I’ve sifted through nearly 150 meal prep lunch recipes on the blog to curate this list of the 25 most popular meal prep lunch ideas. These recipes will have you looking forward to your lunch…no more boring sandwiches! Spending 30 minutes-1 hour on the weekend prepping these recipes is going to make a huge difference through the week. These 25 lunch meal prep ideas prove that eating healthy can be delicious and is anything but boring! A little prep work on the weekend will set you up to eat healthier, save money, and reduce your stress through the week. We have recipes for freezable soups, big-batch family meals and simple lunch ideas from salads to protein pots.
When preparing meals for work, cleanliness and nutritional balance are important. Alright, let’s talk about stretching those dollars while packing a protein punch. Seriously, these guys are nutritional powerhouses AND easy on the wallet. We’re talking black beans, lentils, chickpeas – the whole gang. They’re packed with protein, fiber, and complex carbs, keeping you full and energized for hours.
- That’s where prepared meal delivery services come in.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
- It’s easy to slice into portions and pack for work.
- I really enjoyed the Southwest Style Chipotle Mac and Cheese, which was a gemelli pasta with peppers, corn, and onions in a cheesy sauce.
- Establishing a packed lunch routine doesn’t mean giving up variety or flavor.
- It’ll cook for the same amount of time, and you’ll have twice as much to feed people!
How to choose the right meal kit delivery service for you
Now, let’s get into the good stuff – the actual meal prep ideas! Grilled chicken salad jars are a classic for a reason. Layer grilled chicken, mixed greens, chopped veggies, and a light vinaigrette in a jar for a grab-and-go lunch that’s both delicious and nutritious. Combine tuna, olives, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, and lettuce in a whole-wheat wrap for a protein-rich and satisfying meal. And don’t forget about chicken Caesar pasta salad! Use whole-wheat pasta, grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, and a light Caesar dressing for a flavorful and filling lunch that’s also packed with protein.
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Just real food goodness that’ll have you asking for seconds. Most of our picks ship nationwide, but some smaller companies have more limited availability. Most sites have a place where you can search your zip code to make sure you live in their delivery range. These options also earned honorable mentions from our testers. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving and enjoy chilled.
Chicken provides lean protein, while rice offers energizing carbs. There’s something fun about assembling a lunch that feels like a snack board. As Registered Dietitians, we find these adult “Lunchables” a practical way to include a variety of food groups.
Food Hacks
It’s a great source of protein, fiber, and vitamins, and it’s perfect for a quick and easy lunch. You can add different veggies or spices, or even top it with some avocado or a drizzle of tahini. It’s all about making it your own and enjoying the process. And let me tell you, when you have a sheet pan full of delicious food, it makes meal prepping so much more fun.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Check recipe directions for whether sauce can be added immediately or must be stored separately. Let’s face it, while we don’t mind a little prep work for making lunch, we don’t always have the time to cook something in advance. Here’s a list of 12 easy to prepare lunches, with no recipe or cooking required. A good rule of thumb is to stick to one oven meal and a maximum of two stovetop meals at once — for example, loaded baked potatoes, a stir-fry, and a soup.
Side Dish Ideas:
Start by choosing the most appealing method, then slowly experiment with the others to determine what suits you best. As co-founder of Thriving Home, Polly’s passionate about helping busy parents get dinner on the table. With a house full of kids, dogs, and (usually) a DIY project in the works, she knows firsthand how every minute (and every dollar) counts. As a business owner, she enjoys wearing multiple hats and serves best as a project manager for Thriving Home.
Perfect Salads For Meal Prep Lunches
All you have to do is pack the chickpea filling with pitas and fresh veggies for the perfect vegetarian lunch. These chickpeas have all the flavor of your favorite takeout dish — minus the meat. This sweet and savory cashew chicken is perfect for serving over rice, noodles, or even zoodles. We love snack-like lunches, such as this one with nuts and cheese and crackers! Meal prep took me from feeling constantly stressed out about meals to cool, collected and in control.
What are the best meal prep ideas for busy office workers?
Serve this chicken salad on whole grain bread or pita with some romaine lettuce or spinach for a full meal, or with crackers for a filling snack. This creamy, decadent chocolate chia seed pudding is so smooth you’ll never believe it has chia seeds in it! This healthy chocolate pudding is filled with protein and light on the added sugar for a nutritious breakfast, snack, or dessert. Add the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, shredded carrots, diced red bell pepper, shelled edamame, green onions, and cilantro.
Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide
Double check that the service you’re interested in can meet your dietary needs and that it offers a good variety of meals, so you don’t get bored. First, unimeal reviews consumer reports we spoke with registered dietitians to learn how to choose the right meal delivery service. Then we tried all of the meal kits listed here and tested each for at least one full week’s worth of meals.
In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes until smooth. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water has been absorbed. Remove the https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl, mix together the Sriracha sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and onion powder.
It’s easy to slice into portions and pack for work. The eggs provide protein, while the zucchini adds fiber, making it a simple, healthy lunch recipe that keeps you full through the afternoon. Soups are really great options for work and are easier to transport than you think.
Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Brown Rice
It’s great for healthy meal prep and works well as a lunch idea for work. I also love adding the leftovers to a noodle salad or wrapping them in a tortilla with fresh greens. Sitting down on your lunch break and enjoying a bowl of tasty pasta can make any mundane workday infinitely better.
