24 Winter Meal Prep Lunch Ideas To Stay Warm & Well-Fed This Season

Brit + Co

Nov 28, 2023

As winter starts to settle in, coming home after a long day and tackling another task — like cooking — can feel daunting. And when you have to feed yourself in the middle of the day? Forget it. But fear not! I've gathered a collection of winter meal preplunch ideas that will make your days easy and breezy. Because, let's face it, with some strategic meal prep, you can transform cooking from a chore to a delightful part of your routine.

Spinach + Mushroom Gnocchi Casserole

Elevate your lunch game this winter with a cozy make-ahead spinach and mushroom gnocchi casserole. Prepare this cheesy delight in advance; it reheats beautifully and adds a comforting touch to your chilly days. (via Brit + Co.)

Butternut Squash Casserole (Gratin)

Cozy up with this casserole any day, a creamy, cheesy side dish infused with thyme and garlic. Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas, it's a crowd-pleaser and a great addition to your meal prep routine, ensuring delicious leftovers for days to come. (via Vikalinka)

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Vietnamese Sticky Rice With Chicken (Xôi Gà)

Imagine plump sticky rice, sweet soy chicken, Chinese sausage, and crispy shallots in a bowl. It's not just a meal; it's a quick and playful winter lunch prep. Stack it up, add green onions, and top it off with soy sauce. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Turkey Meatballs

Indulge in healthy and flavorful turkey meatballs for a winter meal prep. Lean, moist, and bursting with Italian herbs, these freeze beautifully and reheat in a snap. To sauce or not to sauce? That's your delicious decision! (via Culinary Hill)

Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep Bowls

These meal prep bowls are a breeze to whip up, deliciously surpassing takeout! In just half an hour, you'll have four tasty meals good to go for the week. (via Salt and Lavender)

Vegan Chili

This chili is the perfect make-ahead meal, packed with three types of beans, aromatic spices, and savory umami. Prep a large batch and enjoy it over multiple days, or freeze portions for a quick and hearty dinner when time is short. (via Munching with Mariyah)

Meal Prep Greek Chicken Salads

Packed with grilled chicken, kalamata olives, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, pepperoncini, cucumbers, and leafy greens, these salads stay crisp and delicious with a well-thought-out layering technique. With a simple dressing at the bottom, these salads stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days, providing a delightful and crunchy lunch ready to enjoy on busy winter days. (via Rachl Mansfield)

Chicken Taco Soup

Prepare a batch rich in tender chicken, sweet corn, black beans, and fire-roasted tomatoes, creating a flavorful Tex-Mex delight. Simplify your week by storing this hearty soup for ready-to-enjoy lunches, making your meal prep a breeze. (via The Endless Meal)

Chicken Shawarma and Sweet Potato Fry Bowls

Streamline your winter meal prep with these bowls. Marinate chicken, roast with sweet potato fries and asparagus, and pair with couscous, garlic tahini yogurt, and toppings. Spend just an hour preparing for a week of Middle Eastern-inspired, healthy lunches. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Curry Chicken Salad (Whole30)

In just 15 minutes, create a batch of this Whole30-friendly delight featuring tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a blend of spices. Ideal for preparing ahead, enjoy it wrapped in lettuce or between slices of your favorite bread for a convenient and delicious lunch throughout the week. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Sheet Pan Curry Chicken and Vegetables

In just 30 minutes, you can create a delightful Indian-inspired dish that includes baked curry chicken, tender potatoes, and vibrant bell peppers – all on a single pan. Store it in the fridge for up to five days or freeze it for four months, ensuring a hassle-free and satisfying meal whenever you need it. (via Averie Cooks)

15-Minute Salsa Verde Chicken, Rice, and Beans

Packed with vibrant flavors, this one-skillet recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Prepare ahead, refrigerate, or freeze for up to five days, and enjoy a quick and satisfying taste of Mexican-inspired comfort whenever you desire. (via Averie Cooks)

Meal Prep Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Quick, flavorful, and freezer-friendly, these whimsical wonders are your go-to for a delightful lunch or dinner during the colder months. Prep in just 1 hour and savor the taste of joy for up to 5 days! (via The Girl On Bloor)

Black Bean Butternut Squash Soup

Packed with butternut squash, black beans, and smoked paprika, this soup is perfect for Fall and Winter. Prep in a Dutch oven for easy winter meals; it stays delicious for up to 4 days in the fridge or a month in the freezer. (via Earthly Provisions)

Minestrone Soup (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Packed with vibrant veggies, beans, pasta, and seasonings, this wholesome bowl is perfect for a cozy and satisfying lunch. Plus, it's easy to customize for gluten-free and vegan preferences. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Vegan Meal Prep with Black Beans & Rice

In under 30 minutes, this healthy, protein-packed, and naturally gluten-free dish can be prepped in advance, ready to enjoy all week. Perfect for those craving organization and deliciousness in one bite! (via A Virtual Vegan)

Warm Farro Kale Salad

Filled with wholesome ingredients like hearty farro, roasted cauliflower, and crisp cabbage, this flavorful salad provides a satisfying and nourishing option for chilly days. It is a quick and easy solution for lunches all week long. (via Hello Little Home)

Winter Buddha Bowl Meal Prep

This Buddha Bowl is a comforting blend of roasted seasonal veggies, whole grains, and red lentils, topped with a rich cashew curry sauce—an ideal choice for quick and delicious winter meal prep. (via Gastroplant)

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Indulge in the coziness of this soup—a simple yet flavorful mix of rotisserie chicken, pillowy gnocchis, and veggies in a creamy broth. This recipe brings comfort to your winter lunch meal prep without any fuss. (via Kathryns Kitchen Blog)

Baked Pesto Pasta

With only four simple ingredients, this creamy casserole is a stress-free delight, ready in 30 minutes. It is ideal for a quick and hassle-free meal prep and adds a touch of comfort to your winter lunch routine. (via This Wife Cooks)

Cajun Dirty Rice With Smoked Sausage

A zesty Louisiana classic that's bringing the party to your winter lunch prep! Loaded with flavorful veggies and spices, this dish pairs perfectly with chicken, fish, or shrimp, making it a delightful addition to your lunch routine. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Thai Vegetable Fried Rice With Cashews

Packed with seasonal veggies and hearty cashews, this vegan or vegetarian dish is perfect for meal prep. Prep ahead and enjoy a quick, flavorful, and satisfying winter meal. (via Vanilla and Bean)

Creamy Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Chowder

Experience winter's embrace with this creamy cauliflower and sweet potato chowder. This vegan delight blends roasted cauliflower, sweet potatoes, and various spices for a hearty, satisfying stew. Perfect for a quick, flavorful winter lunch meal prep. (via The First Mess)