Healthy Meal Prep Ideas (+ Shopping List!)

These healthy meal prep ideas will make your life easier for the rest of the week! With recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, you’ll always have healthy options at your fingertips.

If the term “meal prep” has you picturing yourself eating the same meal over and over again, you’ll be happy to know it doesn’t have to be that way.

Instead of prepping a big batch of a recipe, you can prep individual ingredients, like a cooked protein, chopped veggies, whole grains, and a delicious sauce or two, to help add variety to your week. You’ll quickly be able to assemble delicious meals in just minutes, thanks to a little prep work ahead of time. The video below will walk you through this process and meal ideas.

I’ve also included some healthy desserts and snacks, so your sweet tooth will be covered. For even more recipes, be sure to browse the options below!

Healthy Meal Prep Recipes: Video Tutorial

Follow along with my healthy meal prep video below, where I walk you through 10 easy meal prep ideas step-by-step.

You can download the shopping list & meal ideas for this video, if you want to skip some of the planning process.

Breakfast Recipes 

If you’re looking for healthy breakfast ideas, these options are easy to make in advance. You can reheat them for a fast morning, or choose a no-cook option if you want something you can enjoy straight from the fridge.

Sweet Potato Toast. This is one of the easiest recipes to meal prep (simply slice & cook in advance). You can pop it in the toaster, just like you would a slice of bread! Sweet potatoes won’t become crispy like real toast, but these slices are warm, comforting, and filling when you add your favorite toppings.

Overnight Oats. These jars are quick to assemble, and you can make multiple flavors at once! They will last up to 5 days in the fridge, so you can have breakfast handled during a busy week.

Banana Oatmeal Pancakes. Baking these pancakes in your oven is a game-changer for meal prep. They cook all at once, without any added oil, and then you can pop them in your toaster to reheat! Top them with peanut butter and sliced banana for an easy breakfast option. (This is great for kids before school, too!)

Buckwheat Waffles. When you prepare these in a classic waffle iron (not as thick as a Belgian waffle iron) they are easy to freeze and pop in the toaster for a fast morning. They are naturally gluten-free, too! 

Baked Banana Oatmeal. If you love oatmeal, but don’t want to assemble it from scratch every morning, this is an easy option. The slices are easy to reheat for a quick morning!

Chia Pudding. If you want to change up your breakfast routine, try chia pudding for a change. It’s similar to overnight oats, but made with filling chia seeds instead. There are 6 flavors to try!

Breakfast Bowls. When you take the time to prep a few ingredients in advance, you can assemble these savory and protein-packed breakfast bowls in just minutes. Feel free to use up any other veggies you have on hand, too.

Quinoa Porridge. Cook a big batch of creamy quinoa with this method, then serve it as a cold cereal with your favorite toppings. It’s similar to oatmeal, but with more protein in each bite.

Egg Bites. If you love the egg bites from Starbucks, you’ll love this easy homemade version. They reheat quickly for a fast morning on the go, and are cooked in a regular muffin pan. You won’t believe how similar the texture is to the sous-vide version!

Homemade Granola. You can pick from peanut butter granola, chocolate granola, or a healthy granola made without oil. Serve with yogurt or milk, and sliced banana or berries on top.

Muesli. This no-cook breakfast can be mixed together in just 5 minutes. It’s cheaper than buying a mix from the store, and makes a hearty breakfast that is shelf-stable, in case your fridge is crowded.

Healthy Breakfast Casserole. This recipe replaces the bread and heavy cream found in traditional recipes with 3 pounds of veggies, but it’s still just as comforting and delicious. The slices are easy to reheat for a fast morning!

Almond Flour Banana Bread. This gluten-free quick bread tastes like the real thing, but is made with protein-rich almond flour. It makes an easy breakfast or snack on the go!

Meal Prep Bowls & Salads

Bowls are an easy lunch or dinner option, especially if you have individual ingredients already prepped! (Check out the “Meal Prep Basics” section later in this post for ideas.) You can assemble your own bowls using what you have on hand, or try one of the recipes below for something quick & easy to grab from the fridge.

Best Quinoa Salad. This quinoa salad is made with fresh veggies and herbs, so it’s packed with flavor. It’s an easy lunch that that keeps well for days.

Looking for another variation? This Black Bean & Quinoa Salad features Southwest flavors and keeps well in the fridge for an easy packed lunch.

Lentil Salad. This recipe will feed an army, or one to two people for several days in a row. It’s a great way to sneak more fiber into your life!

Cowboy Caviar. You can serve this recipe with tortilla chips for an easy, fiber-filled snack, or enjoy it straight-up as a filling salad.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad. This salad is loaded with flavor, and you can change up the toppings as you like. Try it with baked chicken or creamy feta cheese on top, or leave off the cheese for a vegan option.

Mason Jar Salads. Choose from a Mediterranean flavor or a Fall-inspired combination. Packing your salads in a jar this way prevents them from getting soggy, and when you pour them into a serving bowl, the dressing will coat the ingredients as it pours out.

Apple Walnut Salad. This salad is so delicious, you might want to eat it every day! Top it with your favorite protein to round-out the meal. 

Greek Pasta Salad. Since pasta salad is served chilled already, it makes an easy meal prep lunch option! Store it in individual containers for an easy packed meal. 

Quinoa Bowls with Creamy Pesto Dressing. The dressing recipe for these bowls will make you crave your next meal! Once you prep the quinoa and dressing, they are easy to assemble for a quick meal.

Soups & Stews

Soups and stews tend to freeze well, so you can make a big batch and store them for months in your freezer. To thaw, transfer them to your fridge for up to 48 hours before you plan on reheating them again. (Or reheat straight from frozen in a pot on the stove top and stir often.)

Vegetarian Chili. This hearty recipe relies on canned beans for convenience, so it’s easy to make! Serve it with crunchy tortilla chips or cornbread, for a comforting meal. 

Curry Chicken Soup. This is one of the most popular soup recipes on my website! The combination of creamy curry flavors, paired with chicken and lentils, makes it filling, comforting, and delicious. You may want to make a double-batch of this one! Leftovers can be served over cooked rice or quinoa, for another variation.

Black Bean Soup. If you miss the black bean soup from Panera, this one tastes even better and is easy to make at home. The flavor is so impressive, I like to make it for dinner guests! 

Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup. This recipe has a sneaky ingredient that adds creaminess, but also makes it more filling, with extra fiber and protein in each bite. When you are looking for healthy comfort food, this is a delicious option! 

Hearty Quinoa Soup. This soup is inspired by a popular Annie’s brand canned soup, and features quinoa, which is a complete source of plant-based protein. Feel free to swap the veggies to use what you have on hand. 

Chickpea Noodle Soup. A delicious alternative to chicken noodle soup, this recipe is especially good when you use a legume-based pasta, such as chickpea pasta. The gluten-free noodles will help thicken the broth as they cook! 

Red Lentil Soup. Red lentils are the fastest-cooking variety of lentils, so this soup is ready to eat in less than 30 minutes, and the flavor is out of this world! Serve it with crusty bread, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Mexican Chicken Soup. This soup has the flavor of tortilla soup, only without the fried tortillas. It makes a filling lunch or dinner, and you can top it with a cooked grain, such as quinoa or rice, or fiber-rich black beans, to help round-out your meal. 

Healthy Snacks & Sweet Treats

Having a healthy snack on hand is a game-changer when you’re trying to stick to your healthy eating goals. The options below require just 10 to 15 minutes of effort, and will make your life easier for the rest of the week.

Chocolate Energy Balls. When you are craving more of a brownie flavor, try this no-bake option. They are loaded with fiber, and antioxidant-rich cacao powder. Try Date Energy Balls for a non-chocolate version.

Don’t have a food processor? Try Peanut Butter Protein Balls for a variation you can stir together in just minutes.

Homemade Granola Bars. These granola bars are naturally sweetened with honey, and taste better than the store-bought variety! You can add any mix-ins you love to make them more filling, such as hemp hearts or crunchy nuts.

Hummus. This filling dip is made with a combination of chickpeas and tahini, and you can whip it together in just 5 minutes! It tastes better than anything you’d buy at the store, and you can use it in a number of different ways. Try spreading it on a sandwich or wrap, serve it with sliced veggies, or add it to pasta for extra creaminess. 

The Best Bean Dip. If you want another dip option, this one is perfect for tortilla chips or veggies. All you need is 15 minutes to make it! 

Almond Butter Fudge. This sweet treat is naturally sweetened, and takes just 10 minutes to stir together. Keep it stashed in your freezer for a quick way to satisfy your sweet tooth. If you prefer a chocolate version, try Vegan Fudge, instead. 

Healthy Cookies. These cookies taste unbelievably authentic, but they are made with dates instead of sugar! Keep them stored in your fridge for an easy treat. 

Banana Oatmeal Cookies. Made with just 4 ingredients, these cookies come together in just minutes and are a great way to use up any ripe bananas you have on hand. You can even enjoy them for a fast breakfast on the go! 

Meal Prep Basics

Cooked Protein & Main Entrees

Taking the time to prep some protein ahead of time will help keep your meals filling and satisfying. Feel free to pick two options this week, and then try two more next time!

• Baked Chicken Breasts. This quick recipe creates flavorful chicken breasts that pair well with practically any meal. Serve the sliced chicken over a salad, pasta, or bowl for an easy protein option.
• Crispy Baked Tofu. This tofu is perfectly seasoned, with a super-appealing texture. Serve it as a vegetarian swap when you want extra plant-based protein in your meals.
• Baked Falafel. This recipe uses canned chickpeas for convenience, and tastes just as delicious as the traditional version. They are freezer-friendly, and make a great addition to bowls and wraps.
• Veggie Burgers. Everyone loves these veggie burgers! Made with veggies, beans, nuts, and oats, they are hearty enough to keep you feeling satisfied.
• Healthy Burgers. Made with a mix of lean ground beef and lentils, these burgers taste like the real thing, but are budget-friendly and pack extra fiber in each bite.
• Quick Black Bean Burgers. There’s no food processor required for this recipe, so they make an easy option during a busy week.

Sauces & Salad Dressings

A simple dressing or sauce can add tons of flavor to your next meal! Make one or two to help keep your week interesting, and then try a different one next time, to help add variety.

• Apple Cider Vinaigrette. This will quickly become your go-to dressing, because the flavor goes well with practically any toppings. Keep a big batch stashed in your fridge for easy salads and bowls.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing.If you want to change things up, this dressing pairs especially well with a spinach salad. Serve it with red onion, sliced avocado, and strawberries on top!
• Creamy Tahini Dill Dressing. This recipe gets its creaminess from tahini, rather than mayo, and it makes an excellent topping for a savory salad. It can also double as a veggie dip! 
• Honey Balsamic Dressing. This dressing goes with everything! You can mix it together in just minutes, and enjoy it all week long over your favorite salad ingredients. 
• Cilantro Lime Dressing. When you want a Southwest flavor, this dressing is a nice change! Serve it over your favorite salad ingredients or over tacos, for extra flavor. 
• Romesco Sauce. If you love the flavor of roasted red bell peppers, you will love this sauce. It comes together quickly in your blender, and makes a delicious pasta topping, sandwich spread, and dip.
• Healthy Blue Cheese Dressing. When you want a creamy option, this blue cheese dressing is also made with white beans for added creaminess.

Whole Grains & Legumes

Cooked grains make an excellent base for curries and stir-fries, and you can also turn them into a quick meal, like Veggie Fried Rice or Quinoa Fried Rice. It’s also great to have cooked beans or lentils on hand, for adding extra fiber and protein to your next salad or bowl.

• Instant Pot Brown Rice.
• Fool-proof quinoa. (Or try Instant Pot directions.)
• Instant Pot White Rice.
• How to Cook Chickpeas (or try them in the Instant Pot)
• Instant Pot Black Beans
• Instant Pot Lentils

Handy Vegetables

If you want to squeeze some more nutrients into your day, the following veggies are helpful to have on hand. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days to add to your meals throughout the week.

• Cauliflower Rice. Quickly pulse a head of cauliflower in your food processor to create cauliflower rice! It makes a nutrient-dense alternative to rice, and is delicious in Cauliflower Fried Rice, or anywhere else that you would regularly use rice.
• Shredded Cabbage. Shred a head of cabbage ahead of time, and keep it stored in the fridge all week for an easy stir fry meal, such as Egg Roll in a Bowl or Pizza Stir Fry. It also makes a great addition to salads and bowls, for extra crunch. 
• Chopped Romaine Lettuce. Having your lettuce washed and chopped will make it that much easier to quickly assemble a salad. Simply add this base to your bowl, and top it with your favorite toppings, such as baked chicken, hummus, and a delicious salad dressing.
• Roasted cauliflower. Roasted cauliflower is delicious enough to enjoy straight off the pan, but you can also save it in the fridge to add to bowls and stir fries during the week.
• Roasted asparagus. When it’s in season (Feburary to June) this roasted vegetable makes a delicious topping for salads, or a simple side dish.  You can also cook it in the air fryer. 
• Roasted Red Peppers. Roasting red peppers at home is one of the easiest things to do, and they add a great texture and flavor to practically any dish. Try them in Romesco sauce, or in vegan sushi!

If you try one of these healthy meal prep ideas, please leave a comment and star rating below letting me know how like them! And if you have other meal prep requests that you’d like to see in the future (Maybe budget friendly? Or vegan?) be sure to let me know that, too.