22 Cold Lunch Ideas You Can Meal Prep (2024)

By: Denise Bustard12 Comments
Posted: 8/20/21Updated: 8/20/21

Do I have to eat the same thing every day for lunch?

You do not! See my post about how to add variety to your meal prep for tips on how to avoid eating the same thing over and over.

How many days can I meal prep for at once?

Most ingredients will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. To meal prep for the whole week, do a second meal prep session mid-week. Or you can choose freezer-friendly meal prep meals, like thesefreezer-friendly lunch meal prep recipes!

Do you have more meal prep recipes for breakfast and dinner?

You're in the right place. See this roundup of breakfast meal prep recipes, and this roundup of dinner meal prep recipes for a ton of fun ideas!

Favorite Meal Prep Containers

Our tried and true favorite meal prep containers and jars that will keep your food fresh, help you reheat it evenly, and withstand the test of time. No more wasting your money, these are the absolute best containers out there!

Keep reading

Fennel and Pomegranate Quinoa Salad

A bright, flavorful fennel & pomegranate quinoa salad recipe that is so simple to throw together and is a perfect make ahead holiday side dish! Filled with crunchy fennel, radish and celery, with sweet pomegranates and fresh mint.

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Strawberry Quinoa Spinach Jar Salads

This strawberry spinach quinoa salad in a jar is the perfect freshsummer meal prep lunch! Spend a bit of time prepping your lunches on the weekend and you'll be the envy of your office.

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Thai Chickpea Mason Jar Salad

Thai chickpea mason jar salad has a tangy peanut dressing, quinoa, zucchini, carrots and cabbage and is topped with honey roasted peanuts! Ready in under 25 minutes.

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Kale Barley Salad with Feta and a Honey-Lemon Vinaigrette

This kale barley salad is full of whole grain, nutrient-rich ingredients that will nourish your body and fill you up! Easy to prepare, vegetarian, and meal prep-friendly!

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Asian Chicken Mason Jar Salads

These Asian chicken mason jar salads make for an easy and healthy work lunch! They can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 4 days.

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Ranch Chicken Jar Salads

These ranch chicken jar salads are made with homemade ranch dressing, baked chicken breast, shredded cheese, and lots of veggies! Low carb with 6 g net carbs, and gluten-free, they are a healthy grab-and-go lunch.

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Asian Salad with Salmon, Ginger, and Lime Dressing

A bright and flavorful Asian salad with salmon, fresh veggies, creamy avocado, and candied ginger all tossed in a tangy lime vinaigrette.

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Caprese Chicken Salad Meal Prep Bowls

Caprese chicken salad meal prep bowls are fresh, summery and delicious. With baked chicken, fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, quinoa and basil leaves all drizzled in a balsamic vinaigrette.

Vegan Sushi Meal Prep

This vegan sushi bowl meal prep has all the flavors of sushi without the rolling! Made with cucumber, carrots, radish, edamame, rice and a sriracha mayo dressing.

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Buddha Bowl Recipe

This Buddha bowl recipe is full of healthy plant-based ingredients and works great for meal prep! Customize it using your favorite veggies and don't forget to drizzle with the delicious tahini sauce.

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Spicy Tofu Noodles Meal Prep

These spicy tofu noodle meal prep bowls are made with a sweet, savory and spicy sauce, whole-wheat spaghetti, zucchini noodles, and tofu! Make it ahead and enjoy for lunch through the week.

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Southwestern Chopped Chicken Salad (Meal Prep)

This southwestern chopped chicken salad is going to be your new favorite work lunch! Prep ahead on the weekend and when you're ready to serve, drizzle with ranch and sprinkle with tortilla strips.

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Cold Sesame Noodles with Spiralized Vegetables

These cold sesame noodle meal prep bowls are the perfect vegan prep ahead lunch: spiralized vegetables tossed with chickpeas and whole wheat spaghetti in a spicy almond butter sauce.

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Tuna Protein Box

Tuna protein box is filled with protein-packed foods: tuna salad, cheese, and hard boiled eggs. Ready in minutes, and perfect for delicious on the go snacks! Gluten-free and clean eating.

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Chickpea Salad Bento Box (Vegan)

Chickpea salad bento box is a vegan no cook lunch option that can be ready in under 25 minutes!

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Spring Strawberry Bento Box

Spring strawberry bento lunch boxes are easy to whip up in under 15 minutes! With fresh strawberries, maple cinnamon pecans, balsamic reduction and more.

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Taco Salad Bento Lunch Box

This no cook taco salad bento box recipe is ready for your lunch in under 20 minutes! A great meal prep lunch option when you're too busy to prep.

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No Cook Greek Pita Bento Box

No cook Greek pita bento box has chicken, greek salad, tzatziki and pita bread. No cooking required, and assembled in under 20 minutes!

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No Cook Vegan Bento Snack Box Recipe

No cook vegan bento snack box recipe is an easy option to throw together to make sure your snacks are balanced and healthy! Fresh berries, hummus-stuffed mini peppers, trail mix and black bean tortilla chips will fill you up with wholesome ingredients.

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Greek Chicken Wraps

These Greek chicken wraps are proof that simple ingredients can yield incredible flavor! With roasted vegetables and chicken tossed in a simple blend of spices, salty feta cheese, and a subtle taste of lemon.

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Pesto Chicken Pita Recipe

This easy pesto chicken pita recipe is classic and delicious. Roasted vegetables and chicken, tossed in pesto, and served in a pita pocket! A family favorite recipe that works great meal prep!

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Cajun Chicken Wrap Recipe

This cajun chicken wrap recipe is perfect for meal prep! Ready in under 20 minutes, packed full of veggies, and SO delicious for lunches or dinners!

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