Meal Prep Magic: 20 Easy Recipes to Save Time, Money & Sanity

This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy + disclosures for details.

Meal prep isn’t just about saving time—it’s about dodging weeknight chaos like a pro. Mornings? Handled, thanks to Chia Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies (yes, cookies for breakfast, you deserve it). Lunches stay fresh and fabulous with Avocado & Tomato Chickpea Pasta Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette, while Freezer-Friendly Green Chile Chicken Burritos sit in your freezer like tiny wrapped gifts of convenience. When dinner hits and your motivation hits the floor, Sheet Pan Zucchini Chicken Meatballs with Coconut Curry Sauce or a cozy bowl of Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Chickpea Chili will save the day. And because meal prep without dessert is just sad, Flourless Black Bean Brownie Muffins are here to make your sweet tooth and your snack game stronger!

Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette

Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
easy grilled corn salad in three bowls
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

This grilled corn salad is the perfect summer side dish or light lunch! Featuring creamy avocado, tangy goat cheese, and a sweet and spicy hot honey vinaigrette, it’s a flavorful and colorful vegetarian dish that’s sure to impress. Prep it ahead of time for easy meal planning!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette

30 Minute Healthier Turkey Sloppy Joes with Homemade Sauce

Healthy turkey sloppy joes topped with jalapeños
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

These healthy turkey sloppy joes are made with a delicious homemade sauce and are ready in just 30 minutes! This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings!
Get the Recipe: 30 Minute Healthier Turkey Sloppy Joes with Homemade Sauce

Freezer-Friendly Green Chile Chicken Burritos

freezer-friendly chicken burrito on a plate
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

These freezer-friendly green chile chicken burritos are packed with veggies and make for a quick and easy dinner. This recipe is perfect for meal prepping, and you can customize the filling to your liking with your favorite salsa and cheese. Make a batch and enjoy healthy, homemade burritos whenever you want!
Get the Recipe: Freezer-Friendly Green Chile Chicken Burritos

Chia Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies {gluten free & packed with omega-3!}

Chocolate chip oatmeal breakfast cookies in a stack
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

These flourless chocolate chip oatmeal breakfast cookies are a healthy and delicious way to start your day! They’re gluten-free and packed with omega-3s, thanks to walnuts and chia seeds, plus they’re low in sugar, butter, and flour. Perfect for a quick breakfast, snack, or even a healthy dessert.
Get the Recipe: Chia Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies {gluten free & packed with omega-3!}

Flourless Black Bean Brownie Muffins

Flourless black bean muffins with chocolate chips on a wire rack
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

These flourless black bean brownie muffins are a delicious and healthy treat that you can enjoy any time of day. They’re gluten-free, packed with fiber, and taste like a cakey brownie! Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, making them perfect for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Flourless Black Bean Brownie Muffins

Vegan Curried Sweet Potato Corn Chowder

vegan sweet potato corn chowder in a bowl
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

This Vegan Curried Sweet Potato Corn Chowder is a delightful way to use up summer corn! It’s a comforting and filling soup with a little kick from the curry spices. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making it perfect for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Curried Sweet Potato Corn Chowder

Dark Chocolate, Almond & Sea Salt Banana Baked Oatmeal

banana baked oatmeal with chocolate and roasted almonds in a skillet
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

This Dark Chocolate, Almond & Sea Salt Banana Baked Oatmeal tastes like an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie but is healthy enough for breakfast! This baked oatmeal is also gluten-free and dairy-free, making it perfect for dietary restrictions. It is also great for meal prepping!
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate, Almond & Sea Salt Banana Baked Oatmeal

Baked Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cups

baked pumpkin oatmeal cups with chocolate chips on a cooling rack
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

These baked pumpkin chocolate chip oatmeal cups are perfect for fall! They’re packed with pumpkin pie spices, chocolate chips, and creamy nut butter, and they’re freezer-friendly, making them ideal for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Baked Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cups

Cinnamon Sweet Potato Pie Smoothie

shot of two sweet potato smoothies in glasses
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

This sweet potato smoothie tastes just like a slice of sweet potato pie! Made with sweet potato, banana, Greek yogurt, nut butter, and cinnamon, it’s a delicious and healthy way to start your day or enjoy a snack. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep!
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Sweet Potato Pie Smoothie

Paleo Zucchini Banana Bread Bars

Paleo Zucchini Banana Bread Bars in a stack
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

Sneak in those veggies with these delicious Paleo Zucchini Banana Bread Bars! Naturally sweetened and gluten-free, these bars are a guilt-free treat that everyone will love. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, making them perfect for meal prep or a quick snack.
Get the Recipe: Paleo Zucchini Banana Bread Bars

Turkey Meatballs

A bowl of finished turkey meatballs nestled over a bed of spaghetti, generously coated with marinara sauce and topped with fresh herbs, creating a hearty and inviting meal ready to be enjoyed.
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

These Turkey Meatballs are a healthy and flavorful twist on a classic comfort food! They’re incredibly moist, easy to make, and perfect for meal prepping. Plus, they freeze well, making them a convenient option for future dinners.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Meatballs

Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds

Overhead view of Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds, topped with nut butter and fruit
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

Looking for a super simple and healthy breakfast? These Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds require just 3 ingredients and a couple of minutes to prep. Prepare these the night before for a filling and nutritious breakfast that’s ready to grab and go.
Get the Recipe: Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds

Thai Quinoa Salad

bowl with vegan Thai inspired quinoa salad with cucumbers and tomatoes
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

This Thai Quinoa Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a light lunch or meal prep. It’s packed with fresh veggies, herbs, and a delicious homemade peanut lime dressing that you’ll want to put on everything! Plus, it’s vegan and easy to customize to your liking.
Get the Recipe: Thai Quinoa Salad

Avocado & Tomato Chickpea Pasta Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette

mediterranean pasta salad in a bowl with two spoons
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

This Avocado & Tomato Chickpea Pasta Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette is a quick and easy dish that takes only 20 minutes to prepare. It’s packed with Mediterranean flavors and perfect as a light lunch, dinner, or side dish for any occasion. Plus, it’s both gluten-free and vegetarian!
Get the Recipe: Avocado & Tomato Chickpea Pasta Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette

High-Protein Black Bean Avocado Tuna Salad Sandwiches

avocado tuna salad on toast
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

These High-Protein Black Bean Avocado Tuna Salad Sandwiches are a quick and healthy lunch option, ready in just 5 minutes! Combining tuna, avocado, black beans, and fresh veggies, this recipe is perfect for meal prep and is both gluten-free and paleo-friendly. Enjoy it in a sandwich or lettuce wrap for a nutritious, no-cook meal.
Get the Recipe: High-Protein Black Bean Avocado Tuna Salad Sandwiches

Beef Burrito Recipe

Overhead image of the Beef Bburrito Recipe ready to be enjoyed
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

This Beef Burrito Recipe is the perfect meal prep recipe for a quick lunch or dinner! These hearty burritos are loaded with savory seasoned ground beef, zesty cilantro lime rice, and creamy refried beans. Customize with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Beef Burrito Recipe

Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Chickpea Chili

slow cooker salsa verde chicken chickpea chili in a bowl with tortilla chips
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

This slow cooker salsa verde chicken chickpea chili is a healthy and flavorful meal that’s perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner. Packed with protein and fiber, this chili is dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Serve with your favorite toppings like tortilla chips, avocado, and Greek yogurt for a satisfying and customizable meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Chickpea Chili

Sheet Pan Zucchini Chicken Meatballs with Coconut Curry Sauce

zucchini chicken meatballs with veggies in a bowl with rice
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

These Sheet Pan Zucchini Chicken Meatballs with Coconut Curry Sauce are a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for meal prep or a weeknight dinner. The meatballs are packed with protein and veggies, and the coconut curry sauce is flavorful and delicious. Plus, it’s dairy-free and can be made low-carb or paleo-friendly!
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Zucchini Chicken Meatballs with Coconut Curry Sauce

Coconut Curried Sweet Potato and Lentil Stew

hands holding bowl of sweet potato and lentil stew
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

This Coconut Curried Sweet Potato and Lentil Stew is a healthy and filling vegan option that’s perfect for a cozy night in. The creamy texture comes from coconut milk and a hint of cinnamon adds a touch of sweetness. It’s also freezer-friendly, making it great for meal prep!
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curried Sweet Potato and Lentil Stew

Mojo Salmon Bowls

The image features a bowl containing rice, grilled meat, sliced avocado, diced pineapple, black beans, pickled onions, sliced jalapeños, cilantro, a lime wedge, and a creamy sauce. A fork is positioned beside the bowl.
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

These Mojo Salmon Bowls by Chelsea’s Messy Apron are packed with flavor! Flaky salmon is paired with black beans, pineapple, and avocado, all drizzled with a vibrant Cuban-inspired mojo sauce. This healthy and delicious bowl is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for lunch.
Get the Recipe: Mojo Salmon Bowls

About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *