20 Make-Ahead Ideas for High Protein Lunch
Between work, errands, and everything else, finding time to make a protein-packed, healthy lunch was getting hard. I found 20 great high-protein lunch recipes that are perfect for meal prepping each week so I have great high-protein lunch options every day.
These meals are simple to prepare, full of protein, and easy to store in the fridge until you need one. This list includes savory bowls, wraps, and other delicious make-ahead meals to try!
If you are looking for more lunch ideas but need something that is easy to prepare ahead of time, check out my make-ahead lunch recipes or my post with casserole recipes that can be frozen. I hope these recipes and posts help make lunchtime easier (and healthy, too!).
Find More Make-Ahead Recipes
- Make-Ahead Breakfasts
- Make-Ahead Lunch Recipes
- Make-Ahead Dinner Recipes
- Make-Ahead Side Dishes
- Make-Ahead Salad Recipes
- Make-Ahead BBQ Side Dishes
- Make-Ahead Christmas Side Dish Recipes
High Protein Lunch Ideas for Meal Prep
The chicken breast gets a bold kick from a homemade fajita seasoning blend layered with sautéed veggies over your choice of grains. Full of healthy grains and high in protein.
This delicious seared salmon is served with fluffy quinoa, kale, and crunchy veggies. A drizzle of zesty lemon Dijon dressing ties it all together!
This chicken salad is nourishing and a great low-carb lunch option. It's made with juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and a delicious creamy dressing.
These turkey burgers are a nice addition to this list. I often forget that burgers are a great meal to make ahead and have ready to warm up for lunch during the week.
Serve them with your favorite toppings or a crisp lettuce wrap for a lighter option.
This Mediterranean dish is full of flavor and protein! with chicken, lemon-infused orzo, fresh herbs, and a touch of citrus.
Frittatas are a great high-protein option that is not only great for breakfast and brunch, but is perfect if you're looking for a make-ahead lunch that's high in protein. It’s loaded with fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and spinach, and the sun-dried tomatoes which add so much flavor to this dish.
This Mediterranean bean salad is full of flavor and fresh veggies! The lemony dressing sounds delicious!
Made with chicken, fresh veggies, and bowtie pasta, this pasta salad is a great option if you are looking for a filling lunch idea that has plenty of protein to help you meet your goals!
If you are looking for a hearty dish - try this delicious classic recipe. The beef is slow-cooked in a savory red wine sauce alongside carrots, onions, and aromatic herbs, creating a flavorful stew.
Sometimes you are craving something sweet but want a protein boost. This protein rice pudding is the answer! It’s creamy and filling, made with whey protein. This is a great addition to this list of make-ahead high protein lunches because sometimes you just want a sweet treat instead of a salad.
This is a great salad recipe to add to the mix. This Thai salad is colorful is made with crunchy veggies, tender chicken, and a sprinkle of peanuts tossed in the most irresistible peanut vinaigrette.
This recipes comes to us from Tessie who lives in Dublin, Ireland. This hearty dish is made Italian sausage or bratwurst, hearty beans, and fresh veggies. It’s a truly hearty meal to keep you satisfied all day.
This chicken cabbage stir fry is here to save the day! Juicy chicken and crunchy cabbage are cooked in a savory Asian-inspired sauce that will have you scraping your plate. You can pair it with rice or noodles for an easy, delicious meal ready in no time.
You’re going to want to add these BBQ chicken thighs to your regular rotation! They are juicy, packed with smoky-sweet flavor, and so versatile. Use the leftovers in tacos, salads, sandwiches, you name it!
This slow cooker chicken teriyaki comes out tender and flavorful, made with chicken thighs and the sweet-savory teriyaki glaze. You can serve it over rice or veggies, and you’ve got a no-fuss dinner that everyone will love.
You’re going to love these chicken skewers! They are tender, juicy, and full of flavor with zesty lemon, savory garlic, and Parmesan.
This one is for sandwich lovers but with a twist! The juicy, thinly sliced ribeye steak, melted cheese, sautéed green peppers, onions, and mushrooms come together in crispy lettuce wraps.
This tangy and flavorful lemon chicken will quickly become a favorite! The tender chicken pieces are coated in a zesty lemon sauce that is comforting and refreshing. It’s a simple yet elegant dish perfect for a make-ahead high protein lunch.
This salad includes shredded chicken, juicy grapes, and crunchy celery tossed in a creamy dressing made with mayo and protein-packed Greek yogurt. It’s perfect on its own, in a sandwich or wrap, on top of a salad, or even with crackers for a satisfying snack!
This recipe is a simple bean salad that brings together green beans, red kidney beans, chickpeas, and butter beans tossed in a tangy dressing for a hearty bite. Add in a side of grilled chicken or fish and you've got a great high-protein lunch.
It’s a great protein-packed lunch option or a side dish, making it a no-fuss, wholesome meal perfect for any occasion.
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This is so helpful as I’m struggling to get enough protein in at lunch and tired of my usual go-tos. I found several recipes here that I’m excited to try!