15 Vegetarian Meal Prep Ideas That Will Truly Satisfy Your Hunger
When you think of meal preparation, the traditional chicken-rice-vegetable trio probably comes to mind. However, for vegetarians choosing plants over meat, that formula doesn’t quite apply. Discovering meal prep ideas that align with a vegetarian diet without settling for mundane, insubstantial salads daily can be challenging. But I’m here to assure you that there are numerous tasty vegetarian meals you can prepare in advance that are packed with enough protein and nutrients to keep you satisfied for hours. If you're looking for reliable meatless recipes to rely on every week, you’ve come to the right place.
Below, you will find a selection of delectable vegetarian meal prep recipes that are ideal for preparing on a Sunday and enjoying throughout the week. Additionally, I’ll share some simple tips for meal prepping vegetarian dishes that will remain enjoyable after just a few days.
### Vegetarian Meal Prep Ideas
Utilize these tips to help you create a collection of delicious vegetarian meals that will last throughout the week:
**Store your meals in glass containers**
The type of food storage containers you select is important for any meal prep. To simplify things, opt for containers sized for single servings, so you won’t have to deal with portioning during the week. Glass containers are preferable since you can remove them from the fridge and directly microwave without needing another dish. Glass also preserves flavor better and maintains its condition over time (no staining or warping!). For meals that don’t require reheating, stainless-steel containers are also a good choice.
**Keep ingredients separate to prevent sogginess**
Many vegetarian meal prep recipes include a lot of vegetables, some of which hold up better than others. For instance, if you’re meal-prepping salads, it’s crucial to keep the dressing separated from the greens and other veggies to avoid a soggy mix. Store your dressing in a mason jar in the fridge (or in small, individual containers if you’re taking your salad on the go!) and mix it with the greens just before eating. Bonus tip: Place a paper towel or two in your greens container to absorb excess moisture and keep them fresh.
**Prep versatile ingredients**
Raise your hand if the thought of eating the same meal for days makes you anxious. To keep things varied throughout the week, prepare a range of ingredients you can combine to create different meals. For example, roast some chickpeas in olive oil and slice some bell peppers or cherry tomatoes. You can use these components in a buffalo chickpea wrap one day and a Greek-inspired salad bowl the next. Start with a base of prepared items (cooked grains, roasted veggies, crispy tofu, etc.) and jazz them up with different sauces or toppings each day.
**Include a protein source**
Including adequate protein is vital for plant-based meal prep to help you feel full and energized throughout the day. Loading up on just pasta or salad greens won't keep you satisfied for long. Ensure your vegetarian meal prep recipes feature a substantial source of protein, whether it’s eggs, beans, lentils, cheese, nuts, or plant-based proteins like tofu.
### 15 Vegetarian Meal Prep Ideas
Keep reading for 15 vegetarian meal prep recipes you'll want to make repeatedly.
1. **Jennifer Aniston Chickpea Salad**
Inspired by the chickpea salad Jennifer Aniston reportedly ate daily on the set of Friends, this recipe includes quinoa, cucumber, fresh herbs, pistachios, and feta tossed with lemon juice and olive oil. It’s refreshing, flavorful, and nutrient-dense, and since it lacks leafy greens, it stores well in the fridge.
2. **Vegetarian Chili**
Soups and stews are fantastic for meal prep because they can be made in large quantities and typically freeze well. This vegetarian chili, rich with vegetables, beans, and spices, delivers loads of flavor. Leftovers can last about a week in the fridge or can be frozen for up to three months.
3. **Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Bowls**
Featuring a base of brown rice and a dairy-free tahini sauce, this recipe is both vegan and gluten-free. Simply roast the vegetables, sauté some spinach, and prepare the dressing for a straightforward vegetarian meal to enjoy all week. If sweet potatoes or chickpeas aren't your favorites, feel free to replace them with other veggies like cauliflower, carrots, or zucchini.
4. **Lemon Herb Pasta Salad with Marinated Chickpeas**
Pasta is a staple vegetarian meal, but it doesn’t always pack in a lot of protein. This recipe transforms pasta into a hearty, well-rounded dish by adding marinated chickpeas and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese. Ideal for meal prep, this dish becomes even more flavorful after sitting in the fridge for a while.
5. **Avocado Buffalo Chickpea Salad Wraps**
This recipe is a twist on the classic chicken salad wrap, substituting chickpeas for protein and incorporating ingredients like cilantro, red onion, and
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15 Vegetarian Meal Prep Ideas That Will Truly Satisfy Your Hunger
From stir-fries to quinoa bowls, these vegetarian meal prep ideas are ideal for preparing on a Sunday and savoring during the week.