If you’re looking for the best, easy, healthy lunch recipes to meal prep, then you’re in the right place!
Read on for 34 Ridiculously Easy Lunches to make ahead.
Bonus: Every single one of these recipes is gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free.
We all know what a struggle lunch can be.
And while there are plenty for resources out there for packing lunches for kids, there aren’t nearly enough to help with lunch if you’re an adult.
But that ends now—these lunch prep tips and recipes are for us adults who deserve delicious, nourishing lunches just as much as kids!
That’s where a little meal prep can save the day: with a few intentional minutes in the kitchen, you’ll be all set with lunches for the entire week.
To help you out, I’ve rounded up my favorite easy, healthy lunches you can prep ahead and take to work, to class, or anywhere your day takes you.
Simplified Tips for to Streamline Lunch Meal Prep
Start here: meal prep hacks that will simplify your life
1. The Power of One
Start by prepping one thing, and building from there.
2. A Little as You Go
Instead of looking to carve out an hour (or several), try prepping a little as you go.
3. Plan Before You Prep
Having a flexible plan for the week, or a meal map, will help you prep with purpose.
4. Low and Slow
Let that slow cooker or pressure cooker work for you.
5. More of the Same
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel every single week!
The Best Lunch Meal Prep Containers & Kitchen Tools (affiliate links)
6-Quart Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
Divided Glass Meal Prep Containers
The Best Way to Freeze Lunch Soups and Stews for Meal Prep
How to Freeze Anything in a Mason Jar
34 Ridiculously Easy Healthy Lunches to Meal Prep
Easy, Healthy Vegetarian Lunch Recipes for Meal Prep
Crunchy Curry Quinoa Salad (gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian)
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
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.
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
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!
