Let's face it: no one feels like whipping up a big dinner on a Monday night after a very long day of juggling work and family responsibilities. That's why so many people choose to meal prep on Sunday [1]. Whether you want to lose weight [2], save money, or simply clean up your diet, planning a menu [3] and knocking out as much of it as you can before the week begins can help inch you closer to your goals. To get you started — or help you break out of a rut — we've rounded up 17 recipes that are sure to keep you inspired [4]. They're proof that healthy food doesn't have to be boring or bland.
Kale, Caramelized Onion, and Gouda Egg Muffins
This veggie-filled grab-and-go breakfast [6] is much healthier than any egg muffin you'll find in a drive-through.
Get the recipe: kale, caramelized onion, and gouda egg muffins [7]
Satay Beef Bowls
Craving Thai food? Swap takeout for this beef marinated in a creamy peanut sauce and served with green beans and cauliflower rice.
Get the recipe: satay beef bowls [8]
Oven-Baked Chicken Breast
This chicken is anything but bland and dry, thanks to the cheesy spinach and sun-dried tomato topping. Even better, it's made in one pan [9].
Get the recipe: oven-baked chicken breast [10]
Italian-Style Stuffed Peppers
These stuffed peppers are ready in a pinch, and they're fewer than 300 calories per serving with a whopping 32 grams of protein.
Get the recipe: Italian-style stuffed peppers [11]
Crustless Quiche With Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese
It just sounds fancy, doesn't it? If you have any dietary restrictions, this recipe probably has you covered — it's gluten-free and keto, and it can be made Paleo or Whole30.
Get the recipe: crustless quiche with smoked salmon and goat cheese [12]
Buddha Bowl
This vegan bowl [13] packs 19 grams of plant-based protein per serving, topped with a delicious tahini drizzle.
Get the recipe: Buddha bowl [14]
Beef Chili
To cut back on carbs, skip the beans in traditional chili, and instead load up on high-volume, nutrient-rich vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and green chiles.
Get the recipe: beef chili [15]
Slow-Cooker Mexican Quinoa Casserole
This flavorful casserole is the perfect weekday lunch. Pop the ingredients in your slow cooker [16] while you work to prep breakfasts, dinners, and more.
Get the recipe: slow-cooker Mexican quinoa casserole [17]
Egg Roll in a Bowl
Imagine just the stuffing from an egg roll (ground pork, broccoli cole slaw, a tasty Asian sauce), and this is what you get. You can store individual portions in the fridge [18] for up to four days and enjoy your lunch hot or cold.
Get the recipe: egg roll in a bowl [19]
Lemon Garlic Salmon
Fresh garlic, rich butter, tons of fresh herbs, bright lemon juice — this is dreamy and comes in at just three grams of carbs.
Get the recipe: lemon garlic salmon [20]
Asian Surf and Turf
For double the protein, try this stir-fry with both steak and shrimp and serve with cauliflower rice. It's a lot healthier than takeout, which is usually very high in sugar [21].
Get the recipe: Asian surf and turf [22]
Vegan Slow-Cooker Tikka Masala
Forget chicken masala — tofu is the star of this dish, and it's delicious when served with rice or naan.
Get the recipe: vegan slow-cooker tikka masala [23]
Chia Pudding
Like overnight oats [24], this chia pudding — made with coconut milk — is simple to prep the day before. Top with any fruit you like.
Get the recipe: chia pudding [25]
Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
This delicious recipe uses the spaghetti squash as its own bowl, which makes for easy portions and cleanup.
Get the recipe: spaghetti squash lasagna [26]
Sheet-Pan Chicken and Cauliflower "Shawarma"
This high-protein recipe is inspired by the spices found in shawarma. If you're worried about filling up on pita bread, try swapping in lettuce cups.
Get the recipe sheet-pan chicken and cauliflower "shawarma" [27]
Meatball Burrito Bowls
Who can say no to these meatballs, with only five grams of net carbs [28] per serving? They're served with a refreshing pico de gallo, cauliflower rice, cheese, and creamy sour cream.
Get the recipe: meatball burrito bowls [29]
Sheet-Pan Breakfast Fajitas
The eggs in this one-pan meal will keep you fueled with healthy fats [30] and protein, while the peppers deliver essential vitamins. Warm up the eggs and peppers each morning, then simply add avocado.
Get the recipe: sheet-pan breakfast fajitas [31]