Traveling doesn’t mean sacrificing healthy meals—or your budget. For families and solo adventurers alike, cooking at an Airbnb can be an easy, fun, and delicious way to enjoy local flavors while keeping meals light and nourishing. After a recent trip to Spain, these simple, healthy Airbnb recipes have become go-to ideas for travelers who want flexibility, flavor, and convenience.
Why Cook at an Airbnb?
Dining out for every meal can get expensive, heavy, and exhausting—especially with kids. A smarter approach is to enjoy one main restaurant meal per day—lunch or dinner—while preparing the other meals simply at the Airbnb. Not only does this save money, but it also allows travelers to explore local markets, pick up fresh ingredients, and create casual, memorable family dinners.
In Spain, for example, shared Airbnb cooking experiences created some of the most cherished memories. Friends and family would each prepare a dish, the kids played freely, and everyone enjoyed good food, conversation, and laughter without the stress of dining out multiple times a day. Vacation meals felt fun, relaxed, and social—the way they should.
Airbnb Grocery Staples
A well-stocked Airbnb kitchen makes mealtime simple. Essentials often include:
- Granola or cereal
- Yogurts
- Almond milk (or preferred milk)
- Coffee (instant or local brew)
- Water and sparkling water
- Fresh berries and seasonal fruit
- Eggs
- Bread
- Nutella or jam
- Protein options like rotisserie chicken, canned tuna, Spanish tortilla
- Snacking vegetables (bell peppers, cucumber, carrots)
- Guacamole and hummus
- Snack bars
- Supplements and vitamins
Quick & Healthy Airbnb Breakfasts
- Yogurt parfaits with granola and fresh berries
- Eggs and toast with fruit on the side
- Protein pudding topped with berries
- Spanish tortilla, homemade or from a local market
- Egg casserole for longer stays
Easy Lunch & Dinner Ideas
Minimal prep and local ingredients make these meals travel-friendly:
- Rotisserie chicken enchiladas
- Big salad bowls with greens, veggies, beans or tuna, olive oil, and lemon
- Charcuterie-style dinners with local cheeses, meats, olives, bread, and veggies
- Simple pasta night: pasta with olive oil, garlic, seasonal veggies, and protein like shrimp or chicken
- Grilled protein and vegetables, if an outdoor grill is available
- Chopped Greek salad with cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, olives, artichokes, sundried tomatoes, feta, herbs, and chicken with a lemon vinaigrette
Healthy Snacks & Travel-Friendly Happy Hour
Snacks can be just as easy and enjoyable:
- Fresh fruit and cheese plate
- Guacamole and hummus with sliced veggies and crackers
- Olives and nuts
- Chips with salsa
- Wine or sparkling water mocktails
Traveling doesn’t have to mean heavy, overpriced meals. With a quick grocery run and a few simple recipes, anyone can enjoy nourishing, flavorful meals in their Airbnb. There’s also something special about gathering around the table to share food you’ve prepared together—it makes the trip more memorable and meaningful.
Do you cook during your travels, or do you prefer dining out? Share favorite vacation meals in the comments for inspiration on your next trip!