10 Meal Prep Lunch Ideas for Work to Simplify Your Routine

Tasty and balanced lunches are the key to staying energised and focused throughout the day. These lunch meal prep ideas in the UK offer the perfect mix of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables for well-rounded meals that are easy to prepare.

Sweet, savoury, and satisfying, this salmon bowl is a lunchtime winner. Bake the salmon until flaky. Steam broccoli until tender but crisp, and cook brown rice until fluffy. Assemble the bowl by layering rice, broccoli, and salmon for one of the quick and easy meal prep lunch ideas that’s balanced and satisfying.

Pro Tip: Adding a simple Teriyaki glaze to the salmon will enhance the overall flavour. 

Grill chicken breast until juicy and golden. Cook white rice until fluffy, and roast bell peppers until tender and slightly charred. Assemble with rice, sliced chicken, roasted peppers, and creamy avocado slices for a healthy meal prep idea for lunch that’s packed with protein, fibre, and healthy fats.

Pro Tip: Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavour and juicier results.

Eating vegetarian doesn’t mean sacrificing variety or flavour. These lunch meal prep ideas for vegetarians are packed with protein, fibre, and vibrant ingredients, making them perfect for satisfying and balanced work lunches.

This vegetarian take on the classic Sichuan dish features tofu cooked in a savoury and spicy sauce made with chilli bean paste, garlic, and ginger. Replacing minced meat with mushrooms gives it a vegan twist. Cook the tofu in a skillet with the marinade along with the mushrooms. Serve over steamed white rice and topped with spring onions.

Pro Tip: Add a dash of sesame oil and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or sesame seeds on top for extra texture and depth of flavour.

To make this wholesome Buddha bowl, cook red rice and lentils until tender. Mix the lentils with roasted cumin powder and paprika. Roast corn and chop cucumber, olives, and cherry tomatoes. Layer the ingredients in a bowl and drizzle with tahini-lemon dressing for a flavourful and nutrient-packed vegetarian meal prep idea.

Pro Tip: Adding some grilled cottage cheese will fulfil the complete protein requirements.

When it comes to work lunches, low-calorie meals can help you stay energised without feeling weighed down. These low-calorie lunch meal prep ideas are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy satisfying, flavour-packed dishes that won’t tip the scales.

Bake chicken breast until tender and golden. Saute spinach until wilted, and prepare cauliflower rice by grating the cauliflower and frying it in olive oil. Top with a smoky chipotle cheese sauce. This meal combines lean protein with low-carb ingredients and just enough indulgence from the cheese sauce to keep it exciting.

Pro Tip: For an extra smoky kick, roast the cauliflower rice with a pinch of smoked paprika.

Season cod with lemon, garlic, and paprika, then bake until flaky. Roast asparagus and bake a sweet potato until tender. Pair them together for a light and satisfying low-calorie lunch idea for meal prep packed with essential nutrients.

Pro Tip: Wrap the sweet potato in foil while baking to keep it moist and enhance its natural sweetness.

High-protein meals are perfect for keeping you energised and full throughout the day. These high-protein lunch meal prep ideas focus on lean proteins and nutrient-packed sides to support a productive workday.

Cook tender chicken and juicy beef in teriyaki sauce. Prepare a simple potato salad and toss fresh mixed greens. This meal balances protein with hearty and refreshing sides, making it a satisfying option for lunch meal prep ideas with high protein.

Pro Tip: Add a dollop of Greek yoghurt to the potato salad for a lighter, tangier twist without the extra calories.

Season shrimp with Cajun spice and sauté until succulent. Steam quinoa and roast corn until golden. Assemble the bowl with quinoa, shrimp, avocado, red onions, and cherry tomatoes for a flavourful and protein-packed option in your high-protein lunch meal prep ideas.

Pro Tip: Adding a boiled egg will increase the protein intake.

Sticking to a keto lifestyle doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when it comes to work lunches. These keto lunch ideas are low-carb, high-fat, and packed with flavour, making them easy to prepare and enjoy throughout your busy week.

Cook a rich beef Bolognese sauce with garlic and tomatoes. Spiralise zucchini into noodles and sauté briefly. Serve the sauce over the noodles and top with freshly grated Parmesan for a satisfying meal prep keto lunch idea.

Pro Tip: Add half an avocado for an extra dose of healthy fats.

Roast thick slices of eggplant until tender. Top with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni, then bake until bubbly and golden. These mini pizzas are a tasty and easy-to-prep meal prep keto lunch idea.

Pro Tip: Replace pepperoni with chicken or other vegetables to make it an even more healthy meal prep idea for lunch.

Sticking to a meal prep routine can feel challenging, but with the right approach, it becomes much easier. These practical hacks will help you stay consistent and make meal-prepping a seamless part of your week.

These meal prep lunch ideas for work will help you save time, eat well, and make your workdays more enjoyable. But sometimes, even with the best intentions and efforts, it might get difficult to plan and achieve. 

This is where hiring a private chef can make all the difference. They take care of everything from planning, shopping, cooking, and tailoring meals to your preferences and dietary needs. If the thought of ready-made, perfectly portioned meals designed just for you sounds appealing, platforms like yhangry make it easy to connect with experienced chefs who can do just that. 

With over 1000 vetted meal prep chefs offering affordable and creative options, you can enjoy meals tailored to your likes and lifestyle. What’s more? The platform’s user-friendly process, easy scheduling, and excellent customer support make the entire experience hassle-free. With the hard work done for you, you can focus on enjoying fresh, healthy lunches every day.