Looking for easy healthy lunch prep ideas? The kind that are cheap and take little time to prepare. Here’s 10 tasty recipes to help you do just that!
Just like you need a plan to get things done inside your home, you should have a plan for your health goals. Today, I’m going to share some easy healthy lunch prep ideas that will make your life easier and help your body reach its health goals.
Cut down on time spent in the kitchen and give yourself a nutritional boost into the bargain with our tasty make-ahead meals. Whether you want pre-portioned lunches or fuss-free dinners, we have all the healthy recipes you need. For top storage solutions, see our review of the best meal prep containers.
Veggie chilli
With two different types of beans, plenty of veg and a sweet, smoky tomato sauce, this chilli is a real winner. Make eight servings in one session and freeze for later in the week. Stock up on wholegrain rice pouches to serve with it for a super speedy supper.
Try our double bean & roasted pepper chilli recipe.
Meal prep pasta salads
Make three healthy takes on pasta salad in one go – salmon pasta, chicken pasta and aubergine pasta – ready to be boxed up and popped into the fridge for lunch on consecutive days.
Try our easy meal prep pasta recipe or watch our video guide to healthy lunch meal prep.
If you prefer something hot, our big-batch Bolognese recipe makes a whopping 12 servings and freezes beautifully – simply reheat and serve over cooked wholemeal pasta.
Meal prep rice salads
Wholegrain rice is a meal prep favourite and can be flavoured with all sorts of delicious ingredients. Our easy meal prep rice recipe uses a base made from brown basmati rice mixed with herbs, onion and a zingy cider vinegar dressing. Split the base into two Tupperware pots and top one with a healthy tuna salad and the other with crumbled feta, beetroot and crushed walnuts.
Big-batch soups
Set aside an hour on Sunday to make a big batch of healthy soup, freeze individual portions in freezer-and-microwave-friendly Tupperware and then feel smug in the knowledge that your lunches are sorted for the week ahead.
Try these freezable, big-batch soups:
Chunky butternut mulligatawny
Herby chicken & butter bean soup
Italian vegetable soup
Red lentil & chorizo soup
Homemade protein pots
If you’re looking to increase your protein intake from time to time, it can be tempting to reach for energy bars or pricey shop-bought high-protein pots, but it’s really easy to meal prep your own. Each recipe provides two servings, is super quick to make and keeps well in the fridge for two days.
Try our healthy protein pot recipes:
Tuna Niçoise protein pot
Indian chicken protein pot
Steak & broccoli protein pot
Vegan shepherd’s pie
These individually portioned pies are packed with veggies and chickpeas, and topped with crispy potatoes. Make eight pies and stash in the freezer, ready to be pulled out when you want a low-calorie, low-fat, superhealthy dinner.
4 ridiculously easy healthy lunch meal prep recipes
If you’re looking for the best, easy, healthy lunch recipes to meal prep, then you’re in the right place!
This Crunchy Curry Quinoa Salad makes a perfect lunch, dinner side, or vibrant addition to any brunch table.
Autumn Lentil Salad With Maple Mustard Dressing (gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian)
Autumn Lentil Salad with Maple Mustard Dressing packs so much flavor and texture into every bite, yet is surprisingly simple to make. It can be prepared ahead, too, making it perfect for lunch.
Crunchy Smashed Chickpea Salad (gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian)
Creamy and crunchy (without dairy or mayo), Crunchy Smashed Chickpea Salad is packed with plant-based protein and fiber. It’s s snap to make, tastes delicious, and packs beautifully for lunch.
5-Ingredient Mediterranean Pasta Salad (gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian)
With just five simple ingredients and 20 minutes you can whip up this tasty and crowd pleasing 5-Ingredient Mediterranean Pasta Salad recipe. Great for lunch on the go.
Lunch Box Tomato Basil Lentil Salad (gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian)
Simple to make with pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, Lunch Box Tomato Basil Lentil Salad packs beautifully for lunch on-the-go.
Autumn Meal Prep Lentil Salad (gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian)
Autumn Meal Prep Lentil Salad is packed with nutrition and full of beautiful fall flavors. Perfect to prep-ahead and take for lunch, or enjoy as a side dish anytime.
20-Minute Rainbow Veggie Pasta Salad
Bright, colorful, and super tasty, 20-Minute Rainbow Veggie Pasta Salad is just the thing for
Slurpable noodles and heaps of tender veggies combine with an ultra-simple sauce in Veggie Noodle Bowls with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce. No complicated ingredient list here, these bowls are easy to make and taste amazing.
Moroccan Chicken Bowls with Nectarine Sauce
These flavor-packed Moroccan Chicken Bowls include chicken dusted with warming spices, a fresh and sweet nectarine sauce, lightly browned zucchini, and tangy olives. It’s a Moroccan party in a bowl!
20-Minute Black Bean Bowls with Confetti Slaw
With just a few minutes, some simple pantry ingredients, and a handful of fresh veggies you can whip up these flavor-packed 20-Minute Black Bean Bowls with Confetti Slaw. They are easy, quick, and super delicious!
easy, healthy chicken salad lunch recipes for meal prep
One-Bowl Harvest Chicken Salad (gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo)
One-Bowl Harvest Chicken Salad (Dairy-free, Mayo-Free) is a fresh, bright recipe, perfect for lunch or dinner. Simple to make, crunchy, and satisfying, you’ll want to make this one again and again.
Turmeric Tahini Loaded Chicken Salad (gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo)
Packed with nourishing ingredients, Turmeric Tahini Loaded Chicken Salad is perfect for lunch at home or to make ahead and take on-the-go!
Meal Prep Golden Glow Chicken Salad (gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo)
Meal Prep Golden Glow Chicken Salad is an easy, healthy make-ahead meal that you can prep ahead and take on the go. Make it with chicken, or any protein you like!
easy, healthy egg salad lunch recipes for meal prep
Meal Prep Lemony Dill Egg Salad (gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, vegetarian)
Meal Prep Lemony Dill Egg Salad is fresh, bright and super simple to make ahead. A gluten-free, dairy-free, mayo-free recipe.
Meal Prep Golden Glow Egg Salad (Mayo-free) (gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, vegetarian)
Packed with anti-inflammatory turmeric, this easy egg salad recipe will help you glow from the inside out.
Meal Prep Turmeric Tahini Loaded Egg Salad (Mayo-free) (gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, vegetarian)
Tahini lends richness and veggies add crunch in this nourishing, mayo-free egg salad recipe.
One-Bowl Harvest Egg Salad (Mayo-free) (gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, vegetarian)
Packed with goodness, you’ll want to meal prep this easy salad every week!
Guacamole Egg Salad (Mayo-free) SALAD (gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, vegetarian)
A twist on a classic, avocado lends a creamy flavor to this mayo-free egg salad.
easy, healthy soup & stew lunch recipes for meal prep
Crockpot Mini Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup
Crockpot Mini Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup is hearty one-pot meal that’s packed with the good stuff. A gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, whole30 recipe your family will love.
Slow Cooker Chicken, Kale, and Sweet Potato Stew
Slow Cooker Chicken, Kale, and Sweet Potato Stew is packed with protein and veggies and is so easy to make with a short list of simple ingredients.
Your new paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free, whole30, healthy go-to crockpot recipe!
Sausage, Cabbage & Sweet Potato Stew (instant pot, crockpot, stove top)
Sausage, Cabbage & Sweet Potato Stew is a super-simple, ultra comforting one-pot meal that comes together in a matter of minutes.
A cozy, delicious gluten-free, dairy-free, whole30 recipe that can be made in the Instant Pot, Crockpot or stove top.
Instant Pot + Slow Cooker Turmeric Chicken No-Noodle Soup
Packed with chicken, veggies, and good-for-you turmeric, Instant Pot + Slow Cooker Turmeric Chicken No-Noodle Soup is warming, nourishing, and so delicious!
Crockpot Loaded Mexican Chicken Soup
Simple to make and bursting with fresh summer flavors, Crockpot Loaded Mexican Chicken Soup is perfect any time of year.
A great recipe for all your farmer’s market finds, and paleo and Whole30 friendly, too!
Crockpot Sunshine Lemon Chicken Chowder
Light, healthy, and bursting with flavor, Instant Pot + Crockpot Sunshine Lemon Chicken Chowder makes for an easy weeknight dinner.
Instant Pot + Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie (gluten-free, dairy-free)
Packed with chicken and vegetables, Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free) is made with real food ingredients and tastes amazing!
Minestrone (whole30, no-beans)
Instant Pot Minestrone (Whole30, No-Beans) is packed with protein and veggies and makes for the perfect, hearty, one-pot meal. A gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, whole30 friendly recipe.
Slow Cooker Chicken, Veggie, and Quinoa Stew
This simple recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken, Veggie, and Quinoa Stew is healthy, hearty and so delicious!
Slow Cooker Chicken and Chickpea Stew
Slow Cooker Chicken and Chickpea Stew is a hearty meal in a bowl, full of chicken, chickpeas, veggies, and subtle Moroccan flavors.
Slow Cooker Chicken, Black Bean, and Quinoa Stew
Super easy to prepare, Slow Cooker Chicken, Black Bean and Quinoa Stew is full of hearty, nourishing ingredients and will be a hit with the entire family. The perfect healthy dinner recipe in a hurry!
Golden Glow Butternut Squash Soup
Instant Pot Golden Glow Butternut Squash Soup is a super simple, easy fall recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, paleo and whole30 friendly.
Easy Southwest Quinoa Bowls
Simple, fresh ingredients combine in these Easy Southwest Quinoa Bowls, perfect for a light dinner or lunch on-the-go.
Sheet Pan Chicken, kale & Sweet Potatoes
Sheet Pan Chicken, Kale & Sweet Potatoes is a super-simple and healthy 5-ingredient sheet pan recipe perfect for meal prep.
Asian Quinoa Bowls with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce
Asian Quinoa Bowls with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce are packed with vibrant veggies and topped with the easiest peanut sauce ever.
Build-Your-Own Veggie Quinoa Power Bowls
Super fresh and so versatile, Build-Your-Own Veggie Quinoa Power Bowls are simple to prepare and packed with flavor.
Veggie Noodle Bowls with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce
Healthy Meal Prep Lunch Ideas That Are Better Than Sad Desk Salads
. Instant Pot White Bean Chicken Chili from Openfit
. Chili Lime Chicken and Rice Meal Prep from Gimme Delicious
Note: Use brown rice in place of white for an even healthier meal prep lunch.
Spicy Shrimp Taco Lettuce Wraps from Gimme Delicious
Chicken Burrito Bowl from Openfit
Healthy Garlic Herb Chicken Salad from Pinch of Yum
15-Minute Cajun Chicken Meal Prep from Fit Men Cook
Steak Salad with Lemon Tarragon Vinaigrette from Openfit
Spicy Chicken Sweet Potato Meal Prep Magic from Pinch of Yum
Vegetarian Lentil Niçoise Salad from Evergreen Kitchen
Stuffed Peppers with Quinoa, Eggplant, Chickpeas, and Zhoug Yogurt from Feasting at Home.
Greek Chicken Bowls from Openfit
Mexican Cobb Salad from A Simple Pantry
Note: Rather than using store bought fried tortilla strips, opt for the healthier homemade baked variety.
Falafel Hummus Boxes from Budget Bytes
Healthier Chicken Caesar Salad from Openfit
Turkey and Cheese Pinwheels Meal Prep from Gimme Delicious
Low-Carb Shrimp and Grits from Fit Men Cook
Paleo Tuna Cakes from Lexi’s Clean Kitchen
Roasted Chickpea Black Rice from She Likes Food
Egg Roll in a Bowl from Openfit
