What are the healthy lunch ideas prep? I’ve spent so much time working behind the scenes that I’ve forgotten how to be creative and make homemade lunch ideas. But I think it’s now time to move out of abstracts and get your hands dirty with homemade lunch ideas prep.
After reading this article, you will be able to prepare healthy lunch ideas for your kids. When packing your child’s lunch, avoid using too much packaging and get creative with container alternatives.
Healthy Lunch Ideas Prep
Get ahead with our easy meal prep recipes for lunch or dinner. Make them in advance and enjoy all week, from healthy pasta salads to nourishing soups.
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 wantย pre-portioned lunches or fuss-free dinners, we have all the healthy recipes you need. For top storage solutions, see our review of theย best meal prep containers.
Meal prep pasta salads
Make three healthy takes on pasta salad in one go โ salmon pasta, chicken pasta and aubergine pasta โ ready to be boxed up and popped into the fridge for lunch on consecutive days.
Try ourย easy meal prep pasta recipeย or watch our video guide toย healthy lunch meal prep.
If you prefer something hot, ourย big-batch Bolognese recipeย makes a whopping 12 servings and freezes beautifully โ 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. Ourย easy meal prep rice recipeย uses a base made from brown basmati rice mixed with herbs, onion and a zingy cider vinegar dressing. Split the base into two Tupperware potsย 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 ofย 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.
Homemade protein pots
If youโre 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 itโs 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.
Vegan shepherdโs pie
These individually portioned pies are packed with veggies and chickpeas, and topped with crispy potatoes.ย Make eight pies and stash in the freezer, ready to be pulled out when you want a low-calorie, low-fat, superhealthy dinner.
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.ย Stock up onย wholegrain rice pouches to serve with it for a super speedy supper.
A note on food safety
While many foods can be safely stored in the fridge, some dishes such as soups, stews or pasta sauces may be best popped into sturdy Tupperware and stashed in the freezer. Follow the recipe instructions on thawing and always reheat until piping hot. For more information, readย the FSAโs top food safety tips.
Healthy Meal-Prep Ideas to Get You Through the Week
Healthy Meal Prep Ideas for Breakfast
Start your morning off on the right note with these healthy breakfast meal-prep ideas. From oats to smoothies, these recipes are packed with fruit, including apples, berries and bananas. Plus, each recipe includes fiber and protein to help you feel full and energized for your day ahead.
Make-Ahead Smoothie Freezer Packs
Assemble these smoothie packs and keep them in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready, add the smoothie pack ingredients to a blender with a liquid of your choice, blend and you’ve got breakfast in minutes.
Quick-Cooking Oats
You can easily double or triple this recipe to make multiple servings for the week. Portion the oatmeal into microwave-safe mason jars and reheat at the office or whenever you’re ready to eat. Add your favorite toppings, like fresh berries or nuts, and enjoy.
Vegan Freezer Breakfast Burritos
Keep a stash of these burritos in the freezer and grab one when you’re in a rush. These burritos reheat easily in the microwave and are packed with protein-rich tofu, beans and plenty of veggies.
3-Ingredient Egg & Mushroom Puff Pastry Rolls
You might not believe it at first glance, but this meal-prep-friendly breakfast uses just three ingredients! After baking, you can refrigerate these rolls for up to four days before reheating in the microwave.
Ricotta-Berry Crepes
These easy, three-ingredient crepes can be assembled and stored in the freezer. The ricotta adds protein while berries add color, flavor and nutrients.
Apple Cinnamon Chia Pudding
This quick recipe takes just 10 minutes of active time (the rest of the time is spent chilling in the refrigerator). We use apples and pecans, but you could also try our Blueberry Almond Chia Pudding for an equally delicious twist.
Strawberry Jam & Goat Cheese Waffle Sandwiches
Tangy goat cheese marries with strawberry jam for a sweet-and-savory breakfast sandwich. Use frozen waffles that are high in protein to help you stay full until lunch (check out the best healthy frozen waffles).
3-Ingredient Tropical Greens Smoothie Packs
Smoothies are an easy way to add in some veggies! Here, we add spinach to the smoothie pack for a boost of nutrients and color.
Mini Quiches with Sweet Potato Crust
These adorable mini quiches can be stored in the fridge or freezer for a fast breakfast. Sweet potato stands in for traditional quiche crust for a boost of nutrition and fiber.
Sheet-Pan Banana Pancakes
You can whip up a batch of pancakes with ease when you bake them on a sheet pan. These pancakes can be reheated in the microwave or ovenโand don’t forget the maple syrup!
Healthy Meal Prep Ideas for Lunch
Enjoy a satisfying, healthy lunch with these easy recipes. These meals are perfect for school, the office or a busy day at home.
Protein Bistro Lunch Box
Perfect for meal prep, these bistro-style lunch boxes can be assembled in advance, so you can simply grab it and go on busy mornings.
Steak Burritos
This tasty recipe yields four burritos, so one batch gives you a grab-and-go lunch for the week.
Tuna & White Bean Salad
Made with nutritious pantry staples like canned tuna and cannellini beans, you can prep this salad a few days ahead. Serve over salad greens or between two slices of bread for a fast and filling lunch.
Meal-Prep Chili-Lime Chicken Bowls
Packed with plenty of colorful, nutritious produce, these hearty chicken bowls are perfect for lunch at work or school.
Spinach & Strawberry Meal-Prep Salad
Chicken thighs bulk up this simple salad recipe for a light, yet filling, lunch. Pack the dressing in a separate container and dress right before serving (because no one likes soggy greens!).
Spicy Ramen Cup of Noodles
Make sure you use microwave-safe jars when you prep this warming meal, so you can enjoy directly from the container and save yourself an extra dish to clean.
Chopped Rainbow Salad with Peanut Sauce
Full of colorful produce, these salad bowls can be assembled up to four days in advance. We use bulgur because it cooks quickly, but you could swap in any other hearty whole grain.
Southwest Black-Bean Pasta Salad Bowls
Make a healthy, high-fiber lunch with just five ingredients. Each serving has 14 grams of fiber, so you’ll stay full throughout the afternoon.
Meal-Prep Falafel Bowls with Tahini Sauce
We rely on healthy convenience items like frozen falafel and steam-in-bag fresh green beans to assemble these bowls in just 20 minutes. Dress with the tahini sauce right before serving.
Egg Salad Lettuce Wraps
Rather than sandwiching it between slices of bread, we use this egg salad in lettuce wraps for an easy, lower-carb swap.
Healthy Meal Prep Ideas for Dinner
Dinner is on the table in record time, thanks to these healthy recipes. From creamy soups to cozy casseroles, you’ll end your day feeling full and satisfied.
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Rotisserie Chicken
Make a pot of this creamy, veggie-packed soup and enjoy throughout the week. This soup uses rotisserie chicken to save time, but you could also use any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand.
Chhole (Chickpea Curry)
Made with convenient canned beans, you can prep this curry recipe ahead of time. When you’re ready to eat, grab some naan and serve
Vegan Grain Bowl
Sweet potatoes, chickpeas and avocado are delicious, satisfying additions to these grain bowls. Make for dinner one night and then save the leftovers for other meals throughout the week.
Sheet-Pan Sausage & Peppers
Make this sausage and peppers recipe ahead of time, then plan to use it for dinners throughout the week. One night, they could be added to a roll for a classic sandwich, or cut up and tossed in pasta.
Easy Italian Wedding Soup
This quick soup calls for Easy Italian Chicken Meatballs. Prep a batch of the meatballs ahead of time, then use them in this soup that’s on the table in just 20 minutes.
Sloppy Joe Casserole
This hearty casserole is an easy way to eat your veggies. Plus, it makes six servings, so you can prep this on Sunday and enjoy leftovers later in the week.
Air-Fryer Salmon Cakes
Make a batch of these flavorful salmon cakes ahead of time, then reheat and serve over leafy greens for a quick, nutritious dinner.
Cauliflower Rice Bowls with Grilled Asparagus & Chicken Sausage
Made with convenient, store-bought ingredients, this dinner comes together easily thanks to ingredients like riced cauliflower and pre-grilled asparagus.
Oven-Roasted Chicken Thighs
When it comes to meal prep, making just one part of the meal ahead of time can make a huge difference. Prep a batch of these chicken thighs and keep them on hand. Add to pasta or toss over salad greens for a boost of protein. You could also cut the thighs up and make chicken salad for lunch.
Cheesy Ground Beef & Cauliflower Casserole
This cheesy casserole makes six servings, so you can enjoy it on one night and reheat leftovers on another. If you plan to add toppings like sour cream, wait until you’re ready to eat.