3 Meal Prep Lunch Ideas for a Delicious and Stress-Free Week

Rachel Makinson
by Rachel Makinson

Meal prepping can transform your lunch routine from a daily scramble into a streamlined, stress-free process.


By dedicating a little time to prepare meals in advance, you can enjoy nutritious and delicious lunches all week long without the hassle of daily cooking.


Here are three lunch prep ideas for work that are easy to make in batches, packed with flavor, and perfect for keeping you fueled throughout the workweek.


Disclaimer: Simplify may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

1. Chicken and veggie stir-fry bowls

This Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry Bowl is a balanced meal featuring lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and whole grains.


It’s versatile and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or sauces. Plus, it’s quick to prepare in bulk, making it an ideal choice for busy weeks.

Chicken and veggie stir-fry bowl - image via Canva

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Ingredients:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup snap peas
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Cooked brown rice or quinoa for serving


Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
  4. Add garlic and ginger, and cook for an additional 1 minute.
  5. Return the chicken to the skillet and stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
  6. Divide cooked brown rice or quinoa among meal prep containers and top with the chicken and veggie stir-fry.
  7. Let cool before sealing containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.


Product recommendation:

For a reliable glass container for meal prep lunches, consider the Glass Meal Prep Containers by Prep Naturals. These containers are made from durable borosilicate glass, which can handle both high temperatures and cold conditions, making them perfect for various meal prep needs.

Glass Meal Prep Containers by Prep Naturals

2. Mediterranean chickpea salad

This Mediterranean chickpea salad is a protein-packed, no-cook meal that’s bursting with fresh flavors. It’s not only easy to prepare but also keeps well in the fridge, making it a convenient and nutritious option for lunch.

Mediterranean chickpea salad - image via Canva

Ingredients:

  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped


For the dressing:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
  4. Divide the salad into meal prep containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.


Product recommendation:

Mother Earth Organic Red Wine Vinegar is a premium, raw, and unpasteurized vinegar made from fresh-pressed organic Cabernet grapes.


Each 32 oz glass bottle contains rich, tangy vinegar that is unfiltered and retains "The Mother," a natural probiotic culture that contributes to its robust flavor and health benefits. This organic red wine vinegar is ideal for adding a vibrant kick to salads.

Mother Earth Organic Red Wine Vinegar

3. Turkey and veggie lettuce wraps

These Turkey and Veggie Lettuce Wraps are a low-carb, protein-rich lunch option that’s both tasty and satisfying. The filling can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge, while the fresh lettuce leaves can be added just before eating, keeping them crisp and perfect for wrapping.

Turkey and veggie lettuce wraps - image via Canva

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
  • 1/2 cup water chestnuts, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Butter lettuce leaves for wrapping


Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add ground turkey and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
  3. Add carrots, bell peppers, water chestnuts, and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  4. Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  5. Let the turkey mixture cool slightly, then divide it among meal prep containers.
  6. Store lettuce leaves separately to keep them fresh. Serve the turkey mixture in lettuce wraps.


Product recommendation:

The Bee's Wrap Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps are a perfect choice for lunch prep, especially wraps and sandwiches. Made in the USA from organic cotton infused with beeswax, these eco-friendly wraps provide a sustainable and versatile alternative to single-use plastic. 

Bee's Wrap Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps

Meal prep lunch ideas

Meal prepping your lunches can save you time and stress while ensuring you have healthy, delicious options ready to go.


These three meal prep ideas are not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrients. With these recipes in your meal prep rotation, you’ll have a week of satisfying lunches at your fingertips.


Next, let's explore the Instant Pot Vs. Crock-Pot: Which is Better?

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