Great vacation recipes are the ultimate souvenir. Check out the dishes that readers have picked up on road trips, cross-country travels and journeys around the globe.
49 Vacation Recipes We Brought Back from Our Trip
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Grilled Huli Huli Chicken
I got this grilled huli huli chicken recipe from a friend while living in Hawaii. It sizzles with the flavors of brown sugar, ginger and soy sauce. Huli means “turn” in Hawaiian. This sweet and savory glaze is fantastic on pork chops, too. —Sharon Boling, San Diego, California
Looking for more? Check out these recipes from around the world.
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Mango Getaway Bars
I’ve always enjoyed the flavor of mango, so I created this recipe to feature the sweet tropical fruit. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
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Spam Macaroni Salad
I have always loved Spam, so I decided to combine it with pineapple to make this Polynesian-inspired macaroni salad recipe. It reminds me of vacationing in Hawaii. —Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania
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Pineapple Coconut Upside-Down Cake
This recipe is one of my favorites! The tropical flavors remind me of being on vacation with my family in the Caribbean—I have so many fun memories. —Stephanie Pichelli, Toronto, Ontario
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Slow-Cooked Chicken Caesar Wraps
I first created this recipe for our daughter who loves Caesar salads, then later for our extended family on vacation. It's such an easy meal—perfect for vacations when you'd rather be outside than inside cooking all day. —Christine Hadden, Whitman, Massachusetts
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Skinny Huckleberry Cocktail
I re-created a skinny huckleberry cocktail I had during a vacation in Idaho and Wyoming. The flavor of vodka and the drink mix can be varied to suit your taste preferences. —Susan Franck, Rapid City, South Dakota
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Macadamia Sunshine Bars
Your guests will be delighted with my bars. They are packed with nuts and dried fruit. I think that when you take a bite of this treat it’s like a mini-vacation to a Polynesian paradise. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, MinnesotaWe can’t get enough of these tropical recipes.
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Dried Cranberry Scones
I go on vacation with my best friend to Michigan every July. Her cousin is allowed to come, too—but only if she brings her special cherry scones! I make them with cranberries for the holidays. Don't try to double this recipe. If you need more than 12, make two separate batches of dough. —Sherry Leonard, Whitsett, North Carolina
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Jamaican Ham and Bean Soup
"Island vacation in a bowl” might be the best way to describe this hearty soup. A splash of lime juice and a hint of jerk seasoning add tropical taste. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona
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Mexican Corn Dip
For tasty make-ahead dip try this recipe. It goes fast at office parties or any gathering. Mildly spicy, it’s easy to alter if you want it to have more of a kick. Make sure your corn chips are large enough to scoop up a hearty helping.Check out more of our favorite Mexican eats.
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Luau Pork Lettuce Wraps
I first made this recipe when our family took a trip to a beach house in Florida. On my night to cook, I did a luau theme and used this recipe as the appetizer. These are still a favorite today! —Joyce Conway, Westerville, Ohio
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Circus Peanut Gelatin
Circus peanuts are one of the most popular candies in my hometown's old-fashioned candy shop. When I saw this circus peanut Jell-O recipe, I knew just where to buy them. Kids love the cool fruity taste, and older folks enjoy the trip down memory lane. —Ruthanne Mengel, De Motte, Indiana
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Margarita Jell-O Shots
Margarita Jell-O shots are exactly what they sound like: the perfect way to liven up your next party!
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Rhubarb Beef
My daughter made a trip around the world and brought home this recipe from Iran. I've served it often to many of my friends, and they always seem to savor its different, zingy taste. —Bertha Davis, Springfield, Missouri
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Slow-Cooker Peach Crumble
I look forward to going on our beach vacation every year, but I don't always relish the time spent cooking for everybody. This slow-cooker dessert (or breakfast!) gives me more time to lie in the sun and enjoy the waves. Melty ice cream is a must. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
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Baked Potato Soup
This baked potato soup recipe tastes just like a loaded baked potato but in soup form! Bowls of the cozy soup are served with sprinkles of cheddar cheese and smoky bacon.
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Cherry Chip Waffles with Cherry Syrup
While on a recent trip to Door County, Wisconsin, for a family reunion, I created this yummy recipe using some freshly picked cherries. It was a hit with all ages and everyone was asking for more. —Heather Karow, Burnett, Wisconsin
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Gouda and Roasted Potato Bread
Our family tried roasted potato bread at a bakery on a road trip, and I came up with my own recipe when we realized we lived much too far away to have it regularly. It makes for a really amazing roast beef sandwich and also goes well with soups. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
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Mushroom & Spinach Risotto
I had never tried mushroom spinach risotto until a trip to Paris a few years ago. Since then, I worked hard to create a recipe that tasted similar, and I think I finally succeeded with this version. It is very rich and indulgent! I often add cubed cooked chicken to make this a more satisfying and protein-packed main dish. —Sandi Ogden, Clinton, Missouri
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Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes with Pancetta
Classic American mashed potatoes take a trip to Italy with the flavors of olive oil, garlic, and pancetta. —Bryan Kennedy, Kaneohe, Hawaii
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Slow-Cooked Ropa Vieja
I traveled to Cuba a few years back and had some of the best food imaginable. One staple dish stuck out more than the rest, and that was ropa vieja. I had multiple variations of it, and when I returned home, I began to experiment. I went through roughly five trials before coming to this recipe. —Joshua Boyer, Traverse City, Michigan
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Grilled Pineapple Chicken
A trip to Hawaii is easy with this juicy grilled pineapple chicken. Simply give it a quick marinade, fire up the grill and let it sizzle. We love this low-carb recipe! —Charlotte Rogers, Virginia Beach, Virginia
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Grilled Chicken and Mango Skewers
The inspiration for this recipe came from the charbroiled chicken skewers I used to enjoy while strolling along Calle Ocho in Miami on Sunday afternoons. Feel free to garnish them with sesame seeds or spritz them with fresh lime juice. —Wolfgang Hanau, West Palm Beach, Florida
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Spanish Marinated Mushrooms
I had some amazing marinated mushrooms in a little tapas bar in Seville when I was stationed in Spain with the U.S. Navy. A couple of months ago, I decided to see if I could make something close, and here’s what I came up with. The longer you keep them refrigerated, the stronger the vinegar taste will be. —Patricia Mitchell, Ingleside, Texas
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Greek Orzo Chicken
Take your first bite and set sail for a dinner-table tour of the sunny Greek isles. Sprinkle lemon zest on top to give it a little extra flair. —Angela Buchanan, Longmont, Colorado
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Raspberry Ribbons
I make these attractive, buttery cookies to serve at our remote guest lodge, and all the cooks in the kitchen are addicted to them! —Patsy Wolfenden, Golden, British Columbia
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Chicken Souvlaki
Loads of lemon and garlic give this easy chicken souvlaki a punch. Pair it with pita and tzatziki for a quick and tasty meal!
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Muffuletta Wellingtons
This recipe is inspired by the muffuletta, a sandwich originating in New Orleans that's made with deli meat and olive salad. These are snack-sized sandwiches with all the goodness of a muffuletta baked inside pizza dough. You can substitute the meats for your favorites, like turkey or roast beef. —Chelsea Madren, Fullerton, California
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Mediterranean Sole
This Mediterranean sole recipe may be simple, but it's also elegant and incredibly flavorful. Steaming in parchment is an easy and healthy way to cook fish and vegetables. Any white fish will work in place of the sole. —Andrea Potischman, Menlo Park, California
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Coconut Cold-Brew Latte
Cold-brew lattes are all the rage at coffee shops, but they're so easy to make at home. This coconut cold-brew version is ridiculously refreshing and it's vegan! —Natalie Larsen, Columbia, Maryland
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Moroccan Lamb Lettuce Wraps
I am a huge fan of both Moroccan lamb and lettuce wraps. This combination—with the creamy dressing and crunchy cucumber—makes a tasty slow-cooked dish. The wine and chili powder add even more flavor elements. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
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Quinoa, Fresh Fig & Honey-Balsamic Parfaits
This quinoa yogurt parfait is special to me because of its wholesome ingredients. Quinoa is gluten-free, which is good for those who have food allergies, like my daughter. And I love fresh ripe figs when they are in season. Enjoy this for breakfast or dessert. —Dawn Hutchins, St. Johns, Florida
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Authentic Pasta Carbonara
I learned on my culinary internship in Tuscany that real Italian cuisine is simpler than you think! This carbonara is quick, simple and delicious, just the way they like it in Italy. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California
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Caramel Apple Coffee Cake with Walnuts
I created this recipe after a trip to an orchard with my family. This moist cake is full of hearty apples and nuts, while the caramel topping adds a delectable finish. —Sharon Cable, Dyersville, Iowa.
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Black Eyed Pea Salad
This eye-catching black eyed pea salad is packed with nutrient-dense ingredients for a healthy dish that's ready for weeknights or picnics.
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Chocolate Pear Hazelnut Tart
As a teenage foreign exchange student in the south of France, I was horribly homesick. Then my host family's Grandmother Miette arrived and asked if I'd like to help her bake this nutty tart from scratch. It turned my trip around and inspired my lifelong passion for baking. Weighing ingredients, roasting nuts, kneading dough—the art of baking transcends language. —Lexi McKeown, Los Angeles, California
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Caribbean Shrimp & Rice Bowl
I had a similar rice bowl on vacation and re-created this lighter version at home. It takes me back to the islands every time I make it. Try grilling the shrimp for more beachy flavor. —Lauren Katz, Ashburn, Virginia
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Maple Syrup Pie
Folks in New Hampshire apparently appreciate maple syrup almost as much as we do in Vermont. When my husband and I took a road trip through New Hampshire, we discovered this pie at a number of diners and restaurants. We loved it so much we created our own version. —Laurie Herr, Westford, Vermont
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Greek Veggie Tartlets
The mixture in this recipe was originally a salad I made after a trip to Greece. When my husband suggested I serve it in phyllo cups, it became my most-requested appetizer!—Radelle Knappenberger, Oviedo, Florida
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Toasted Hazelnut and Chocolate Ice Cream
The flavors in this ice cream take me back to European vacations I've enjoyed in the past. I am a big hazelnut fan, and who doesn't like chocolate? I've been caught red-handed eating Nutella out of the jar with a spoon! —Laura Majchrzak, Hunt Valley, Maryland
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Key Lime Cupcakes
I made these light, tangy cupcakes on a chilly day to remind me of our vacation in southern Florida, where Key lime pies are star attractions. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
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Parisian Chicken Bites
When a friend of mine returned from a trip to Paris, she raved about the food she had and described one of her favorite meals. It inspired me to create a similar hors d’oeuvre. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
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Crab Quiche with Hollandaise
I discovered this quiche at a diner during a motorcycle road trip with my husband. It was so amazing, I worked to duplicate it back home. Our family loves the results. —Amy Knight, Lake Linden, Michigan
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Cajun Pork and Rice
I created this recipe after returning home from my travels and discovering I had little food in the house. I used ingredients that were already available in the refrigerator and pantry. —Allison Gapinski, Cary, North Carolina
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Aloha Brittle
A vacation to Hawaii inspired me to create this mouthwatering brittle. Coconuts, macadamia nuts and pecans make my tropical-tasting recipe deliciously different.
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Pulled BBQ Pork
During years of vacationing on the North Carolina coast, I became hooked on their pork barbecue. The version I developed is a favorite at potluck dinners. —Joseph Sarnoski, West Chester, Pennsylvania
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Michigan Salad
A vibrant mix of fresh greens, tangy dried fruits and crunchy nuts, topped with Gorgonzola and a homemade raspberry dressing, this Michigan salad will make a salad fan out of anyone.
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