15 Healthy Make-Ahead Dinners That Will Power You Through Even the Most Hectic Week

Getting a healthy meal on the table during the week can feel like a constant battle, but it doesn't have to. By taking just an hour or two to meal prep over the weekend, you can breeze straight from the office or classroom to shoveling down dinner, without ever freaking out about what to cook.

We scoured the internet to bring you the quickest, easiest, healthiest dinners we could find. Whether you're low-carb, vegan, or just looking for lightened-up versions of your favorite meals, these recipes will not disappoint. And if you need to stock up on meal-prep supplies before getting started, we've got you covered there, too.

01
Sheet-Pan Chicken Shawarma
Half Baked Harvest

Sheet-Pan Chicken Shawarma

This Middle Eastern dish takes basic chicken and sweet potatoes to the next level with flavors of garlic, paprika, and cumin. For meal prep, store the chicken, hummus, and veggies separately, and assemble when ready to serve.

Get the recipe: sheet-pan chicken shawarma

02
Vegan Tikka Masala
Sweet Peas and Saffron

Vegan Tikka Masala

Tofu replaces chicken in this plant-based tikka masala, but we especially love this recipe because it uses the slow cooker to make meal prep even easier. The cooked tofu and rice can be stored together in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Get the recipe: vegan tikka masala

03
Salmon, Asparagus, and Potatoes
Creme de la Crumb

Salmon, Asparagus, and Potatoes

This tasty meal has a little bit of everything: potatoes for some carbs, salmon for protein and healthy fats, and a dose of green veggies. Generally, cooked salmon keeps for about four days, so pack up any leftovers and store in the fridge.

Get the recipe: salmon, asparagus, and potatoes

04
Tomato Coconut Curry Chicken
A Saucy Kitchen

Tomato Coconut Curry Chicken

This tangy coconut curry chicken is gluten-free, low-carb, and Whole30. Most importantly, it cooks in just 30 minutes. Serve over cauliflower rice and stir in the fresh cilantro just before serving.

Get the recipe: tomato coconut curry chicken

05
Caprese Chicken Salad
Sweet Peas and Saffron

Caprese Chicken Salad

We are loving all the fresh flavor in these caprese salad bowls! Instructions are included for storing these salads so everything stays fresh until you're ready to eat.

Get the recipe: caprese chicken salad

06
Chicken Quesadillas
Sweet Peas and Saffron

Chicken Quesadillas

Quesadillas are not a common meal-prep dish, but it's actually really easy to cook, freeze, and reheat them. For an even fresher flavor, you can cook the chicken and prep the remaining ingredients, then take a few minutes to cook the quesadillas when you're ready to eat.

Get the recipe: chicken quesadillas

08
Baked Sausage and Peppers
Delightful E Made

Baked Sausage and Peppers

We love the ease of this one-pan dish! As the week goes on, switch things up by serving the sausage and peppers over rice, with salad, or in a wrap or sandwich.

Get the recipe: baked sausage and peppers

09
Chicken Pesto Pasta
Well Plated

Chicken Pesto Pasta

This creamy chicken pesto pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or in the freezer for up to three months. Sprinkle a little extra parmesan and some fresh herbs after reheating to bring this dish back to life.

Get the recipe: chicken pesto pasta

10
Mexican Quinoa Skillet
Cotter Crunch

Mexican Quinoa Skillet

This vegetarian dish can be eaten hot or cold (when you're really pressed for time) and can even be made vegan by subbing a hummus-based vegan cheese sauce for the shredded cheese. Before serving, top with sliced jalapeños, tortilla chips, and sliced avocado.

Get the recipe: Mexican quinoa skillet

11
Vegetarian Chili
Fit Foodie Finds

Vegetarian Chili

This vegetarian chili is so hearty and filling that you won't even notice it's meatless. More veggies means more nutrients, so bring on the beans, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes.

Get the recipe: vegetarian chili

12
Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers
Well Plated

Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers

These stuffed peppers can be customized to your taste, and they require just 15 minutes of prep before going into the slow cooker, making them the perfect make-ahead meal for busy weekends.

Get the recipe: quinoa-stuffed peppers

13
Low-Carb Tortilla Soup
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Low-Carb Tortilla Soup

Soups are so handy for meal prep — one pot, lots of servings, and you can pack in pretty much any veggies you have on hand. This recipe is sure to be a favorite because it's low-carb and satisfyingly spicy.

Get the recipe: low-carb tortilla soup

14
Baked Meatballs With Spaghetti Squash
Sweet Peas and Saffron

Baked Meatballs With Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash keeps this recipe low-carb, while the meatballs and cheese give it staying power. If you have oven-safe glass meal-prep containers, you can even bake the meatballs right inside them.

Get the recipe: baked meatballs with spaghetti squash

15
Sheet-Pan Fajitas
POPSUGAR Photography | Erin Cullum

Sheet-Pan Fajitas

Four meals for the week and easy cleanup make these sheet-pan fajitas the ultimate meal-prep recipe. You can start the week by wrapping them up in tortillas with sour cream and guacamole and serve them over rice later on when you're ready for something different.

Get the recipe: sheet-pan fajitas