25 Ideas for Make-Ahead Lunches That’ll Last the Week
There have been far too many Sundays in my life when I’ve wanted to get ahead on meal prep for the week but skipped out of it due to laziness. That stops now! Because carving out some time to make lunches for the upcoming week can make busy days run a whole lot smoother — whether they’re for your kids to tote to school or for you to pack up for the office. Here are 25 great recipes that call for a little effort on the last day of your weekend but reap big rewards.
Meaty Make-Ahead Lunches
For the omnivores, these meaty meals are sure to satisfy. Let chicken and tuna lend their protein punch to everything from salads to sandwiches, or reach for something different like prosciutto.
- Ham and Cheddar Lunchbox Muffins
- Zucchini Buffalo Chicken Salad
- Peanut Chicken Power Bowls
- How To Make Greek Salad in a Jar
- Kale Bistro Salad
- Greek-Style Tuna Salad
- Crispy Tuna-Cabbage Salad
- Yogurt & Dill Chicken Salad
- How To Make DIY Instant Noodle Cups
- Pita Pockets with Crunchy Romaine, Roasted Beets, Chicken & Manchego Cheese
- Asparagus, Ham, and Cheese Stuffed Buns
- Savory Muffins with Prosciutto & Chives
- Antipasto Tortellini Salad
Meatless Make-Ahead Lunches
Things like pasta or grain salads are classic make-ahead picks, but don’t hesitate to get a little more creative with lunches like individual deep-dish pizzas and cheesy veggie hand pies.
- Tex-Mex Quinoa Salad
- Muffin Pan Deep-Dish Pizzas
- How To Make Fritters Out of Any Vegetable
- Chilled Lemon-Dill Cucumber Noodles
- Garlicky Chickpea and Fennel Salad with Baked Goat Cheese
- Feta & Eggplant Pasta Salad
- Whole Wheat Peanut Butter & Jelly Pockets
- Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Spinach and Feta Hand Pies
- Tofu and Broccoli Salad with Peanut Butter Dressing
- Tomato Chickpea Salad
- Chickpea and Cheddar Quesadillas