When leading a busy lifestyle, preparing healthy foods can seem like an expensive chore. But meal prepping most definitely doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of different lunch meal prep ideas that are affordable. I've compiled a list of some of the easiest and best meal prep ideas for your next hectic week.  

Chickpea, Sweet Potato, and Apple Farro Salad

lentil, cereal, legume, pepper, rice, corn, parsley, vegetable
Katherine Baker

Fuel your body at lunchtime with this irresistibly crisp, fresh, and flavorous farro salad combination. Your taste buds will certainly thank you.

Vegetable Wrap 

salmon, ham, sandwich, lettuce, cheese, vegetable, bread
Peter Yu

Get in your much-needed serving of veggies with this simple, delicious veggie wrap

Avocado Egg Salad Sandwich

lettuce, vegetable, sandwich, bread, avocado
Arisa Toyosaki

Work in some protein at lunch time with this light, hearty avocado and egg sandy

Apple, Goat Cheese and Honey Quesadilla 

pancake, vegetable, meat, cheese, bread
Danny Schuleman

This may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of a cheese quesadilla, but this tart, sweet, and creamy quesadilla won’t disappoint!  

Mason Jar Salad 

pickle, salt, herb, oil, garlic, vinegar
Bernard Wen

Enjoy your greens, your proteins, and everything in between with a customized mason jar salad

Garden Party Chicken Salad

salad, vegetable, lettuce, tomato, cheese, pepper
Ashleigh De Simone

Take a traditional staple to the next level with this chicken salad recipe. True to the title, this recipe is literally a party in your mouth. 

BLT with Avocado

tomato, sandwich, bacon, avocado
Sara Tane

Upgrade your BLT with some avocado, because who doesn’t love to pair some avo with their bacon? 

Vegan Tomato Bisque 

soup, bread, cream, parsley, vegetable, lobster bisque, pumpkin
Hui Lin

Enjoy this warm, hearty vegan soup any time you want it. It only takes 5 minutes to prepare, is low in carbs, and is full of nutrients and healthy fats. 

Black Bean Butternut Squash Tacos 

tacos, vegetable, beans, salsa
Katherine Baker

Pack on some protein and nutritious fibers with this "tacotastic" lunch. Butternut squash and tortillas have never looked so good. 

Persian Mint and Barley Salad 

vegetable
Ellen Gibbs

Citrus meets sweet with this six-ingredient concoction. Find the recipe full mint and barley salad recipe here.  

There you have it. Get cooking and start prepping! With these simple and delicious recipes, lunch hour has never looked so good.