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From snacks to filling lunches, these cooler food ideas are pure genius. Make them ahead of time and keep them in the cooler with some ice until you’re ready to enjoy.
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These cooler food ideas are perfect for traveling. They’re also great for taking along for a picnic or summer gatherings and offer up some fun and delicious flavors.
Peruvian Shrimp Ceviche
This homemade shrimp ceviche is a cold meal you can keep in the cooler. Just grab a fork when you’re ready to eat.
Get The Recipe: Peruvian Shrimp Ceviche
Sushi Wraps
Salmon, sushi rice, and avocado tucked inside nori sheets turns into a delicious and easy to make snack you can keep stored in the cooler.
Get The Recipe: Sushi Wraps
Instant Pot Banana Bread Bites
Your favorite banana bread flavors go mini with these bites. They can be made ahead of time and will give you a snack you can enjoy any time of the day.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Banana Bread Bites
Nigerian Salad
For a family meal, put together this cold Nigerian salad for everyone to enjoy. It’s packed with veggies and beans to create a filling and healthy dish.
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Instant Pot Pancake Bites
Made with a mix of fruits, these instant pot pancake bites are easy to make and they’ll store well in the cooler. They’ll be a treat the kids will love too.
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Hot Girl Summer Salad
A healthy meal or snack you can keep stored in the cooler, this summer salad is packed with cucumbers, eggs, peppers, onions, and more.
Get The Recipe: Hot Girl Summer Salad
Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies
Peanut butter rice krispie balls covered in a sweet chocolate shell turns into a fun sweet snack you can enjoy while traveling.
Get The Recipe: Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies
Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
Enjoy mini cold sandwiches while you’re on the go. These delicious turkey, bacon, and ranch sliders are easy to prep and make.
Get The Recipe: Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
This corn salsa has the perfect balance of tangy and spicy. Keep it in the cooler and when you’re ready to enjoy, eat the salsa with your favorite chips.
Get The Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
Prosciutto Arugula Bruschetta with Mascarpone and Honey
With just a few simple ingredients, this prosciutto arugula bruschetta can be made and enjoyed on the road. It’ll be a tasty snack to pull from the cooler.
Get The Recipe: Prosciutto Arugula Bruschetta with Mascarpone and Honey
Instant Pot Brownie Bites Recipe
Brownies are the perfect treat to enjoy no matter where you’re headed. These bites are made in the instant pot to make mini treats you can keep stored in the cooler.
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Cake Batter Protein Balls
Packed with protein and flavor, these cake batter balls are a sweet but healthy snack to enjoy on the road. The no bake treats are also easy to make.
Get The Recipe: Cake Batter Protein Balls
Easy Dairy Free Lemon Bars
A sweet to enjoy anyway, these lemon bars are both vegan and gluten free. You can make these treats ahead of time to enjoy while you’re on the road.
Get The Recipe: Easy Dairy Free Lemon Bars
Tempeh Chicken Salad Sandwich
A healthy meatless version of chicken salad, this one is made with tempeh. Keep it cool in the cooler and make sandwiches when you’re hungry.
Get The Recipe: Tempeh Chicken Salad Sandwich
Blueberry & Peach Salsa
A simple mix of blueberries and peaches mixed with a maple syrup dressing will have you craving this salsa all day long.
Get The Recipe: Blueberry & Peach Salsa
Jerusalem Salad
Dice up some fresh tomatoes and cucumbers and toss with a lemon juice and olive oil mixture to make a snack worthy of any trip.
Get The Recipe: Jerusalem Salad
Spring Roll Sushi
Easy to make, these spring roll sushi snacks are a fun cooler food that you can take with you. The sushi rolls are made with veggies and quinoa.
Get The Recipe: Spring Roll Sushi
Banana Breakfast Cookies
These simple banana oat breakfast cookies are packed with flavor and goodies. The healthy treats can be enjoyed as a snack or morning start.
Get The Recipe: Banana Breakfast Cookies
Sweet and Salty Trail Mix
With the perfect combination of sweet and salty, this trail mix can be stored in the cooler so that you can enjoy it throughout the day.
Get The Recipe: Sweet and Salty Trail Mix
Chewy Granola Bar Bites
A snack that’s easy to make, these chewy granola bar bites can be stored in the cooler for a quick grab and go snack while you’re traveling.
Get The Recipe: Chewy Granola Bar Bites
Cream Cheese Ham And Cheese Pinwheels
Tortillas, slices of ham, cheese, and a thin layer of cream cheese is a delicious mix of flavors that you can enjoy for a meal. Keep them cold in the cooler until you’re ready to enjoy.
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Croissant Chicken Salad
A sweet and savory chicken salad that’s made with the classics, this will go great packed away with some croissants. Just put together the chicken salad sandwiches when you’re ready to eat.
Get The Recipe: Croissant Chicken Salad
Raw Fruit Bowl
A simple mix of healthy fruits turns into a cooler food idea that’s easy to put together and flavorful. Mix it up with your favorite healthy fruits, add some nuts, or even slice up some veggies for more flavor.
Get The Recipe: Raw Fruit Bowl
Easy Italian Pinwheels
Pinwheels are perfectly sized to fit in the cooler and they’re easily customizable. These Italian pinwheels are loaded with a cream cheese spread, crisp lettuce, provolone cheese, ham, salami, and pepperoni.
Get The Recipe: Easy Italian Pinwheels
Mini Chocolate Chip Muffins
These mini chocolate chip muffins are bursting with sweetness and can be easily packed away in the cooler to enjoy as a snack.
Get The Recipe: Mini Chocolate Chip Muffins
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The next time you’re heading out for a road trip or picnic, try these cooler food ideas. They’re easy to make, tasty, and can easily be stored in the cooler with some ice to keep them cold.
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