17 Simple Recipes That Feel Like Vacation on a Plate

ByZuzana

Need a break but stuck at home? These 17 simple recipes feel like calling in from the beach without ever packing a bag. Every bite brings the mood of a slow, sunny afternoon, minus the sunburn. You won’t even miss the airfare, the long lines, or the overpriced water bottles.

Rainbow Pizza filled with colorful tomatoes and green fresh chives around it.
Rainbow Fathead Pizza. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Close-up of a cheeseburger with a sesame bun, bacon, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and beef patty.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A simple yet fulfilling choice, Grilled Chicken Sandwich takes the classic to the next level. It’s all about juicy, perfectly cooked chicken with the right toppings. Whether you’re on the go or craving a quick meal, this sandwich has you covered. Everyone loves a good chicken sandwich, and this one doesn’t disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Cast iron skillet with cream cheese sausage balls arranged around a bowl of white dip, garnished with chopped herbs.
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Looking for a snack that hits the spot? Try these Cream Cheese Sausage Balls. They’re easy to whip up, and they’ll keep you coming back for more. These bite-sized treats pack a punch without any fuss. Great for sharing or keeping all to yourself when the craving kicks in.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs

Grilled Lemon-Oregano Chicken Kabobs with a dipping sauce.
Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs are perfect when you’re after something light but flavorful. The chicken comes out tender with just the right touch of lemon and herbs. It’s a fresh, straightforward meal that doesn’t require much effort. It’s the kind of dish you can throw together anytime.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs

Grilled Salmon

A close-up of a cooked salmon fillet topped with a mixture of chopped herbs, garlic, and seasonings.
Grilled Salmon. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re after something simple yet rich in taste, Grilled Salmon is an easy pick. It’s got that perfect balance of smoky and delicate flavors. The grill gives it a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist. It’s a go-to dish when you want something filling without overcomplicating things.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Salmon

Gnocchi Tomato Basil

Brown plate with gnocci, tomatoes and basil leaves.
Gnocchi Tomato Basil. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Gnocchi Tomato Basil is comfort food with a twist. It combines soft gnocchi with the freshness of tomatoes and basil. It’s simple, fulfilling, and just right when you want a quick, hearty dish. You won’t need much more than a good spoon to enjoy it.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi Tomato Basil

Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

A grilled steak with cowboy butter on a white plate.
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

For those who love a good steak, Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter hits all the right notes. It’s about rich, tender steaks topped with a creamy, flavorful butter. This recipe proves you don’t need to be a chef to enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal at home. It’s an easy way to impress without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Mediterranean Salad

A fresh salad with chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, red onion, feta cheese, black olives, and parsley on a bed of lettuce.
Mediterranean Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Mediterranean Salad is a simple but fulfilling choice when you want something light. It has a good mix of crisp vegetables and bold flavors. This salad is easy to throw together but feels refreshing every time. Perfect for those days when you just need something healthy but full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Salad

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Skewers of vegetables and shrimp on a grill.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

If you’re looking for something quick and easy, Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a winner. These shrimp get perfectly charred, keeping all the juices locked in. It’s a no-fuss dish that tastes amazing without a lot of prep. Skewer them, grill, and you’re done.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips with mushroom gravy over mashed potatoes, garnished with chives on a white plate.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a hearty, filling meal, Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips are the way to go. They’re juicy, tender, and cooked to perfection every time. This dish is all about simple, bold flavors that don’t require extra steps. It’s perfect for a satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Grilled Chicken Thighs

Grilled meat ribs garnished with chopped herbs and garlic, served on a white platter with fresh parsley in the background.
Grilled Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When it comes to a quick and simple meal, Grilled Chicken Thighs have you covered. They’re juicy, easy to make, and pair well with any side. You won’t need fancy ingredients to make this a hit. Just fire up the grill and let the chicken do its thing, and it’ll be ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Thighs

Low Carb Sushi Rolls

Keto Friendly Sushi Rolls served on a black board.
Low Carb Sushi Rolls. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Looking for something light but filling? Low Carb Sushi Rolls are perfect for fulfilling that sushi craving without the carbs. You can enjoy the taste of sushi without the hassle or the guilt. These rolls are as easy to make as they are to eat, making them a go-to for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Sushi Rolls

Grilled Sausage & Peppers

A sandwich with grilled sausage & peppers, and onions on a plate.
Grilled Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Sausage & Peppers is a hearty meal that comes together with minimal effort. With a few simple steps, you’ll have a tasty dish ready to go, packed with flavor. The combination of grilled sausage and veggies is a winner every time. It’s a one-pan meal that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Sausage & Peppers

Tomahawk Steak

Close-up of cooked beef slices on a wooden board, with a fork holding one piece. The meat appears juicy with a seasoned crust.
Tomahawk Steak. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A showstopper at the dinner table, Tomahawk Steak is a big cut of meat with a lot of flavor. Cooking it right brings out all the richness and tenderness in every bite. Whether you’re grilling or searing, it’s hard to go wrong with this steak. It’s perfect for those moments when you want to impress.
Get the Recipe: Tomahawk Steak

Naruto Rolls – Cucumber Sushi Rolls

Cucumber Rolls on a black board.
Naruto Rolls – Cucumber Sushi Rolls. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Want sushi without the rice? Naruto Rolls – Cucumber Sushi Rolls are a fresh twist on a classic. The cucumber acts as the perfect wrap for all the fillings, giving you a light, crunchy bite. It’s sushi without the carbs, but still full of flavor and a refreshing crunch.
Get the Recipe: Naruto Rolls – Cucumber Sushi Rolls

Grilled Tri Tip

Sliced medium-rare steak arranged on a wooden board, topped with a green herb sauce.
Grilled Tri Tip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Grilled Tri Tip is a great option when you need a hearty meal without much fuss. This cut of beef is tender and packed with flavor when grilled to perfection. Whether served as slices or in a sandwich, it’s a go-to for any meal. The grill makes it easy, and the results are always impressive.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Tri Tip

Rainbow Fathead Pizza

Rainbow Pizza filled with colorful tomatoes and green fresh chives around it.
Rainbow Fathead Pizza. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Craving pizza but want to skip the carbs? Rainbow Fathead Pizza is here to save the day. It’s a fun twist on your usual pizza with a low-carb base, and the toppings are endless. With a variety of toppings, it feels like a pizza party all in one bite, and it’s totally guilt-free.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Fathead Pizza

Grilled Steak & Veggie Skewers

A wooden round serving board is covered with white parchment paper, displaying numerous grilled steak and veggie skewers arranged horizontally across it.
Grilled Steak & Veggie Skewers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

For a simple yet fulfilling meal, Grilled Steak & Veggie Skewers are an easy choice. Just toss the steak and veggies on the skewers, season, and throw them on the grill. You get the best of both worlds with grilled meat and veggies in one delicious package. It’s quick, easy, and always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak & Veggie Skewers