Breathe Some Life Into Your Meal Prep With These Healthy, Flavorful Dishes

POPSUGAR Photography | Hajar Larbah
POPSUGAR Photography | Hajar Larbah

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. Whether you want to lose weight, save money, or simply clean up your diet, planning a menu 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. They're proof that healthy food doesn't have to be boring or bland.

01
Kale, Caramelized Onion, and Gouda Egg Muffins
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Kale, Caramelized Onion, and Gouda Egg Muffins

This veggie-filled grab-and-go breakfast is much healthier than any egg muffin you'll find in a drive-through.

Get the recipe: kale, caramelized onion, and gouda egg muffins

02
Satay Beef Bowls
Sweet Peas and Saffron

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

03
Oven-Baked Chicken Breast
Savory Tooth

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.

Get the recipe: oven-baked chicken breast

04
Italian-Style Stuffed Peppers
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

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

05
Crustless Quiche With Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese
Tasty Yummies

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

06
Buddha Bowl
Sweet Peas and Saffron

Buddha Bowl

This vegan bowl packs 19 grams of plant-based protein per serving, topped with a delicious tahini drizzle.

Get the recipe: Buddha bowl

07
Beef Chili
POPSUGAR Photography | Hajar Larbah

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

08
Slow-Cooker Mexican Quinoa Casserole
Food Faith Fitness

Slow-Cooker Mexican Quinoa Casserole

This flavorful casserole is the perfect weekday lunch. Pop the ingredients in your slow cooker while you work to prep breakfasts, dinners, and more.

Get the recipe: slow-cooker Mexican quinoa casserole

09
Egg Roll in a Bowl
Sweet Peas and Saffron

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 for up to four days and enjoy your lunch hot or cold.

Get the recipe: egg roll in a bowl

10
Lemon Garlic Salmon
40 Aprons

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

11
Asian Surf and Turf
Savory Tooth

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.

Get the recipe: Asian surf and turf

12
Vegan Slow-Cooker Tikka Masala
Sweet Peas and Saffron

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

13
Chia Pudding
POPSUGAR Photography | Dominique Astorino

Chia Pudding

Like overnight oats, 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

14
Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
Well Plated

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

15
Sheet-Pan Chicken and Cauliflower "Shawarma"
Alexandra's Kitchen

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"

16
Meatball Burrito Bowls
Sweet Peas and Saffron

Meatball Burrito Bowls

Who can say no to these meatballs, with only five grams of net carbs per serving? They're served with a refreshing pico de gallo, cauliflower rice, cheese, and creamy sour cream.

Get the recipe: meatball burrito bowls

17
Sheet-Pan Breakfast Fajitas
Damn Delicious

Sheet-Pan Breakfast Fajitas

The eggs in this one-pan meal will keep you fueled with healthy fats 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