19 Best Meal Prep Ideas for Lunch

Reduce lunchtime stress with these 19 best meal prep ideas for lunch. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or save money, these easy make-ahead lunches are the perfect solution for a grab-and-go stress-free lunch.

Lunch bowl recipes for meal prep

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Of all the meals that I prepare throughout the week, lunch can be the most challenging. In the mornings, I usually grab a quick 5-minute breakfast or some overnight oats.  and in the evening I turn to my list of quick and easy dinner ideas (if I haven’t made my meal plan for the week yet).

But, lunch can feel stressful especially if you only have a certain amount of time to eat before you head back to work. You want to avoid making unhealthy food choices and eating out but it can be difficult when you are short on time.

Make-ahead lunches can be the perfect way to enjoy a nutritious and satisfying lunch that will keep you full until dinner time. By simply meal-prepping on Sunday, you will have a stress-free lunch waiting for you to enjoy all week long.

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19 Best Meal Prep Ideas for Lunch

Whether you work inside or outside the home, these meal prep ideas for lunch will not only help you save time and money but will encourage you to eat a more nutritious and filling lunch throughout the week. Try these easy and delicious meal prep ideas that include chicken, turkey, beef, and tuna. They are the perfect stress-free solution for a busy week.

Meal prep chicken thighs with rice and vegetables in glass dish

Chicken Thigh Meal Prep- I Hate Meal Prep

This simple, well-balanced lunch is budget-friendly and perfect for meal prepping.

Chicken rice bowl with black beans, cheese, rice and ground chicken in white bowl

Chicken Rice Bowl– Kitchen Hoskins

Chicken Rice Bowl is packed with seasoned ground Mexican chicken, cilantro lime rice, black beans, and your favorite burrito toppings. 

Teriyaki chicken in bowl for meal prep

Chicken Teriyaki Bento Box-Gathering Dreams

This Chicken Teriyaki Bento Box showcases pan-seared teriyaki-glazed chicken, spicy edamame, rice, and a simple soy/sesame-dressed salad. Prepare this healthy spread of Japanese-inspired dishes the night before for lunch the next day.

Greek chicken with cheese and olives in meal prep bowls

Greek Chicken Meal Prep Bowls Budget Delicious

You aren’t going to believe how insanely simple it is to prepare this delicious Greek Chicken recipe for meals all week long. This meal prep bowl is so good, you’ll never get bored!

Buffalo chicken and rice in white bowls for meal prep

Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl– Bless This Meal

Buffalo chicken rice bowl is topped with bold buffalo chicken, avocado, celery, tomatoes, and bacon. It’s finished with a spicy, creamy buffalo ranch drizzle.

Chicken burrito bowl with avocados, black beans, corn and chicken in white bowl

Chicken Burrito Bowl– Cinnamon & Sage Co.
 

Chicken Burrito Bowls are a perfect make-ahead meal that tastes amazing, keeps you full, and contains nutrient-dense ingredients. With deliciously seasoned chicken, fresh salsa, avocado, and more – you will love this easy and filling meal!

Mediterranean bowl with feta cheese rice and chicken in white and black bowl

Mediterranean Bowl Meal Prep– Olivia’s Kitchen
These healthy Mediterranean bowls are perfect for meal prep for the week. With quinoa, spinach, seasoned chicken, and delicious toppings like hummus, feta, roasted red peppers, and olives—each bowl contains 35g of protein! These bowls are not only delicious but store well in the fridge and keep you full all afternoon.
Ground turkey and rice in meal prep bowls

Meal Prepping With Ground Turkey– One Wholesome Life

 Ground Turkey Meal Prep Bowls are a balanced and easy-to-make delicious lunch that’s perfect for staying on track with your nutrition goals throughout the entire week.

Beef burritos in black meal prep bowls

Beef Burrito Meal Prep Bowl– Healthy Fitness Meals

Easy Beef Burrito Meal Prep bowl recipe is made with lean ground beef, brown rice, sweet corn, and black beans and then topped with a delicious Avocado Cream sauce. It’s perfect to enjoy for lunch all week.

Taco quinoa bowls with black beans, cheese, and peppers in meal prep bowl

Taco Quinoa Bowl Spend With Pennies

Top this quinoa bowl with your favorite taco-inspired toppings for an easy lunch that is great to make ahead!

Cheeseburger meal prep bowls with ground beef cheese lettuce and tomatoes

Meal Prep Cheeseburger Bowls- Lauren Fit Foodie

Meal Prep Cheeseburger Bowls are balanced, light, and so easy to make! Crunchy lettuce, seasoned ground beef, and your favorite burger toppings all tossed in your favorite sauce, they’ll be a lunch you’ll look forward to all week long!

Egg roll in meal prep bowls with rice

Egg Roll in a Bowl– I Heart Naptime

 This egg roll-in-a-bowl recipe is an easy low-carb alternative to egg rolls! It is great for meal prep. I love making a big batch at the beginning of the week and then having it for lunch throughout the week

Cuban tuna bowl with limes and tomatoes

Cuban-Style Tuna Meal Prep Bowls– Strength and Sunshine

A healthy meal prep recipe in a pinch! These Cuban-style tuna Meal Prep Bowls are gluten-free, paleo, and perfect for a well-rounded lunch! With plantain chips, fresh veggies, jalapeno tuna, and a zesty dairy-free yogurt, you’ll be powering through that midday slump!

Spicy tuna bowl for meal prep

Spicy Tuna Bowls-Chef Savvy

If you love Spicy Tuna Rolls then you will love it in bowl form! These Spicy Tuna Bowls are loaded with white rice, pickled carrots, cucumbers, and canned tuna fish tossed in a homemade spicy mayo.
Tuna salad in meal prep bowl

Healthy Tuna Salad Meal Prep- Get Inspired Everyday

This Healthy Tuna Salad Meal Prep can be made in just 15 minutes and packs a good amount of protein.

chickpeas and rice in meal prep bowl

Take your favorite cobb-style salad and convert it to the mason jar for your weekly meal prep. They travel well and have all your favorites like tomatoes, gorgonzola, hard-boiled eggs, chicken, bacon, and greens.
Pasta salad in mason jar

Italian Pasta Mason Jar Salad– A Cedar Spoon

This Italian Pasta Mason Jar Salad is great for your weekly meal prep. Mason jar salads can be made ahead of time by layering your favorite dressing, vegetables, pasta, greens, nuts, and cheese and stored in the jar until ready to eat. This recipe mixes pasta, vegetables, lettuce, and goat cheese with a creamy Italian-style dressing.

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