Whether you’re an essential worker and need to still bring your meals to work or if you would rather prep on the weekend and not worry about your meals throughout the week, this post is for you. I don’t know about you, but sometimes a snack styled lunch is way more fun to eat. My favorite white bento boxes have three different sections for me to play around with. I usually use the big space for a salad or veggie base, then one of the smaller compartments for the protein and the other for salad toppings or a crunch! I am sharing six of my favorite meal preps. The best part is that most of these involve little to no cooking and are so easy and fast to prep for the week ahead. Let me know which ones you try and tag me on instagram so I can see them. Happy meal prepping!
1. Panko Crusted Chicken Salad
I took four chicken breasts and dipped them into flour, egg wash and then 1 cup of panko, 1/2 cup of parm cheese, salt and pepper. Baked on 350 for 25 minutes and broiled on hi for 2 minutes (use a meat thermometer to make sure cooked). Then, I placed the chicken over a bed of arugula with a side of cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, olive oil and salt and pepper. On the left I added gluten-free crisp bread crackers from Trader Joe’s and some feta cheese. I used Italian dressing & a squeeze of lemon to top this lunch off!
2. Grilled Buffalo Chicken Salad
Okay, so sometimes I cheat and get Trader Joe’s pre-made grilled chicken strips, it just makes life so much easier. I mixed the grilled chicken strips with buffalo wing sauce and placed on a bed of arugula and alfalfa sprouts (love these!) On the left I added celery for my crunch in my lunch! Then on right is a tomato, fresh mozzarella cheese, cucumber, onion, olive oil and salt, pepper and oregano salad (so refreshing). Top this off with blue cheese, of course (or if you’re a ranch person instead, go for it!)
3. Fruity Cereal Bowl
Sometimes I crave more of a brunch styled lunch, so I make fruity yogurt bowls. This one has Greek yogurt, grapefruit, black raspberries, pomegranate seeds, lemon and honey. I like to pair these with a side of fiber cereal ( this is the high fiber cereal from Trader Joe’s), but any kind you like will do! Then, for some extra protein, I add in two boiled eggs. This is such a refreshing “brunch” and is packed with nutrients.
4. Turkey Roll Up Salad
This one is super easy with minimal prep! I roll up turkey breast with provolone cheese and cut it into pieces. Place over arugula (okay, I am realizing I always choose arugula as the base, but I love it) and olives and topped it with red pepper flakes. On the left I added in a boiled egg for protein, black raspberries and strawberries. On the right I went with my go to salad; cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, olive oil, salt, pepper and oregano.
5. Sausage and Peppers Cauli Bowl
Phew, not arugula in this one! Changing it up with a hot meal prep. This one has a base of frozen cauliflower rice ( I put it in frozen). Then I sauté spicy Italian sausage with peppers and onions and serve with a side of spinach. When you warm this one up, mix everything together for a comforting lunch, it actually tastes better as leftovers!
6. Butternut Squash & Apple Salad
This one has a lot of fall flavors, which I love all year round. The salad is made with arugula, roasted butternut squash, apples, cranberries & pecans. Served with a side of grilled chicken, pickled beets, raisin rosemary crackers and a boiled egg! I like to drizzle lemon juice over this salad.
I hope you enjoyed the bento box meal prep ideas! Which one is your favorite? Let me know if you make any and tag me if you do. I hope this can make meal prepping a little more fun and tasty for you!
xo Jamie
Jamie Devergillo 