Leslie Cooks In a Van

Cooking Adventures on the Road — Delicious Food, Tiny Space, Big Flavors

Category: Side Dish


  • Simple, Grilled Garlic Naan

    The Perfect Side for Van Life 🔥 Okay, I LOVE Indian food. And naan is one of the reasons I love it so much. Like, I’d probably scoop up dog food and eat it if it meant I could have garlic naan… but thankfully I was spared the Purina because I made this super easy…

  • Simple Grilled Swordfish with Red Cabbage and Jicama Slaw

    Grilled Swordfish with Red Cabbage and Jicama Slaw Looking for a light, fresh, and flavorful seafood dish? This Grilled Swordfish with Red Cabbage and Jicama Slaw is the perfect combination of smoky grilled fish complemented by crisp, tangy slaw. Easy to prepare and packed with vibrant flavors, it’s a delightful meal that’s both healthy and…

  • Sausage, Mushroom, and Pea Risotto

    Sausage, Mushroom, and Pea Risotto 🍚🍄🌱 LOVE risotto. There’s something about that creamy, velvety texture and those rich flavors that just gets me every time. But let’s be real—risotto is a labor of love, and it can take a good chunk of time. Today, I tackled it after a long workday and a 3-hour drive.…

  • Cedar Planked Salmon with Crispy Sweet & Spicy Brussels

    A Dish That Rocks in the Van! 🎣🔥🥦 Let’s talk about my all-time favorite way to make salmon — cedar plank style! 🌲🔥 It’s a classic for a reason. The smoky aroma, the juicy, tender fish, and that perfect glaze—seriously, once you try it, you’ll be hooked (pun intended). And to make things even better,…

  • Wicked Good Twice Baked Potatoes

    🎉 Wicked Good Twice Baked Potatoes — No Oven Needed! 🚐🔥 Hubs loves twice baked potatoes, but in the van, it’s a whole different game — no oven, no splatter, and definitely no bacon (for the sake of peace). 🛠️🚫🥓 But don’t worry — vegetarian style can still be magnificent! 🌟 Here’s my no-fuss, no-oven…

  • Baharat Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Chopped Salad

    Baharat Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Chopped Salad — Easy & Delicious in the Van 🌍🔥 Hear me out — I don’t cook Middle Eastern food all the time. Not because I don’t love it, but cooking in a van means we keep our spice inventory small. 🚐✨ But when my brother gifted us some Baharat—a…

  • Asian Flank Steak with a Crisp Veggie Salad

    🥢 Asian Flank Steak with Crisp Veggie Salad 🥗 I’m a huge fan of the NYT Cooking app—not because I follow recipes exactly (I never do 😆), but because it’s a gold mine for great ideas. This one is inspired by an old NYT recipe, and let me tell you… it SLAPS. Salty, tangy, a…

  • Amazing White Beans, Pancetta, and Parm

    White Beans, Pancetta, and Parm This one’s another NYT-inspired gem that I’ve tweaked to fit my own kitchen (or, let’s be real—my van). And let me tell you, it’s a huge hit with hubs. He doesn’t mind playing sous chef for this one at all—probably because he knows he gets to eat half the pan.…

  • Pasta Salad

    Pasta Salad

    Van Life Recipe: Pasta Salad for a Crowd (Yes, Even in a Tiny Kitchen!) When you’re traveling in a van, you’re usually cooking for two—and that’s what my tiny kitchen is built for. But every now and then, life throws you a beautiful curveball. This weekend, we met up with some dear friends who’d just…