The older I get, the more I realize why my parents always said they needed a vacation immediately after getting home from vacation… planning and logistics can be a headache. And figuring out what to eat all week? Not easy!
Our annual summer vacay was always to a rental cottage in York, Maine (one of my favorite places on earth), and you could definitely say dinner time was chaotic. No real plan in sight, and we definitely needed it 🤣
Today’s meal plan aims to make life easier for anyone traveling to a rental house with family or friends or just in need of simple, delicious, summery meals for the week, without the headache. It’s the third edition of our summer house meal plan! You’ll get the menu, the grocery list, the recipe PDFs, a prep-ahead plan, and a packing list to get dinner on the table each night, even on vacation. Plus breakfast ideas!
And if you’re not saving this one for a vacation, don’t worry. Today’s plan is just like our typical dinner plans, so shop, prep, and cook at home. The meals are extra easy, seasonal, and swap-and-sub-friendly. Looking for the complete dinner plan archive? Head here.
🚨 P.S. before you continue scrolling, the digital version of Don’t Think About Dinner is currently just $2.99!! Get the deal on Bookshop, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon while the sale is active… perfect for bringing with you on vacation!
Meals that are a good fit for a rental house have a few things in common. They…
🥫 lean on non-perishable items, plus produce that can hang out on the counter
🧂 require limited spices & pantry staples, and overall are very flexible
🔪 avoid specialty kitchen equipment and bulky tools, like blenders
🍳 require little to no stovetop or oven use, and offer grilling options
👧 include kid-friendly options to ensure the whole family is fed and happy!
This week’s lineup will check all the boxes! I highly encourage you to divide and conquer with this plan, if possible. Assign a family member or friend to each night of the week, split up prep work, or have a designated clean-up crew. No one should be responsible for everything!
I’ve included a list of all kitchen tools you’ll need in the full plan PDF (hint: it’s limited, and hopefully your rental will have them), plus a prep-ahead guide so you can get a head start on sauces and marinades if desired.
