It’s hard to eat healthily when everyone is leading such busy lives. And that’s where Meal Prep Ideas Lunch steps in to save the day, making healthy food plans more approachable (and smarter!) than ever. If you’re willing to spend time on it every weekend, making your lunch ahead of time can save a ton of money, reduce stress and help keep you away from the spontaneous evil choice of fast food alternatives.
Making a selection of meal prep ideas for lunch meals will not only bring some variety to mid-day eating, but also provide you with nourishing and well-balanced food, which is exactly what we need most. With filling salads, grain bowls, protein-packed wraps and interesting vegetable combinations, the selection is vast enough to satisfy a variety of tastes and dietary needs. Cooking up food in advance also gives you control over portions, which is ideal for avoiding the temptation of your higher-calorie favorite foods, all without sacrificing that flavor.
And, preparing meal prep ideas for lunch to work makes you mindful about food choices. Planning your meals in advance not only entitles you to get all of those nutrients, but it also helps you use ingredients efficiently and reduces food waste. With a little foresight and coordination, meal prepping can revolutionize the way you think about lunch, making it not an ordeal of Romaine lettuce on repeat but rainbows of weekend workdays.
Meal Prep Ideas Lunch From DishBloom!
Healthy Chicken & Veggie Meal Prep Bowl
Equipment
- Meal prep containers
- Baking sheet
- Medium saucepan
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice
- 2 chicken breasts cooked and sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 tbsp balsamic glaze or dressing of choice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss broccoli and bell pepper with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a baking sheet for 15–20 minutes until tender.
- Cook quinoa or rice according to package instructions.
- Slice cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble the meal prep bowls: divide quinoa/rice, roasted vegetables, cherry tomatoes, and chicken evenly among containers.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze or your favorite dressing if desired.
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Add nuts, seeds, or avocado for extra healthy fats.
- You can mix and match vegetables based on seasonal availability.
Share Your Twist!
Make this meal prep bowl your own! Try swapping quinoa for couscous or farro for a different texture. Add roasted sweet potatoes or zucchini for extra flavor. Spice it up with a dash of smoked paprika or curry powder on the chicken. Don’t forget a sprinkle of feta or a handful of nuts for a satisfying crunch. How would you put your unique spin on this lunch bowl?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I meal prep this bowl for the whole week?
Yes! This meal prep bowl can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for weekly lunches.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely. Swap the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas, and use plant-based dressing to make it vegetarian or vegan.
Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?
Yes, you can use brown rice, farro, couscous, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
How do I reheat the meal prep bowls?
Simply microwave the bowl for 2–3 minutes or until heated through. You can also enjoy it cold for a refreshing salad-style lunch.
Can I freeze these meal prep bowls?
Yes, but avoid freezing fresh veggies like tomatoes. Freeze the grains, cooked protein, and roasted vegetables separately for best results.