Food & Drink

30 Lunches You Can Meal Prep on Sunday

written by LAUREN BLUE
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Source: Gimme Delicious
Source: Gimme Delicious

Lunch is often the trickiest meal of the day. Whether you work from home or head into an office every day, you need something that’ll fill you up and doesn’t take too much time or effort in the middle of your day. But once that mid-day hunger hits, it can be tough to avoid drive-thru urges and packaged food cravings when you just need something quick and delicious. Instead of giving in to temptation and grabbing yet another lunch out, do future-you a favor and prepare some nutritious meal prep lunches over the weekend so you’re ready for the week ahead. This meal-prep technique will not only remove stress from your weekly grind, but it’s also easy on the wallet and good for the body.

Below, we rounded up 30 meal prep lunch ideas you can whip up on a lazy Sunday for a productive week. From protein-packed to vegetarian-friendly, we have plenty of meal prep lunch recipe inspiration to get you started! Keep scrolling for the best meal prep lunch ideas to try this week, no matter what your dietary preferences are.

1. Garlic Parmesan Kale Pasta Meal Prep

Source: Budget Bytes

This meal prep chicken recipe is packed with garlicky flavor that promises to wow. Serve it over pasta, sautéed kale, and blistered tomatoes for a well-rounded meal that will check all your boxes.

2. Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl

Source: The Palatable Life

With hearty sweet potatoes and a tangy dressing, this recipe is equal parts light and nourishing. Prep the meatballs, chickpeas, sweet potatoes, and dressing ahead of time, then all you have to do is throw in some kale and lunch is served!

3. Greek Chicken Stuffed Pitas

Source: What’s Gaby Cooking

If you’re bored of your classic turkey sandwich, this recipe is the best way to upgrade your lunch. Trust me, it will earn a fixed spot on your weekly lunch rotation.

4. Roasted Vegetable Couscous Meal Prep

Source: Budget Bytes

If you want a healthy, filling meal that’ll give you a much-needed midday energy burst, this recipe is for you. If you want to make it vegetarian (and a little cheaper!), swap chicken out for chickpeas.

5. Easy Chicken Falafel Bowls

Source: The Girl on Bloor

If you’ve never tried falafel, you’re missing out! The protein-packed meat alternative is an amazing addition to any meal. For a huge time saver, buy them frozen so you only have to heat them up before assembling your bowl.

6. Beef and Bean Burritos

Source: Ahead of Thyme

This recipe is almost as convenient as ordering takeout from your favorite Mexican spot and just as tasty. Finish these delicious burritos off with some fresh guac or salsa, and you’ll be deleting your DoorDash app altogether.

7. Chicken Avocado Burritos

Source: Closet Cooking

If you don’t have time to put together something elaborate, these burritos are incredibly quick to make, easy to take on the go, and great-tasting, too.

8. Chicken and Broccoli Shells and Cheese

Source: Love Grows Wild

This recipe is the grown-up, fancier version of the ultimate comfort food—mac and cheese. With added broccoli and chicken, you get all the creamy goodness of boxed macaroni with the added bonus of protein and veggies.

9. Chicken Burrito Bowls

Source: Gimme Delicious

Move over Chipotle, this burrito bowl will satisfy your cravings without the steep price tag. No need to pay extra for guac when you’ll have enough lunches prepped to last the week!

10. Easy French Dip Sliders

Source: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

If you’re sick of the basic sandwiches and bowls, you need to try this not-so-typical meal prep lunch idea. The recipe makes 12 sliders in 40 minutes and is bound to get you out of a lunch rut.

11. Spicy Chipotle Make-Ahead Burritos

Source: Pinch of Yum

If you love a burrito with a good kick, this spicy recipe made with chipotle peppers is the one for you. This recipe is super easy and doesn’t sacrifice spice.

12. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Source: Downshiftology

Nothing says fresh quite like some crisp cucumber and ripe tomatoes. This recipe is so simple— all you need to do is chop it up, mix it, then enjoy!

13. Easy Vegetarian Chili

Source: Cookie + Kate

There is no better way to romanticize a cold or rainy day than a warm pot of chili. This vegetarian option will be your go-to meal prep lunch idea whenever dreary weather hits.

14. Sweet and Spicy Tempeh Bowls

Source: Budget Bytes

Tempeh is great for vegetarian meal prep because it’s packed with protein and super versatile to cook with. In this recipe, it’s seasoned with a blend of spices to give it a spicy-sweet flavor and combined with creamy polenta, black beans, cheddar cheese, and avocado for a bowl that’s sure to fill you up at lunchtime.

15. Gnocchi Caprese Salad

Source: With Salt & Wit

Caprese salad is popular for a reason, and adding pasta to it is an even better idea in my book. No matter what time of year it is, this recipe will transport you to a bright summer day.

16. Vegetarian Quinoa Burrito Bowls

Source: Simply Quinoa

This recipe is a healthy alternative to the traditional burrito that’s meal prep-friendly, ready in 20 minutes, and healthy. It is guaranteed to meet all your lunch criteria.

17. Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta

Source: Budget Bytes

This recipe only requires a few ingredients, many of which you may already have lying around your house. But don’t worry, just because it’s convenient doesn’t mean it isn’t delicious.

18. Sheet Pan Buddha Bowls with Turmeric Tahini Dressing

Source: The Girl on Bloor

Buddha bowls are endlessly customizable and a great meal prep lunch idea if you like to switch things up throughout the week. This variation is packed with nutrients, thanks to the mix of sweet potatoes, beets, kale, quinoa, and avocado.

19. Fresh Spring Rolls

Source: Love and Lemons

While spring rolls might seem daunting to make, this meal prep lunch recipe is actually super quick and easy. If you want something light and refreshing for lunch, look no further.

20. Curry Roasted Cauliflower Sweet Potato Salad

Source: Ambitious Kitchen

If you’re looking to get your veggies in while still prioritizing flavor, this meal prep lunch idea will be your new go-to. Customize the salad by adding your favorite spices or toppings to take it to the next level.

21. Creamy Vegan Mexican Pasta Salad

Source: Emilie Eats

This is not your typical potluck pasta salad. Pasta covered with creamy, spicy vegan cashew sauce and topped with black beans, salsa, and cilantro? Yes, please!

22. Healthy Thai Coconut Quinoa Bowls

Source: Fit Foodie Finds

If you’re looking to incorporate more plant-based foods into your diet, this recipe is a delicious way to do just that. The quinoa cooked with coconut milk is a game-changer that adds tons of flavor to these meal prep lunches.

23. Meal Prep Chicken Salad

Source: Downshiftology

Chicken salad is a classic, and this recipe will remind you of just why that is. Throw this together ahead of time, then enjoy it as a lettuce wrap, over a bed of greens, or on its own—it’s delicious all sorts of ways.

24. Cashew Chicken Quinoa Bake

Source: Fit Foodie Finds

Requiring only one pan to make, this recipe makes meal prep lunches a snap. It’s also high in protein, so it will keep you full during the day.

25. Steak Cobb Salad

Source: Chungah Rhee

If you’re tired of chicken taking up half your diet, this steak cobb salad is an amazing way to switch up your protein. The recipe takes less than an hour to put together from start to finish and won’t break the bank.

26. Turkey Taco Lunch Bowls

Source: Sweet Peas & Safrons

This recipe has all the best parts of a taco minus the tortilla, which would just get soggy anyway. These taco bowls are just as good on day three as they are on day one, meaning no more leftovers ending up in the trash.

27. BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

Source: Spices In My DNA

Combine two lunchtime favorites with this quick and easy lettuce wrap. Chicken salad meets a BLT with a healthy spin.

28. Spicy Chicken Sweet Potato Meal Prep

Source: Pinch of Yum

I’ve never met bowl I didn’t like, and this recipe is no exception. Simply prep your ingredients, throw them all in the oven, and finish with your favorite toppings!

29. Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables

Source: Life Made Sweeter

Sheet pan meals are the ultimate time saver, especially if they’ll last you more than one night. This teriyaki chicken will satisfy your takeout cravings while making your future self’s life even easier.

30. Chicken Salad Mason Jar with Creamy No-Mayo Dressing

Source: Kristine’s Kitchen

Not only are these chicken salad mason jars adorable, but they’re also ideal for people who love chicken salad but could do without all the mayo in it. Assemble the jars over the weekend and enjoy those extra minutes sleeping in during the week because you know your lunches are ready to go.