15 Meal Prep Lunch Ideas For Busy Workdays 

Meal Prep Lunch Ideas

After a long morning of checking tasks off of your to-do list, taking care of business, and getting things done, you’re probably looking forward to a much-needed lunch break. And what can make your lunch break go even more smoothly? A healthy meal prepped lunch that’s ready to eat! 

We’ve gathered a list of some of our favorite meal prep lunch ideas using Kevin’s Natural Foods so that you can keep yourself nourished on your lunch breaks, the quick and easy way. 

Benefits of meal prepping 

If you aren’t already meal-prepping, you definitely should be! Some benefits you can reap from meal prepping your lunch ahead of time: 

It’s cost-effective

If you aren’t bringing your lunch with you to work, your other options all involve buying meals from nearby restaurants or the deli in your grocery store -- and unfortunately, these bought meals can definitely add up over time. Bringing your meal prep to lunch is an easy way to save money while planning a meal that’ll actually keep you satisfied for the rest of the workday. 

    It’s healthy

    It’s no secret that eating a home-cooked meal is better for your health. In fact, a study by the University of Washington’s School Of Public Health found that people who ate home-cooked meals tended to eat healthier and spend less in the process! By bringing in a meal that you prepped yourself, rather than buying a premade meal at a restaurant or your grocery store deli, you have total control over all of the ingredients and portions that go into your lunch. 

      It’s a major time saver

      Now for one of the most compelling reasons to meal prep in the first place: it’s one of the best ways to save time! Rather than having to spend those valuable minutes of your lunch hour walking over to the nearest restaurant or waiting in line, you can simply reheat your meal and dedicate your lunch hour to the things that you really want to be focusing on. 

        So meal prepping is one of the best ways that you can keep on track with your health and fitness goals no matter how busy you are. And if you’re looking to make your life even easier, you can use products from Kevin’s Natural Foods! Our meal options make healthy cooking as quick and easy as your busy schedule requires, but are still super clean with no refined sugars, gluten, soy, or antibiotics. It’s meal prep without the prep! 

        Quick and Easy Meal Prep Lunch Ideas 

        Teriyaki Roasted Tri-Tip

          This flavorful tri-tip recipe is simple to make but full of flavor, and it’s super-versatile to boot: use it for your protein of choice over salads, cauliflower rice, sandwiches, wraps, bowls, or whatever meal you’re craving on your lunch break! 

          Mexican Fiesta Bowl

            A flavorful bowl is one of our favorites for any meal since it can be packed with all of the veggies and flavors you crave. This colorful bowl is full of all of your favorite roasted veggies and riced cauliflower, plus Kevin’s Cilantro Lime Chicken, for a taste bud explosion that’ll leave you satisfied for the rest of your day. 

            People Pleasing Chicken Pasta Salad

            Pasta salad holds up really well in the fridge, which means that it makes the perfect meal prep lunch. This “people pleasing” favorite includes Kevin’s Roasted Garlic Chicken, gluten-free pasta, and a bright and flavorful dressing with pesto, avocado oil, and lemon juice. 

            Mongolian Beef Ramen Noodles 

              Ramen noodles are the king of quick and convenient meals -- and when you add in Kevin’s Mongolian-Style Beef to the mix, it makes for a hearty, comforting, and delicious lunch, no take-out required. 

              Fiesta Jar Salad

                Jar salads are the ultimate healthy meal prep lunch option. This recipe features a ton of bright and delicious flavors like pineapple, avocado, cilantro-lime chicken, and cotija cheese for a nourishing and energizing lunch that you’ll crave again and again. 

                Cilantro Lime Chicken With Mango Salsa

                  What makes a rice bowl even better? A rice bowl topped with a fresh mango salsa, of course! This tasty, zingy bowl is a great meal prep lunch option that will keep you full and focused for the rest of your workday. 

                  Sweet Chili Chicken Buddha Bowls

                  Another delicious and nutritious bowl option, these Sweet Chili Chicken Buddha Bowls feature Kevin’s Kung Pao Chicken and a bright and tangy sweet chili dressing, plus all of your favorite sliced vegetables for a truly healthy indulgent midday pick-me-up. 

                  Teriyaki Beef Lettuce Wrap w/ Pickled Apple And Radish Relish

                  Lettuce wraps are an awesome way to keep your lunch light and healthy while still enjoying your favorite flavors. This recipe aims to please with a homemade pickled apple and radish relish that’s easier than you might think to really elevate an already-delicious meal. 

                  Keto Garlic Chicken Dip with Crudites

                    For when you prefer a lunch that’s on the lighter side, this keto garlic chicken dip definitely fits the bill. It takes just ten minutes to prep (and no cook time) to whip up this delicious keto-friendly mascarpone cheese dip that you can pair with your favorite gluten-free crackers or vegetables. 

                    Fresh Vietnamese Noodle Bowl

                    This noodle bowl is paleo-friendy and filled to the brim with all the delicious Vietnamese flavors you love, including sliced carrots, cucumber, Thai chilis, and cilantro, all highlighted by the bright and zingy flavors of Kevin’s Lemongrass Chicken. 

                    Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp

                    Shrimp is one of our favorite proteins since it’s so light and works well with so many different flavors, including Kevin’s delicious Cilantro Lime Sauce! Grill up this shrimp recipe ahead of time, divide into lunchtime portions, and pair with your favorite lunchtime meal prep ideas like gluten-free pasta, salad, or burritos. 

                    Modern Bibimbap

                      If you want a lunch that’s full of colors, veggies, and sweet and spicy flavors, you can’t do much better than bibimbap! This recipe pairs Kevin’s Korean BBQ-style chicken with a ton of delicious veggies like riced cauliflower, spinach, carrots, bean sprouts, and kimchi for a flavorful lunch that still adheres to your health goals. 

                      General Tso's Salmon

                        Your favorite takeout meal gets a healthy lunchtime spin with this filling salmon recipe! Use Kevin’s General Tso’s sauce to add instant flavor to omega-3-rich salmon, then pair it with your favorite carbs and veggies. 

                        Pesto Chicken Sandwich

                          Few foods say “lunchtime” quite like a sandwich, but skip the boring deli options and make your own flavor-packed pesto chicken sandwich instead! This sandwich is so packed with delicious flavors that we’re not sure what we love more: the toasted ciabatta, the pesto, Kevin’s Roasted Garlic Chicken, or the mozzarella cheese! 

                          Conclusion

                          No matter what your personal health and fitness goals are, you can definitely make your lunchtime that much better by prepping your meals ahead of time and bringing them with you to work. 

                          Photo by Ella Olsson: https://www.pexels.com/photo/flat-lay-photography-of-three-tray-of-foods-1640775/