Make Ahead Lunch Recipes From Top Chefs

Name: Grain Bowl
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 38 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 cup(s) vegetables of choice for roasting, such as purple cauliflower florets or cubed sweet potato; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste, divided; 3 medium carrots, scrubbed and shaved into ribbons; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 4 cup(s) cooked farro or other whole grain, chilled; 1/2 cup(s) chopped fresh herbs of choice, such as mint and/or basil; 1 15 oz can pulses of choice, such as chickpeas or cannellini beans, drained, see notes 1; 2 oz fresh baby greens of choice, such as baby arugula, spinach or kale; 5 oz pickled vegetables or quartered marinated artichoke hearts; 1/3 cup(s) pomegranate arils, extra-thinly sliced watermelon radish or thinly sliced grape tomatoes; 2 tbsp roasted sesame seeds, pepitas or chopped pistachios; 1 cup(s) lemony tahini sauce or dressing of choice, see below; 4 oz tahini, or as needed; 1/4 cup(s) brewed unsweetened green tea, chilled, or as needed; 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 tsp sea salt, or to taste; 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste; 1 pinch of curry powder and/or cayenne pepper

Get the hard work out of the way more deliciously with this selection of make ahead lunch recipes. Explore kitchen-ready make ahead lunch ideas for school to get your students out the door faster, and with nourishing lunch hour fare. And by adding these easy make ahead lunches to your work week, you can spend your evenings relaxing with the family instead of wondering what lunch will be tomorrow.

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Grain Bowl

Dinner | Mediterranean

856 CAL.

Grain Bowl

20 Ingredients - 6 Steps - 38m

This vegan grain bowl is one answer to getting the biggest nutrient and flavor burst in every bite. It can be personalized to suit your palate perfectly and can be made in advance for convenient meal prep.

Verified Chef

Chef Jackie

856 CALORIES / SERVING

Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

Lunch | Italian

316 CAL.

Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

15 Ingredients - 5 Steps - 30m

Zesty Italian pasta salad is a step up from your everyday pasta salad. It features featuring flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese and capers combined with tender pasta and a zingy homemade dressing.

Verified Chef

Chef Rachel S.

316 CALORIES / SERVING

Coconut Curry Chickpeas

Dinner | Indian

625 CAL.

Coconut Curry Chickpeas

17 Ingredients - 8 Steps - 40m

Coconut curry chickpeas is a delightful blend of chickpeas, aromatic spices, and creamy coconut, creating a rich and exotic curry. This vegan dish offers a harmonious fusion of flavors, delivering a taste of the tropics with every bite. ItвЂ™s the perfect quick and satisfying meal that's both flavorful and nutritious.

Verified Chef

Chef Kevin R.

625 CALORIES / SERVING

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Dinner | Californian

1131 CAL.

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

16 Ingredients - 11 Steps - 40m

This grilled chicken Caesar salad is perfect for a quick and easy meal. Buttery, crunchy croutons, crisp romaine lettuce, juicy chicken and a flavorful Caesar dressing come together to form a delicious dish.

Verified Chef

Chef Tera

1131 CALORIES / SERVING

Vegan Bowls (Lemon and Herb Power Bowl)

Dinner | Californian

862 CAL.

Vegan Bowls (Lemon and Herb Power Bowl)

28 Ingredients - 6 Steps - 1h

Step up your salad game with these protein-packed vegan bowls. The lemon and herb vinaigrette doubles as a marinade for the roasted chickpeas and tofu, imparting every bite with a burst of flavor. This recipe is great to make ahead to meal prep for lunches for the week or as a quick balanced dinner.

Verified Chef

Chef Mike M.

862 CALORIES / SERVING

Red Chili

Dinner | Mexican

522 CAL.

Red Chili

18 Ingredients - 5 Steps - 55m

This thick, hearty and rich red chili recipe is the perfect dinner or snack to feed a crowd. Tender morsels of ground beef are cooked with a medley of beans and aromatic spices for a satisfying bowl.

Verified Chef

Chef Carlos

522 CALORIES / SERVING

Vietnamese Meatballs (BГєn ChбєЈ)

Brunch | Asian

2400 CAL.

Vietnamese Meatballs (BГєn ChбєЈ)

29 Ingredients - 11 Steps - 1h 20m

Vietnamese Meatballs (bun cha) are traditionally served as lunch but can also be served as a flavorful brunch or dinner. A Hanoi classic, it features smokey grilled pork meatballs, marinated pork belly and fresh rice noodles that hit all the right notes, sweet, salty and savory.

Verified Chef

Chef John N. N.

2400 CALORIES / SERVING

Keto Chicken Salad

Appetizer | New American

274 CAL.

Keto Chicken Salad

11 Ingredients - 3 Steps - 10m

Keto chicken salad is the perfect easy make-ahead lunch, snack or meal prep option. A bright and creamy homemade tarragon dressing elevates your everyday chicken salad.

Tiffany La Forge

274 CALORIES / SERVING

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