Meal prepping is an excellent way to save time, eat healthier, and reduce stress during busy weekdays. This guide offers 30 delicious and nutritious vegetarian meal prep ideas that are easy to prepare and satisfying to eat.
Nutrient-dense Easy to portion Fridge or freezer-friendly Customizable to different tastes and dietary needs
Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just starting to explore meat–free options, these meal prep ideas will provide protein-rich meals to nourish your body throughout the week. It’s easily made in large batches and freezes well, so you can portion it and store it for quick future meals. Packed with fiber and nutrients, this soup can be customized with various toppings, such as avocado, pico de gallo, or a dollop of Greek yogurt, for added flavor and texture.
2. Zucchini soup
Zucchini soup is a superb vegetarian meal prep choice due to its simplicity and versatility. Our zucchini soup is high in nutrients and low in calories, making it a delicious and healthy choice for those looking to stay on track with their meal prep goals.
3. Vegetable Couscous
Vegetable couscous is a colorful meal prep idea with fluffy and diced roasted vegetables and peas. It stores well in the fridge for up to five days, so it’s a healthy choice for on–the–go lunches. TIP: Prepare a big batch on Sunday, and enjoy a week’s worth of satisfying vegetable couscous.
4. Lentil salad
Lentil salad combines protein–rich lentils with fresh veggies and feta for a hearty and satisfying meal prep dish. The vibrant colors and flavors make it a perfect choice for a wholesome, appealing lunch or dinner throughout the week. This versatile soup can be easily prepared in large quantities and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for convenient, ready–to–heat meals throughout the week.
6. Buddha bowl
This Buddha bowl featuring rice, cabbage, and tofu offers a balanced combination of carbohydrates, fiber, and plant–based protein, making it ideal for vegetarian meal prep. The components can be prepared separately in large batches and assembled just before eating, allowing for easy customization and maintaining freshness.
7. Rice salad
Rice is the perfect meal prep option for busy weekdays and school days. Its versatility lets you pair it with various proteins and vegetables, such as chickpeas and fresh grains, giving a balanced and satisfying lunch. This grain salad is easy to store and convenient for on–the–go meals. Toss chickpeas with colorful veggies, fresh herbs, and a honey mustard dressing for a quick dish that stays fresh for days. It’s a time–saving recipe bound to become a staple in your weekly meal planning.
9. Mujaddara
Lentil mujaddara is a flavor-packed Middle Eastern delicacy that offers a hearty, protein-rich, satisfying, and meal–prep–friendly dish. Incorporate lentil mujaddara into your meal-planning routine for a delicious twist that will excite your taste buds.
10. Mediterranean salad
Mediterranean salad is a wholesome, protein–rich, and tasty meal prep option. Its protein-packed chickpeas, black beans, colorful veggies, and fresh dressing make it a breeze to prepare and stay fresh for days. This flavorful dish makes healthy eating convenient and satisfying.
11. Falafel
Falafel is a convenient meal prep dish. Its batter can be stored in the fridge for up to five days, allowing you to enjoy freshly fried or baked falafel whenever you like. Just shape and cook a few at a time for a quick, satisfying meal served with pita bread, tomato, and green leaves. These crispy cakes, made with grated zucchini and a hint of herbs, pair wonderfully with tangy marinara sauce or tzatziki, offering you a delicious combination of flavors. TIP: zucchini fritters are best when right out of the pan. But you can easily make them ahead of time and use them for meal prep for the week.
13. Quinoa salad
Quinoa salad with black beans and corn is a nutrient-dense, protein-packed meal prep option that combines complete plant protein with fiber–rich veggies. This colorful salad can be prepared in bulk and stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to five days. It’s excellent for grab–and–go lunches or light dinners throughout the week.
14. Microwave sweet potato
Microwave sweet potato with grains and black beans is a wholesome meal prep option that you can tailor. The tender sweet potato provides a natural sweetness, while the grains and black bean salad combine to ensure a well-balanced dish.
15. Lentil curry
Lentil curry with rice is a freezer–friendly meal prep favorite of ours. Its hearty blend of protein–packed red lentils, aromatic spices, and fluffy rice makes for a comforting meal that can be easily portioned and frozen for busy days. Reheat in the microwave, and you’ll have a delicious homemade meal ready in minutes. Homemade hummus is a protein–rich spread that can be prepared in large batches and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. It serves as a quick Middle Eastern component in various meals.
17. Black bean salad
Black bean salad with creamy avocado and protein-packed quinoa makes for a delicious and nutritious meal prep grain salad. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein, fueling your day is satisfying. Plus, its vibrant colors and flavors are sure to brighten up your lunchtime routine.
18. Couscous salad
Couscous salad with a colorful mix of fresh veggies and a lemon vinaigrette is a refreshing meal prep idea. Packed with wholesome ingredients, it offers flavor and energy and is convenient for an office lunch.
19. Curry lentil soup
Curry lentil soup is a hearty, nutrient-dense meal that combines protein-rich lentils with warming curry spices. It is ideal for vegetarian meal prep. This soup can be easily made in large batches and portioned into containers for quick reheating. This saves time on busy days while providing a comforting and nourishing meal.
20. Stuffed bell peppers
Stuffed vegetarian bell peppers are a flavorful meal prep choice. They combine vibrant bell peppers with a savory filling of rice, lentils, and fresh herbs. These hearty and nutritious peppers make for a delightful, ready–to–eat meal that’s as convenient as delicious, perfect for busy weekdays. It’s easy to make in large batches and improves in flavor after a day or two. The soup reheats well and can be portioned into containers for quick weeknight dinners.
22. Lentil patties
Next on our list is Lentil patties, an excellent plant–based recipe for meal prep enthusiasts. These versatile patties can be made in batches and frozen for future use, providing a quick and nutritious protein source. Serve them with roasted potatoes, marinara sauce, and a green salad.
23. Zucchini boats
Zucchini boats stuffed with tomato-lentil filling make a delicious and nutritious vegetarian meal prep dish. They are excellent for a hassle–free, health–conscious dinner. Our tip: Assemble and freeze the zucchini boats before baking them. They keep them in the freezer for about three months.
24. Vegetable curry
Vegetable curry is a flavorful and adaptable meal prep option with green peas and chickpeas as the protein source. It can be made with seasonal vegetables and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Serve the curry over brown rice or with naan bread for a satisfying and quick vegetarian meal.
25. Lentil chili
Lentil chili is a protein–packed alternative to traditional meat-based chili. It’s easy to make in batches and freezes well for future meals. This hearty chili reheats beautifully, perfect for busy weeknights or packed lunches.
26. Mashed chickpea salad
Mashed chickpea salad is a versatile vegetarian meal prep staple. It can be used as a sandwich filling or salad topper or eaten independently. It’s a protein–rich salad with vegan mayonnaise that stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to five days.
27. Lentil vegetable soup
This soup recipe has simple ingredients and is excellent for year-round weeknight dinners and meal prep. Lentil vegetable soup is a healthy and wholesome homemade meal with focaccia bread, garlic bread, or sourdough.
28. Chickpea stew
Chickpea stew is a hearty and satisfying dish packed with protein and fiber, keeping you full for hours. This stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days or frozen for convenience.
29. Kale quinoa salad
Kale quinoa salad is a nutrient–dense meal prep option that holds up well in the refrigerator. Due to the feta and edamame beans, this salad is best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and texture.
30. Vegetarian chili
Vegetarian chili is a comforting and filling meal ideal for batch cooking. It can be made with various beans, in this case kidney and black beans, and vegetables. This chili freezes exceptionally well, perfecting it for long–term meal planning and quick reheating.
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Our aim is to help you and your family eat more veggies through delicious recipes with simple ingredients. Easy right? Comment * Name Email Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Notify me when Louise or Nico reply to my comment.
Δ Our aim is to help you and your family eat more veggies through delicious recipes with simple ingredients.