Salads can easily become boring. After a while, the basic carrot, romaine, and chicken combo is the same old, same old, and not even dressing or cheese can fix that. That’s why I’m here today! Salads are a great way to get in extra nutrients without going overboard on ingredients, and they make for the perfect balanced meal. Meal prep salads in particular make for an even easier meal, since they require zero time to make the day you're going to eat them.
When making these meal prep salads, the best way to prepare them is to chop the vegetables ahead of time and store them in separate containers, cook any grains you need, and throw everything together in a mason jar or Tupperware the day you're going to eat your creation.
1. Tomato Gorgonzola Salad
This tomato gorgonzola salad is the perfect way to switch up your salad game. Dice the tomatoes and onions ahead of time (store them on a paper towel so they don't brown) and shake your ingredients together in a jar when you're ready to enjoy. This is so simple, but filled with flavor and preps incredibly well.
2. Vegan Curried Broccoli Chickpea Salad
Need to get some extra veggies in and have no idea how? Try out this vegan curried broccoli chickpea salad from Ambitious Kitchen. It’s got all the goods like chickpeas, almonds, carrots, and a creamy curry dressing. This is a really hearty salad that gets better the longer it sits in your fridge. Portion it out into individual containers if you're a hardcore meal prepper.
3. Abundance Kale Salad
If you’re not a big kale person, be prepared to have your world changed with this abundance kale salad from Minimalist Baker. It’s got a savory tahini dressing that takes the flavor to a whole new level, and contains all the goods like sweet potatoes, roasted zucchini, and more. UGH YES PLEASE.
#SpoonTip: Store the veggies and dressing separately to keep everything fresh for the entire week.
4. Avocado Chickpea Salad Sandwich
This avocado chickpea salad is next level, and let me tell ya, it tastes way better than your average egg salad. Made with minimal ingredients and packed with tons of flavors and nutrients, it's the perfect meal prep salad.
#SpoonTip: Chickpeas are really hearty, so this salad can be made in advance and will keep well in the fridge for a few days.
5. Spring Picnic Salad
Planning a spring picnic? Pack this spring picnic salad and impress all your friends! Made with fresh ingredients like potatoes, arugula, and goat cheese, it has all the goods. Again, store the veggies and dressing separately to prolong the shelf life of this salad.
6. Summer Chopped Salad
Summer isn’t officially here, but you know what? This summer chopped salad is perfect year round. Made with eggs, avocado, a whole bunch of greens, and other hearty ingredients, it’s light enough for a barbecue, but filling enough to where you won’t need seconds or thirds. It’s got healthy fats, protein, and fiber, and tastes absolutely delicious.
7. Vegan Chickpea Salad
I’m sure you guys have all heard of chicken salad, and consumed it more than once (hello, family reunion). Well, this vegan chickpea salad is the perfect alternative to it, and it’s easier than you’d think! Made with chickpeas, tomatoes, and a few other ingredients, it’s light and simple. Plus, it doesn’t go old easily, so you can enjoy it for days. Throw it on some bread for a sandwich or with some greens for a traditional salad.
8. Black Bean Pasta Salad
Because not all salads involve lettuce, right? This black bean pasta salad from Danielle’s Kitchen is a twist on a classic pasta salad, and incorporates foods like black beans, avocados, and more. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and filled with protein. Even better, you can mix everything together and pop it in the fridge without worrying about anything getting soggy.
9. Chickpea Caesar Pasta Salad
Have you guys noticed how chickpeas are being thrown in everything lately, including cookie dough? Well, Emilie Eats follows the trend with this vegan twist on a classic—chickpea caesar pasta salad! Made with real ingredients, it preps well and is the perfect alternative to a boring Caesar salad.
#SpoonTip: Add in the lettuce when you're ready to eat this salad, otherwise it'll get soggy sitting in the dressing.
10. Mango Salsa Salad
This meal prep salad is a blend of tomatoes, red pepper, mango, and a few other key ingredients. This salad is light and fresh, and once everything is chopped it takes five minutes to prep. This mango salsa salad is just what your meal prep staples need.
11. Lentil And Sweet Potato Salad
Craving carbs? This lentil and sweet potato salad has you covered. Filled with hearty grains like lentils, root vegetables, and simple ingredients, this is a cozy dish perfect for the fall that keeps well for days. Throw in some chickpeas for some extra protein, or add on some tahini for some healthy fats.
12. Arugula Parmesan Salad
This arugula Parm salad is perfection. With a blend of spicy arugula, cheese, and fresh tomatoes, you can’t go wrong with this flavor combo. It’s perfect for the summer, but really, who doesn’t love a cheese filled salad year round?
#SpoonTip: Mix this salad when you're ready to eat it, or else it'll get mushy in the fridge.
13. Taco Chicken Salad
Never have I ever met a taco salad I didn’t like, and this taco chicken salad from Lexi’s Clean Kitchen is a MUST in your meal prep rotation. It’s got so many filling ingredients like chicken, beans, cheese, avocado, and it preps incredibly well.
14. Roasted Butternut Squash Salad
When fall rolls around, all I want is squash. This roasted butternut squash salad from The Paleo Running Mama curbs all the cravings. It also features other fall staples like pecans, and dates, so you can have the perfect cozy meal prep dish without spending an hour a day on it. What’s better than that?
15. Pomegranate and Pear Salad
To finish off the list, we've got a flavorful fruit-filled salad. This pomegranate and pear salad from Fit Foodie Finds makes for a great meal prep dish that packs in extra nutrients thanks to the fruit, as well as a delicious vinaigrette that sneaks in some healthy fats. It’s great for a side, or bulk it up with some sort of protein for a main meal.
See, salads don’t need to be boring! Keep it simple, keep it healthy, and don’t be afraid to change everything up. Incorporating a mix of carbs, protein, and healthy fats is key for a balanced meal that will leave you satisfied and full for hours with no afternoon slump.