Onboard Cooking: Easy Summer Recipes for Sailors

When the sun’s shining and the sea breeze is just right, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in a hot galley. Onboard cooking in summer calls for simplicity, fresh ingredients, and meals that can handle the heat. Whether you’re moored up for a lazy lunch or preparing supper after a long day of sailing, here are a few go-to recipes and tips that are perfect for summer cruising.

The Golden Rules of Galley Cooking

Before looking at recipes, here are a few quick tips for cooking onboard during the warmer months:

• Prep in advance:  Chop, marinate, or parboil ingredients at home or while docked to save time and energy at sea.

• One-pan wonders: Minimise mess and make the most of limited space by using just one pot or pan where possible.

• Keep it cool: Avoid heavy meals that require long cooking times. Think salads, wraps, and chilled treats.

• Stay hydrated: Include water-rich foods (like cucumber and melon) and always have plenty of cold drinks on hand.

Recipe 1: Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Serves 2–4 | No cooking required

A refreshing, protein-packed dish that’s perfect as a main or a side.

Ingredients:

• 1 tin chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 1 cucumber, chopped

• Handful of cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 small red onion, finely sliced

• 100g feta (or vegan alternative), crumbled

• A handful of black olives

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Olive oil, salt, pepper, fresh herbs (parsley or mint work well)

Method:
Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl and chill, if possible. Tastes even better after sitting for an hour.

Recipe 2: One-Pan Halloumi + Veg Wraps

Serves 2 | 10–15 mins cooking

Filling and delicious, this is a great lunch or light supper.

Ingredients:

• 1 block halloumi, sliced

• 1 courgette and 1 pepper, sliced

• Olive oil

• Flatbreads or wraps

• Hummus or tzatziki to serve

Method:
Fry the halloumi and veg together in a single pan until golden. Warm the wraps, then spread with hummus, pile in the veg and halloumi, and roll up.

Recipe 3: No-Fridge Oat Pots

Serves 2 | Overnight prep

An ideal breakfast when fridge space is limited.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oats

• 1 cup plant-based milk or long-life dairy milk

• 1 tbsp chia seeds

• Honey or syrup to taste

• Dried fruit or tinned fruit in juice

• Nuts or seeds to top

Method:
Mix oats, milk, chia seeds, and sweetener in a container with a lid. Leave overnight (or for a few hours). Add fruit and a sprinkle of nuts before eating.

Light, Easy, and Sea-Breeze Friendly

Summer meals onboard don’t need to be complicated. With a few clever ingredients and a bit of prep, you can eat well without overheating the galley, or the cook!

Do you have a go-to recipe for summer sailing? We’d love to hear it. Tag us on social media or drop by the marina office to share your favourites!