Lazy beach days call for easy meals, and these 13 speedy recipes are just the ticket for relaxing without spending all day in the kitchen. Each dish is quick to prepare, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the sun and sand. They’re perfect for a light lunch on the shore or a simple dinner to cap off a peaceful day by the water. With minimal effort, these recipes deliver delicious flavors that complement the laid-back vibe of beachside living.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu turns a classic dish into beach-friendly fare. Speedy cooking in the air fryer means less mess, less stress, and more seaside time. When you bite into the crispy coating and reach the juicy center, you’ll be glad you chose a dish that’s as relaxed as your day. Plus, it’s impressive enough to make any beach meal feel a little special.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
Garlic Shrimp Scampi
If you’re at the beach and need a quick meal, Garlic Shrimp Scampi is a fantastic option. It’s quick to whip up and packs a punch with a strong garlic flavor. You won’t feel too full after eating it, so it’s great if you plan to be active on the beach. Plus, everyone can enjoy grabbing a plate and scooping up some scampi while watching the waves.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Shrimp Scampi
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
When you want something that doesn’t mess up the kitchen and cooks quickly, try Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs. They’re easy to eat with your hands, so they’re perfect for a beach setting. You can toss them into a bun or eat them as is with some dipping sauce. Plus, cleanup is a breeze, so you can get back to enjoying the beach sooner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken Fried Rice is that one-pan wonder you can whip up in a flash, making your beach day a breeze. It’s a meal that combines everything you need in a single dish, so you’re not juggling lots of containers. Whether you’re sharing with friends or family, everyone gets a bite of something homey and familiar. Plus, it’s the sort of dish that tastes just as good cold, so no worries if you lose track of time building sandcastles.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Shrimp Scampi Pizza
Beach days call for easy meals like Shrimp Scampi Pizza that you can eat with your hands. It’s a fun twist on traditional pizza and scampi, all in a portable, easy-to-eat format. You can slice it up and share it with friends, making it a social meal that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Plus, it cooks quickly, so you won’t miss a moment of the sun.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Pizza
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts brings a bit of crunch and sweetness to your seaside retreat. It’s a cinch to prepare before you leave home, which means you can hit the beach faster. Every forkful is a blend of nutty and tart flavors, perfect for satisfying your lunchtime hunger after a dip in the ocean. And if you’ve got leftovers, it’s versatile to munch on while enjoying the sunset.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Ham Fried Rice
With Ham Fried Rice, your beach day meal prep is as easy as can be. This dish is a crowd-pleaser that saves you from spending hours in the kitchen. You can cook a big batch in minutes, then head out to the beach bag in hand. As you sit back and dig your toes into the sand, you’ll be glad for a choice that’s uncomplicated and good to the last bite.
Get the Recipe: Ham Fried Rice
Chicken Tinga Tostadas
Picture yourself unwinding on the beach, and you’ve got Chicken Tinga Tostadas in your picnic basket. A little bit of heat from spicy chicken on a crunchy tostada is just the right kick for a laid-back day by the ocean. You can toss these together in no time, which means more relaxation time in the sun. Beachgoers will appreciate the ease of eating them without needing tons of utensils or dishes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga Tostadas
Steak & Pasta Salad
If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, Steak & Pasta Salad is a quick-to-prepare beach meal that satisfies. It combines the richness of steak with the lightness of pasta salad, making it a balanced dish. You can prep it ahead and serve it cold, which makes it even more convenient. Plus, it gives you enough fuel to stay active all day.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Baja Fish Tacos
With Baja Fish Tacos, you can bring the flavor of the ocean right onto your beach picnic blanket. They are not only quick to prepare, but also fun to assemble right on the beach. Everyone can add their own choice of toppings and enjoy it fresh. Plus, the lightness of the fish is perfect for a hot day under the sun.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins
Imagine lounging by the shore with a refreshing scoop of Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins on your plate. It’s the right blend of creamy and fruity that keeps things interesting without being too fussy. Not only does it pair perfectly with the sound of the waves, but it also keeps you feeling light and ready to stroll along the beach. And it’s something that comes together quickly, so you can pack up and head out without spending all day in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins
Mediterranean Cod
Enjoy the simple pleasures of Mitched Cod while lounging seaside. It’s a dish that requires minimal effort but provides maximum flavor. You can cook it quickly and serve it even faster, allowing you to soak up more of the beach atmosphere. Plus, it’s light enough to leave room for some beach volleyball afterwards.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta
If you’re in the mood for something hearty but still easy to prepare, Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta fits the bill. It combines the heartiness of sausage with the lightness of pasta, making it a great meal for an active day out. It cooks up fast, so you won’t need to spend much time away from the sea and sand. Plus, it’s easy to serve right from the pot.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta