delicious!  The possibilities of grilled boat lunch ideas are endless, but our favorite options are hamburgers, hotdogs, and grilled chicken kebobs.  (Check out this recipe!)

To save you time on the boat, pre-make your hamburger patties or kebobs, then keep them cold in a cooler with ice until you are ready to grill.  Pack some potato salad, pasta salad, chips, and a veggie tray as side dishes.

Make it Brunch!

Breakfast foods are well loved and can be an easy option for foods to take on a boat.

Hard boiled eggs, muffins, bagels with cream cheese, fresh fruit and overnight oats are all easily prepared in advance.  Throw some individual juice boxes in the cooler to go with this easy boat meal and you will have a happy crew!

Dessert

If you choose to bring dessert, you will want to consider choosing something portable and mess free.  If you don’t need to use a spoon or a fork, even better!  This would be a great time to try out new recipes.  A few boat dessert ideas include:

• Cookies (Make these ahead and freeze them to make meal prep a breeze!)
• Popsicles (Ensure you have plenty of ice!)
• Brownies (Cutting these in advance saves time and dirty dishes.)
• Blondies
• Cheesecake bites 

Don’t Forget to Hydrate!

Staying hydrated is crucial, especially when boating with kids in the heat.

Our go-to hydration solution is water with electrolytes–it’s more effective than plan water and avoids the sugar and artificial dyes found in most sodas and sports drinks.

Many electrolyte brands offer convenient single-serve packets that are perfect for travel. Just pack a variety of these packets along with a cooler filled with water bottles, and you’ll be ready to keep everyone refreshed and energized for a full day on the lake!

Other Lake Lunch Essentials

You will want to have hand sanitizer available for your group, especially since everyone has been in and out of the lake.  Packing paper plates, plastic silverware, a roll of paper towels, and a trash bag will help make clean up a breeze.  Also consider bringing serving tools such as large spoons and tongs.  

Snacks for the Boat

In addition to easy boat meals, you will also want to consider having snacks throughout your day on the lake.  When your family is very active, especially in the sun, you want to ensure your bodies are fueled properly.

Think about healthy snacks that are high in protein and easy to pack, such as beef jerky, trail mix, protein bars, mixed nuts and cheese sticks. Fresh fruit can also be a great snack because it has the added bonus of helping keep you hydrated. 

We recommend packing your snacks in a waterproof snackle box for a fun, unique way to snack on the boat!

Storing your Boating Food

After you choose from these boat lunch ideas, you will want to consider how you will transport and store your food and drinks. A large cooler with plenty of ice is essential for keeping your meals on a boat cool and fresh.  

We prefer coolers with wheels which are easy to pull on and off the boat.  Backpack coolers are smaller, but can be a great hands free option.  You will also need quality food storage containers with leak-free lids to keep your food from making a mess or mixing together.  

Enjoy these Lunch Ideas for Boating!

With these simple and delicious meal ideas, staying fueled and hydrated on your boating adventure has never been easier. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping everyone happy and energized, so you can focus on making unforgettable memories on the water.

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