16 Tropical-Inspired Foods For Anyone Who Needs A Vacation

I don’t remember what it feels like to be warm. I don’t remember what it feels like to wear anything but snow boots and down jackets. I don’t even remember what Boston looks like without snow. There’s nothing more I’d like than to fly back home to California (or even better, Punta Cana or Cancun) and spend hours sunbathing at the beach.

I can just envision the golden sand, the amber rays of the sun, the soft rush of the tide, the smell of the sea…

Unfortunately, spring break is still a bit away. This winter’s been far too long, but at least these recipes will have you feeling like vacation time is closer than it is.

1. Tropical Coconut Mango Chia Pudding

Get your body ready for spring break with this healthy breakfast that could also serve as a dessert. Chia seeds are full of fiber and protein, and expand in liquid, so you’re guaranteed to be full until lunchtime.

2. Coconut Crunch French Toast with Guava Syrup

Treat yourself to this decadent breakfast reminiscent of vacations spent in Hawaii. There’s guava and there’s coconut… that means it’s healthy…right?

3. Tropical Fruit Oatmeal

Brighten up your daily bowl of oats with this pineapple, coconut and banana oatmeal.

4. Tropical Green Smoothie

Start your day off right with this creamy smoothie full of coconut, banana and mango — it’s an easy way to up your daily veggie intake.

5. Antioxidant Berry Smoothie Bowl

Not feeling the smoothie? Use these easy steps to turn your basic smoothie into a nutrition-packed smoothie bowl. Go big or go home, right?

6. Gluten-Free Hawaiian Pizza Bites

These pizza bites make the perfect snack food when you’re craving something sweet and salty but want to cut down on the carbs. With less than five ingredients, they’re almost as effortless to make as ordering a Domino’s pizza.

7. Jamaican Jerk Chicken with Coconut Rice

This spiced chicken platter will have you saying, “Ya man.”

8. Honey Mustard Salmon with Mango Salsa

Tropical and nutritious. This salmon is an upgrade from your typical seared salmon dish with its tangy honey mustard marinade and pre-made mango salsa from Whole Foods.

9. Tilapia Tacos

Fish tacos are the ultimate beach food when made with fresh seafood and sunny vegetables. These tacos use tilapia, which is cheap and delicious, and makes for an easy and quick dinner.

10. Pineapple Orange Banana Popsicles

These creamy popsicles are the ultimate tropical take on orange creamsicles, and only take three ingredients and 10 minutes of your time.

11. Key Lime Pie with Coconut Macaroon Crust

The traditional key lime pie gets a sweet update from a chewy coconut macaroon crust. The best part is the golden toasted coconut at the edges. Bonus? This mouth-watering pie is gluten-free.

12. Blueberry Basil Sorbet

It’s never too cold for ice cream. This sorbet will have you reminiscing of summer days spent blueberry picking in the fields. Basil adds an interesting note that balances the sweetness of the berries.

13. Watermelon Refresher

This seemingly simple drink has a special ingredient that gives it a unique twist. With one sip of this, you can practically taste summertime.

14. Tropical Jello Shots

Jello shots are the epitome of summer — easy to make and fun to eat. Give them some added flair by making them in the original citrus peel.

15. The Perfect Caipirinha

The Caipirinha is Brazil’s national drink for a reason — it’s totally delicious. All you need is crushed ice, sugar, lime and cachaça, a Brazilian liquor made from fermented sugarcane juice. Thanks to Business Insider, you can make your own perfect Caipirinha, no bartender needed.

16. Mai Tai

Making cockails for your next party? This pitcher Mai Tai recipe is created specifically for the masses, so you and your friends can pretend you’re on a mini vacation together.