27 Delicious Boat Food Ideas to Keep You Energized

Warm weather calls for outdoor fun, and nothing opens the appetite like a full day in the sun. The next time you go on a boat trip, don’t forget to pack the cooler. Quick, easy-to-eat, nourishing meals are the best for these summer adventures. Whether you’re hosting or a guest, these boat food ideas will give you the energy you need to have a blast on the water.

Fresh salads to take on a boat

These refreshing salads are healthy and light, yet filling. Pack them into individual containers for mess-free eating.

1. American potato salad

As long as you have a good cooler, you can enjoy this classic picnic food. Just a few ingredients come together to make a tasty, creamy salad.

2. Avocado shrimp chopped salad

For a more protein-rich salad, combine the smokey flavors of grilled shrimp and the creaminess from ripe avocados.

3. Simple pasta salad

This salad is fresh and filling. Use your favorite type of pasta and whatever summer veggies are in your fridge—but don’t forget the Italian dressing.

4. Black bean and mango salad

This isn’t your typical coleslaw. Mangoes and black beans give this classic a more tropical twist.

5. Blueberry orzo salad

The sweetness of the blueberries clashes with the saltiness of the feta in the best of ways to make a unique summery pasta salad.

Boat recipe ideas for sandwiches and wraps

Sandwiches and wraps are classic boat lunch ideas. Since they don’t take up much room in a cooler, they’re great for smaller boats.

6. Garlic-pesto tuna sandwich

If you spread the garlic-pesto filling over the lettuce leaves instead of directly on the bread, this yummy sandwich won’t become soggy.

7. Cucumber sandwich

Packed with veggies and tossed in vinaigrette, this sandwich will be more than just a vegetarian’s delight. 

8. Soy-glazed salmon sandwich

Use hamburger buns, sweet rolls, or sourdough slices to make this easy-to-eat spicy salmon sandwich.

9. Southern tomato sandwich

Juicy ripe beefsteak tomatoes are perfect for this handheld meal. It may seem simple at first, but the garlicky mayo spread makes all the difference.

10. Roast beef pressed sandwich

Best served hot, these roast beef pressed sandwiches are a great protein-packed flavorful hot meal to have on a boat.

11. Pulled chicken sandwich

If you’re looking for a low-prep recipe, this could be it. Set it to cook the night before your trip and assemble the sticky-sweet sandwiches the day of.

12. Shrimp, avocado, and feta wrap

Wraps are perfect for juicy fillings like these since they don’t get soggy easily. The zesty shrimp and salty feta are a perfect combination.

13. Buffalo chickpea wrap

Meet a new twist on a classic. The crunchy roasted chickpeas tossed in Buffalo sauce and paired with celery and blue cheese will satisfy any meat lover.

14. Pineapple pesto chicken wrap

This wrap is slightly sweet due to the pineapple, which gives it a nice tropical kick.

15. Beef and black bean wraps

A heartier option, these wraps bring out the best flavors in Tex-Mex cuisine.

Finger food ideas for boating

These finger foods are great for boaters who don’t love sandwiches yet still want the convenience of hand-held mess-free foods.

16. Steak and potato skewers

Pack the salsa on the side and dip these juicy, flavor-packed skewers.

17. Mediterranean meatball skewers

These skewers are proof you don’t need cutlery to enjoy meatballs, and that veggies taste so much better when they’re grilled.

18. Mini salmon quiches

Use a cupcake pan to make an individual-portion version of this creamy, cheesy salmon quiche.

19. Oven-baked chicken tenders

Instead of storebought, you can bake and pack homemade chicken tenders. Serve with dipping sauces in separate containers.

20. Cornmeal-coated chicken nuggets

These nuggets are different from what you’ve had before. They’re relatively easy to make and come with a delicious blackberry mustard sauce, perfect for dipping.

Boat-friendly snacks and desserts

There’s more to picnic food on a boat than full meals—snacks and desserts are important, too.

21. Couscous fruit salad

This fresh, summery salad is packed with fiber, making it a great snack or even a side to a heartier dish.

22. Skewered cantaloupe

If you’ve never had grilled fruit before, try this cantaloupe skewer recipe. It’s even better if you pack the mint sauce on the side.

23. Strawberry fruit salad

Berry salads are a quintessential summer snack or dessert, and this lightly sweetened version deserves a spot in your cooler.

24. Fruit and nut popcorn trail mix

This trail mix is a great combination of flavors and textures: salty nuts, sweet dried fruits, and crunchy popcorn. And since it’s easy to pack, everyone can eat from their own container.

25. Rice cereal energy bars

An alternative to sugary store-bought energy bars, this snack combines ingredients full of fiber and flavor. Leave out the syrup for an even healthier version.

26. Cranberry pear bars

These bars are the perfect way to end a hearty meal. Tarty yet buttery and sweet, they’re also easy to pack in ziplock bags or containers.

27. Blueberry swirl cheesecake bites

Keep these creamy treats in a cooler to serve at the end of a fun day full of boating activities. If you don’t want to pack ice cream or other frozen desserts, this is a great alternative.

Pack a day of boat snacks and meals effortlessly

Almost all the recipes in this list are easy to prepare, but convenience doesn’t end there. You can get all the ingredients you need to make delicious boat foods without having to leave the house. With Instacart’s grocery delivery, there’s no need to stress and rush before a fun trip.

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