The Healthiest Meal-Prep Lunch Ideas That Won’t Get Soggy

Chicken, greens and a peanut butter vinaigrette are judiciously layered to avoid a soggy salad come lunchtime. Add a scoop of quinoa or cooked chickpeas to the base for added substance, if desired.

Get the recipe for Chicken and Cucumber Ribbon Salad with Peanut Butter Vinaigrette

Make breakfast for lunch a trend. There are no rules when it comes to when you eat this zesty, Mexican meal prep-friendly bowl, just make sure it’s in your rotation this week.

Turn to your Instant Pot to make a souvlaki-inspired meal prep lunch that will make coworkers envious. Familiar flavours and simple ingredients transform into midday meal magic.

Layered with care, this salad provides lunch-goers with a unique and fresh meal that’s light, fresh and full of flavour. This recipe’s Middle Eastern twist will keep you coming back for just one more bite.

Never-soggy kale is paired with baked falafel for an inspired meal prep lunch that will leave you satisfied all afternoon long. Store the salad and falafel separately to avoid the falafel from softening, and combine when you’re about to dig in.

Quinoa and chicken are healthy, sturdy and made to be meal-prepped. Pack portions of this bowl in containers for a lunch you don’t even have to think about when it’s time to leave.

Bell peppers resist going soggy when stuffed with a fluffy quinoa and vegetable mixture, making them a star pick for do-ahead lunches. Reheat these at work or enjoy cold for a filling but never heavy midday meal.

Beans don’t get soggy the longer they marinate in dressing, they get better. This protein-rich lunch is easy to assemble and scoop into a jar or container for the day ahead.

Layering tender vegetables with dressing in a jar strategically avoids a sad, soggy desk lunch by the time noon rolls around. This creamy lemon curry dressing works with a variety of vegetables, from raw to roasted, so you can make this jar meal with what’s on hand.

Get the recipe for 9-Layer Salad with Lemon Curry Dressing

Kale can be dressed and stored for a few days without going soggy, making it a beloved meal prep green. Store the toppings separate from the salad to keep things crisp where they should be. Get your health fix with more hearty winter salad recipes.

Sweet potatoes are one of the most popular meal prep veggies because they last all week, are nutritious, delicious and pair well with a range of seasonings. Make them the star of the show with this loaded potato lunch.

Chewy and nutrient-dense farro forms the base of this never-soggy salad filled with cucumber, chickpeas, feta, olives and herbs. Scoop into a container and enjoy on its own or with a protein you’ve prepped or have leftover from the night before.

A complete meal in one, this prep-ahead layered salad is simple to pack in containers or jars. In the morning, grab and go for a week of healthy lunches filled with a variety of pleasing textures, colours and flavours.

Cold buckwheat noodle salad is an energizing, take-out-inspired lunch that, unlike take-out, won’t leave you dragging your feet all afternoon. Leftover or previously prepared protein will take this salad to the next level – try roast chicken, shrimp, salmon or smoked tofu.

Pasta salad as part of a larger lunch or as the main course is a nice change from your everyday meal prep options. It’s an economical way to add a grain component to your meal, and can be transformed in myriad ways to suit any dietary preference. Purchase whole grain or spelt orzo to boost the nutrition and flavour of this recipe.

Lentils provide an earthy, protein-rich salad base that can be transformed with any sturdy vegetables you love. A bright dressing ties everything together, and won’t turn the ingredients soggy in seconds.