10 No-Cook Meals You Can Prepare During a Power Outage
Inspired by recent events, this new Simplify series is all about emergency prep and how to be ready for difficulties brought on by natural disasters.
When the power goes out during a hurricane or other emergency, it’s essential to have no-cook meal options that are easy to assemble, nutritious, and use shelf-stable ingredients. Here’s a roundup of ten no-cook meals that require minimal effort and can be made with non-perishable items.
Table of contents
- 1. Tuna Salad Wraps
- 2. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwiches
- 3. Canned Bean Salad
- 4. Hummus and Veggie Wraps
- 5. Chicken and Avocado Salad
- 6. Instant Oatmeal with Cold Milk
- 7. Canned Salmon and Crackers
- 8. Pasta Salad with Canned Vegetables
- 9. Tortilla Chips with Salsa and Refried Beans
- 10. Fruit and Nut Trail Mix
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1. Tuna Salad Wraps
Canned tuna is a pantry staple, and when mixed with a few ingredients, it can be transformed into a hearty meal. Combine canned tuna with mayonnaise (or single-serving mayo packets), relish, and a sprinkle of seasoning. Spread the mixture onto tortillas or wrap it in lettuce, if available, for a light and filling meal.
Ingredients:
Bumble Bee Chunk Light Tuna In Water, 5 oz Cans (Pack of 24)
2. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwiches
Peanut butter is packed with protein, and paired with sliced bananas on whole-grain bread or crackers, it makes a simple and nutritious meal. If you don’t have fresh bananas, you can use dried fruit like raisins or apples.
Ingredients:
Jif Creamy Peanut Butter, 40 Ounce (Pack of 4)
3. Canned Bean Salad
Canned beans are a great source of fiber and protein. Mix a variety of canned beans, such as black beans, chickpeas, and kidney beans, with canned corn, diced tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing. Add some salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs for flavor.
Ingredients:
BUSH'S BEST 15 oz Canned Black Beans
4. Hummus and Veggie Wraps
Hummus is shelf-stable until opened, and it’s a great option for quick meals. Spread hummus on a tortilla or wrap, and add canned vegetables like roasted red peppers, olives, or jarred pickles for a tasty, veggie-filled wrap.
Ingredients:
Cortas - Hummus Tahini Chickpea Dip (Pack of 6)
5. Chicken and Avocado Salad
Canned chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be used in salads or wraps. Combine it with mashed avocado, a squeeze of lime, and some salt and pepper for a refreshing meal. Serve it on crackers or as a salad on the side.
Ingredients:
Sweet Sue Chunk White Chicken in Water, 5 oz Can (Pack of 24)
6. Instant Oatmeal with Cold Milk
If you have shelf-stable or powdered milk, you can make a hearty bowl of instant oatmeal without needing to boil water. Just mix the oats with cold milk and let it sit for a few minutes to soften. Top with dried fruit, nuts, or honey.
Ingredients:
Quaker Instant Oatmeal, Protein 4 Flavor Variety Pack
7. Canned Salmon and Crackers
Canned salmon is another excellent source of protein that’s easy to eat straight from the can. Pair it with crackers and add a little lemon juice or hot sauce for flavor. You can also mix it with mayonnaise for a creamy texture.
Ingredients:
Bumble Bee Canned Pink Salmon, 14.75 oz Cans (Pack of 12)
8. Pasta Salad with Canned Veggies
No need to boil pasta—use pre-cooked, shelf-stable pasta (like Barilla Ready Pasta) mixed with canned vegetables, olives, and a pre-made dressing. It’s a quick, no-cook meal that can be customized with whatever you have on hand.
Ingredients:
BARILLA Ready Pasta, Elbows
9. Tortilla Chips with Salsa and Refried Beans
Tortilla chips, canned refried beans, and jarred salsa make for a filling, no-cook meal with minimal prep. You can also add canned jalapeños or shredded cheese if available for extra flavor.
Ingredients:
Old El Paso Traditional Canned Refried Beans, 1 Can, 16 oz (Pack of 12)
10. Fruit and Nut Trail Mix
For a super simple and nutritious meal, create your own trail mix with dried fruits, mixed nuts, and dark chocolate chips. This option is perfect for snacking throughout the day and provides a good balance of healthy fats, fiber, and protein.
Ingredients:
Kirkland Signature Extra Fancy Unsalted Mixed Nuts 2.5 (LB)
Conclusion
Being prepared with a variety of no-cook meals can make a significant difference during a power outage. Stock your pantry with shelf-stable ingredients, and you’ll be able to create nutritious and satisfying meals without the need for electricity.
These quick and easy recipes ensure that you and your family stay well-fed even during the most challenging times.
Do you have any no-cook meals you would add to this list? Please share them in the comments below.
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