My Go-To Meals to Bring to Horse Shows

I usually bring a cooler to keep my lunch and drinks cold on those hot summer horse-show days. I usually make a Mediterranean Orzo or Pasta Salad almost every long show day, but this summer I made my famous Chipotle-style burrito bowls and they lasted surprisingly well even prepped three days in advance. I love something sweet, so I am also sharing an easy fruit salad that can be prepped in advance as well.


These easy meals make people think I'm super healthy and well prepared, which is not the case for me usually. I am always trying to eat healthy, which can be difficult at horse shows especially as a pescatarian (but also eat vegetarian meals often). The burger or chicken tenders and fries are often tempting for those who eat meat, but it is surprisingly easy to meal prep a few simple meals that can help you run throughout the day whether competing, spectating, or working.

Mediterranean Orzo/Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta or pasta (I like rotini)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup bell pepper
  • 1 cup cucumber (I prefer English cucumbers)
  • 1/4 cup red onion or one shallot
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives


  • Optional: 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • Optional: artichoke hearts
  • Optional: grilled chicken, or salami, or other protein
  • Optional: chopped mint, dill, or parsley for extra freshness

For the Dressing:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions:

  1. Prepare the salad ingredients. Finely dice the onions/shallots, half olives and tomatoes, and dice cucumbers.
  2. Cook the orzo: Boil orzo or pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down.
  3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar/lemon juice, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  4. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta.
  5. Add dressing and herbs: Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine. Add parsley and any optional herbs. (Leave dressing to the side if preferred).
  6. Chill and separate into meal prep containers: Refrigerate for 30 minutes for best flavor, or serve immediately. I think it only gets better with marinating.

Easy Burrito Bowl

Ingredients (for 2 bowls):

  • 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice)
  • 1 cup cooked corn (I used frozen roasted corn)
  • 1 cup cooked protein (I used fake meat, but chicken, ground beef, or tofu work)
  • 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes or pico de gallo
  • 1/2 avocado, sliced, or Guacamole (guacamole recipe below)
  • 1/2 chopped romaine lettuce
  • Optional toppings: black beans, shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey jack, or Mexican) sour cream/Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, jalapeños, hot sauce

Instructions:

  1. Layer the base: Start with cooled rice in a bowl. I used homemade cilantro-lime rice (white rice with lime juice and cilantro added at the end).
  2. Add your protein: Add the cooked chicken, beef, or tofu on top. I used fake beef seasoned with some taco seasoning and salsa.
  3. Add veggies and extras: Layer on corn, tomatoes, pico de gallo, salsa, and sour cream (I use plain Greek yogurt instead for more protein).


Tip: I separated my homemade guacamole and lettuce so they would last longer and not get soggy or browned. I added lime juice on top of the guacamole.


My guacamole recipe:

2 ripe avocados, ½ cup pico de gallo, juice of ½-1 lime, salt and pepper to taste.


Optional: Squeeze lime juice over the top or drizzle with hot sauce or dressing and cilantro..

Easy Summer Fruit Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups watermelon, cubed
  • 1 cup strawberries, hulled and halved
  • 1 mango, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup blackberries
  • Juice of 1 lime (optional)
  • 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)


Instructions:

  1. Prep the fruit: Wash and cut all fruit into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Mix: In a large bowl, gently combine watermelon, strawberries, mango, and blackberries.
  3. (Optional) Dress it up: Drizzle with lime juice and honey/maple syrup if using. Toss gently to coat without smashing the fruit. Also add chopped fresh mint if you like.
  4. Add to containers and refrigerate to prep for eating later.


Other fruits you can add are: raspberries, grapes, kiwi, and blueberries.

I hope you try some of these recipes whether you show or just want a delicious summer dish!

-Julia