Need some delicious meal prep ideas for lunch this week? Here are 30+ healthy make-ahead lunch ideas to prep for work this week! Including cold lunch ideas if you’re in a rush and can’t reheat your meals.
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Are you looking to save some money? Or are you looking to eat healthier throughout the day? Either way, these healthy make ahead work lunch ideas are perfect to help you stay on a budget and eat healthier! When I first started working 8 hour days, I would use that as an excuse to treat myself to buy lunch at one of the make take-out places nearby since I was working all day. That $10-15 a day then started to add up and that’s one of the reasons I started meal prepping my work lunches.
At first, I would just bring dinner leftovers for work lunches like my partner did. However, that didn’t really work for me. So I started meal prepping healthy lunches separately instead. That’s actually how this blog started to shift more towards food than fitness! I had wanted to share my meal prep ideas because I wanted share what I was making and how easy it can be!
Anyways, today I rounded up some of my favourite healthy make ahead work lunch ideas from some fellow bloggers (and some from this blog!) to share with you. All it takes is a couple of hours (or less) on your day off and you’re set for some delicious healthy meals for the work week! (Bonus: the second half of this list are make ahead cold work lunches that are great for summer or if you don’t have access to a microwave at work!) Be sure to share your favourite healthy make ahead lunches down below in the comments!
Note: I’ll be updating this healthy lunch ideas for work post with new fast healthy meal preps whenever I have new recipes so don’t forget to bookmark or pin this post for later so you can check back for more healthy lunch recipes for your weekly lunch menu! This post has gone from 17 meal preps to over 30! So keep checking back :)
Meal Prepping Resources
- I’m a huge fan of glass containers for packing my lunches in as they’re great for reheating in the microwave and they don’t hold onto smells over time. You can even get containers that have dividers if you want to keep certain components of your meal separate.
- You’ll see below that I’m also a fan of mason jars as they’re great for soups or anything that is layered (ie salad with dressing on the bottom).
- I’m obsessed with my Instant Pot as I can set it and forget it and a delicious meal prep comes out of it afterwards!
- If you are interested in a meat subscription, so you’ll always have meat in your freezer, check out ButcherBox for hormone and antibiotic free meat delivered to your door!
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Healthy Make Ahead Work Lunch Ideas
Made with only a handful of ingredients, this Spicy Ground Pork Stir Fry comes together quickly and easily! It’s the perfect recipe for days when you’re super busy or for a quick meal prep. Made with gochujang, this ground pork stir fry is spicy but sweet!
This Vietnamese Grilled Chicken Meal Prep is jammed packed with a whole lotta flavour thanks to its flavourful marinade. This Vietnamese Grilled Chicken is perfect for either a meal prep or as a weeknight dinner.
These Honey Sesame Chicken Thighs are so easy to make and are absolutely delicious! These crispy chicken thighs are coated in a sticky sweet and garlicky savoury sauce that you’re going to want to lick your plate clean.
These Korean Gochujang Chicken Thighs are so easy to make on the grill or on the stovetop. These chicken thighs come together with only a few ingredients and are packed with flavour.
These simple but delicious Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowls come together quickly and easily. These bowls combine zesty cilantro-lime rice with cilantro-lime chicken, corn, pinto beans, red onions, and avocado, making them not only filling but tasty as well.
This Spicy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Meal Prep is inspired by the chicken burrito bowls from Chipotle! It’s so easy to make and takes less than 30 minutes to meal prep for four days!
These Honey Sriracha Turkey and Mushroom Meatballs are the perfect blend of sweet and spicy that leaves you wanting more. These are perfect as an appetizer or as part of your weekly meal prep.
This Sheet Pan Chicken Teriyaki with Veggies and Pineapple Meal Prep (no sesame) is the healthier homemade version of the popular chicken teriyaki takeout! A pan of juicy chicken with a sweet and tangy sauce alongside roasted vegetables and pineapple! If you have an Instant Pot, you can use this Instant Pot version so you can make this fast healthy meal prep even quicker!
This Chicken & Hummus Plate Lunch Meal Prep is so simple yet incredibly filling and delicious! Get back to basics with fresh cut bell pepper, carrot, cucumbers, paired with a perfect portion of chicken breast, cheese slices, and grapes for a touch of sweetness. Recipe from Project Meal Plan.
Healthy, quick, and effortless Sheet Pan Salmon, Lentils, and Asparagus. A great easy meal prep recipe or a healthy dinner option for busy families. Recipe from My Kitchen Love.
Filled with pork and garlic and with crispy golden bottoms, Pork Potstickers makes for the perfect meal prep. These potstickers are freezer friendly so you can make always have some on hand!
Take this Healthy Taco Salad recipe to work or school in a super convenient mason jar! Prep-ahead and have this easy mason jar salad recipe ready to grab-and-go. Recipe from Evolving Table.
This super easy Gochujang Braised Chickpeas makes for a spicy and delicious meal! Make a batch for your next meal prep!
Looking to change up your boring chicken meal prep or an easy weeknight dinner? Try this Korean Chicken Meal Prep! It’s easy to make, packed with flavour, and meal preps wonderfully! The chicken thighs are pan seared 5 minutes per side so you’ll have your meal ready in no time!
This easy and healthy Salsa Quinoa Taco Bowl Meal Prep is perfect for meal prepping! Simple, filling, and delicious!
Grab a jar of this Bolognese Meal Prep on your way out the door! Packed with healthy goodness, this meal prep will hit that comfort food craving without being too heavy!
This Instant Pot Cashew Chicken is the perfect mix of sweet and savoury. Pair it with a bag of vegetables from Mann’s Fresh Vegetables, and you’ve got dinner in a jiffy!
This One Pot Orzo Bolognese is packed with flavour and is practically comfort in a bowl. Easy to make, meal prep friendly, and kid friendly, this ground beef and orzo recipe is going to be a staple!
Turn this Honey Chipotle Chicken into a chicken salad bowl or a chicken burrito bowl. This juicy stove top chicken is so easy to make. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a meal prep!
Packed with flavour and perfectly juicy, this Lemongrass Chicken Thighs recipe is perfect as a quick weeknight meal or as part of a weekly meal prep. Topped with a scallion oil garnish and served with a side of rice, it’ll have you reaching for seconds.
This Japanese style Hibachi Chicken made with sautéed vegetables served over top of a simple fried rice is an easy and delicious dinner that also serves as a delicious meal prep.
These pan-seared Spicy Honey Garlic Thighs are sticky, flavourful, and so easy to make! Made with pantry staples and just a handful of ingredients, these honey garlic thighs are perfect for a meal prep.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a meal prep, make these Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs on the stove top in less than 20 minutes. Turn it into a meal with my tips down below!
Make Ahead Cold Work Lunch Ideas
So simple to make with only a handful of ingredients, this Chicken and Hummus meal prep comes together in next to no time. It’s filling, can be eaten cold or warm, and is the perfect make ahead lunch to take to school or work.
This Easy Hoisin Glazed Salmon Meal Prep is perfect for those who may not be able to heat up their lunches. Delicious whether warm or cold, this earthy but sweet hoisin glazed salmon is just what you need for your meal.
Turn this simple pan seared Herb Chicken Thighs into a chicken salad bowl or a chicken burrito bowl. This juicy herb-y chicken is so easy to make. Perfect for a quick meal prep!
Perfect for hot summer days, this easy chicken pepperoni pasta salad is just what you need! Plus, this pasta salad is great for meal preps if you have don’t have access to a microwave.
This Cold Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad is the perfect easy cold meal prep idea! This taste best after a day so it’s perfect for meal prepping.
Packed with protein, this super easy healthy Chicken Cobb Salad doesn’t take long to put together and is perfect if you’re looking for a filling salad. It packs really well, making this cobb salad a perfect meal prep as well.
This Peach Quinoa Salad is the perfect cold lunch meal prep as well as being super easy to make for a large gathering! Look no further for a cold lunch idea than this sweet peachy salad.
This Chopped Chicken Salad only takes a couple of minutes to put together and is perfect if you’re looking for a filling salad. Super versatile and great as a meal prep as well!
This meal prep friendly Spinach Strawberry Salad is so easy to make and comes together so quickly. Made with only a handful of ingredients, this colourful meal is the perfect summer salad!
This meal prep friendly Grilled Chicken Salad with Blueberries is so easy to make and comes together so quickly. Made with only a handful of ingredients, this colourful meal is the perfect salad to brighten your day!
An easy chicken wrap recipe you can throw together in just 15 minutes for a quick & healthy dinner or lunch. Fix this on a busy weeknight or prep it for the week ahead for grab & go meals. Recipe from The Rising Spoon.
This Cold Peanut Lime Chicken Noodles is so easy to make, customizable, and is a great way to use up leftovers!
This no mayo Healthy Chicken Salad is going to be a lifesaver this summer! Healthy enough to eat regularly and easy to make, you’re going to want to make this Healthy Chicken Salad all summer.
This easy Mango Chili Lime Chicken meal prep is coated with a sweet and spicy marinade. Delicious hot or cold.
Savory chilled noodles smothered in a flavorful peanut sauce and topped with green onions and chopped peanuts. Perfect for hot days! Recipe from The Cozy Cook.
This Korean Japchae is the perfect dish a cold lunch meal prep! Delicious at room temperature or chilled.
Links You May Find Helpful
- Meal Prep 101
- How To Cook Chicken Breasts Perfectly
- What Is An Instant Pot
- Tips To Help You Meal Prep For The Week Successfully
- Meal Prep Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mealprepsupport/
More Healthy Recipe Round Ups
- 9 Must Try Foods in a Jar! Mason Jar Recipe Round Up
- 12 of the Best Healthy Instant Pot Recipes
- 11 Healthy Sow Cooker Recipes
- 17 Last Minute Potluck Recipes
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Linda
This is a great round up. Thanks so much for including my cobb salad meal prep!
Betty
I love these easy lunch ideas for work. I’m working my way through the list now.
Anny
Wonderful and practical ideas! And the best, healthy!
Nikki
Would love the link to the bolognese recipe…currently it links to the recipe featured above it.
Carmy
Sorry about that! https://carmyy.com/bolognese-meal-prep/
Nikki
Yummmm! Thank you so much!
Shannon
Love the ideas for cold meal preps especially because I’m still not comfortable with sharing a fridge or microwave with other people at work yet in light of COVID and feel better just packing my own thing in my personal cooler. Everything that you shared looks so beautiful!
Carmy
I hope you enjoy all these recipes :)