12+ Favorite Make-Ahead Lunches That Will Make Your Week So Much Easier!
Imagine opening your fridge to find lunch ready and waiting for you, just like a gift. These delightful make-ahead meals are not only tasty but will also save you time during your busy week. Get ready to explore some mouthwatering options that will have you excited for lunch every day!
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 45 min Total Time: 45 min.
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This vibrant salad bursts with flavors from the roasted veggies and the nutty quinoa, making it a fantastic option for a healthy lunch. The veggies get caramelized in the oven, enhancing their natural sweetness, while the quinoa adds a satisfying texture. It’s a dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious!
1 cup quinoa
2 cups vegetable broth
1 zucchini, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish
This salad is popular because it can be made in bulk and stays fresh in the fridge for several days. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without sacrificing flavor. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables, making it a versatile dish that you’ll want to make again and again!
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: 10 min Total Time: 10 min.
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These wraps are creamy, savory, and incredibly satisfying, making them a perfect grab-and-go lunch. The combination of tender chicken, rich avocado, and crisp veggies creates a deliciously balanced flavor profile. It’s like a mini fiesta in every bite!
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 ripe avocado, mashed
1 cup spinach or lettuce
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
Whole wheat wraps
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon juice (optional)
What makes these wraps special is their simplicity and the fact that they can be prepped ahead of time. Just assemble the ingredients, wrap them up, and you’re set for the week! They’re perfect for lunchboxes or as a quick meal after a long day.
Rating: 4.6. Ingredients: Soy sauce, white rice, toasted sesame oil, carrot, egg Total Time: 25 min.
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Whip up a batch of this easy vegetable fried rice, and you’ll have a savory, satisfying dish that’s ready whenever you are. The rice gets perfectly stir-fried with a mix of colorful veggies and soy sauce, creating a comfort food classic that’s hard to resist. It’s a wonderful way to use up leftover rice, too!
This recipe is popular because it’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Plus, you can add any protein you like, from chicken to tofu, making it customizable for everyone’s tastes. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a filling meal that also feels like a treat!
Rating: 4.5. Ingredients: Lean ground beef, black beans, mason jar, ranch dressing, taco seasoning mix Total Time: 35 min.
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Imagine layers of fresh ingredients all packed into a jar, creating a stunning and tasty salad that’s as fun to eat as it is to look at. This taco salad combines zesty flavors and crunchy textures, making every bite a fiesta! It’s perfect for meal prep, and you can easily adjust the ingredients based on your cravings.
1 cup cooked ground beef or turkey
1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 avocado, diced
Taco seasoning (to taste)
Ranch or salsa dressing
These salad jars are popular not just for their taste but for their convenience! Just layer the ingredients in a mason jar, and you have a week’s worth of delicious lunches ready to grab and go. Plus, they look super cute, making lunchtime feel a little more special.
This chickpea curry is rich, creamy, and full of flavor, making it a satisfying choice for lunch. The warm spices combined with coconut milk create a deliciously aromatic dish that pairs wonderfully with rice or quinoa. It’s a wholesome meal that feels like a cozy hug!
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 can coconut milk
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 cup spinach
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooked rice or quinoa for serving
This recipe stands out because it’s vegetarian, packed with protein, and incredibly easy to make. The curry gets better as it sits, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully. It’s perfect for meal prep, and you can easily make a big batch to last you through the week!
