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Home » Vegan Articles » Roundups and Guides » Vegan Meal Prep Ideas: The Ultimate Guide

January 21, 2025

Vegan Meal Prep Ideas: The Ultimate Guide

POSTED BY: ERIN WYSOCARSKI | UPDATED ON: JANUARY 21, 2025

Turn meal prep into your superpower with these vegan meal prep ideas. Plan ahead with these tips, and let your week unfold effortlessly with wholesome, delicious meals ready when you are!

Beetroot burgers being formed by hand, a great vegan meal prep idea.

The week has officially started, you’re already juggling all the things, and then—boom—you open the fridge and realize … there’s nothing. No leftovers, no prepped lunches, not even a sad container of hummus. It’s the moment where a little voice in your head says, next week, I’m going to get it together.

Vegan meal prep is exactly what it sounds like—setting aside a little time to plan, prep, and portion meals ahead of time so you’re ready for whatever the week throws at you. Whether it’s high-protein vegan meal prep recipes to keep you fueled or easy vegan meal prepping ideas that make life simpler, the goal is the same: less stress, more delicious, satisfying meals ready when you need them.

Think of this guide as your toolkit for making plant-based eating as convenient as it is flavorful. From breakfasts that power you through busy mornings to dinners that taste just as good on day three, these vegan meal prep ideas are practical, flexible, and here to help you do life with a little more ease (and a lot more flavor).

Explore This Post

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  • Why Vegan Meal Prep is a Game-Changer
    • Key Highlights
  • Essential Tips For Plant-Based Vegan Meal Prep
  • How to Keep Prepped Meals Fresh All Week
    • Use Mason Jars for Meal Prepping
  • High-Protein Ideas For Meal Prep Success
    • Cook Once, Use All Week
    • Grains with a Protein Boost
    • Snackable Proteins
    • Mighty Protein Boosters
    • Freezer-Friendly Favorites
  • Your Ultimate Plant-Based Meal Prep Shopping List
    • Produce
    • Fruits
    • Grains & Starches
    • Other Staples
  • Mix & Match To Build Simple, Flavorful Meals
    • Sweet & Savory Protein Bowl
    • Teriyaki Tempeh Bowl
    • Mushroom Kale Power Bowl
    • Vibrant Lentil Rice Bowl
    • Chia Fruit Parfait
  • Vegan Meal Prep Ideas And Recipes For Every Meal
    • Easy-to-Reheat Meals (Stovetop or Microwave)
    • Crispy, Air-Fried Favorites
    • Fresh Serve, No Reheat Required
    • Easy-to-Heat Meal (Oven)
  • FAQs
  • Vegan Meal Prep Ideas, Wrapped!

Why Vegan Meal Prep is a Game-Changer

It’s Wednesday night. You’re tired, hungry, and standing in front of the fridge like it’s going to magically present you with something edible. There’s a jar of pickles, half a block of tofu you forgot about, and maybe some wilting greens. This is not dinner.

But what if you’d taken just a little time over the weekend? Now, instead of pickles, you’ve got healthy roasted vegetables, crispy tofu ready to toss into a stir-fry, or a creamy tomato sauce that’ll make pasta night a no-brainer. That’s what vegan meal prep is about—it’s not a perfect plan or a big production. It’s just giving yourself a head start.

And sure, it might take a little time, but the payoff? A week where meals feel easy—whether it’s scooping up a bowl of roasted cauliflower curry on a busy night or grabbing tofu tikka masala for lunch that tastes good on day three as it did when you prepped it. It’s not about doing everything; it’s about doing what works for you.

Setting aside time to prep is key—it doesn’t have to be on Sundays if that doesn’t work for you. The goal is to find a rhythm that fits into your life. Whether it’s a dedicated prep day or a quick mid-week refresh, planning ahead ensures you’ll have meals that make your week smoother, more delicious, and in some dishes, even generate zero waste.

Vegan tofu satay in a marinade for plant-based meal prep.

Key Highlights

  • Effortless Meal Prep Magic: Transform busy weeks into smooth sailing with simple, stress-free meal prep strategies. From easy-to-store meals to quick, flavorful ideas, get ready to save time and love every bite.
  • Flavor-Flexibility at Its Best: The secret to meal prep success is variety! Mix and match grains, proteins, and veggies to keep your meals fresh, exciting, and totally customizable to suit your tastes each day.
  • Snackable and Freezer-Friendly: Don’t just prep for meals—think snacks too! Stock up on grab-and-go options like mason jar salads, freezer-friendly smoothies, and protein-packed snacks for a flavor-packed, time-saving approach.
  • High-Protein Boosters: Keep your energy up with high-protein plant-based meals. Learn how to cook once and eat all week by stocking up on easy-to-prepare protein-packed staples like chickpeas, lentils, tofu, and tempeh.
  • Storage & Freshness Tips: Discover clever storage tricks to keep your meals fresh for longer, from airtight containers to keeping fresh ingredients separate—everything you need to ensure your meal prep lasts all week long.

Essential Tips For Plant-Based Vegan Meal Prep

The thought of meal prepping can feel a little… ambitious, right? Who has time to prep everything for the week? But here’s the thing—it’s not about perfection or turning your kitchen into a production line. It just takes a little upfront planning to make your entire week a breeze. Let’s break it down with simple tips that actually work for busy, everyday life.

  • Start with What You Actually Eat: The key to meal prep success? Make it easy. Start with foods and meals you already love. No need to get fancy or stress about new recipes—prep what you’ll actually want to eat. Whether it’s a batch of roasted veggies for grain bowls, crispy tofu for stir-fries, or taco fillings ready to go, focus on the flavors that make you happy. When you keep it simple and stick to your favorites, meal prep doesn’t feel like a chore.
  • Batch the Basics: If you’re not batch cooking, you’re missing out. Grains like quinoa, rice, or farro—cook once, eat all week. Toss some veggies on a baking sheet, roast them up, and they’re ready to go. Marinate some chickpeas or bake tofu for easy, tasty protein options. These bulk basics don’t just save time; they make meals quick and flexible without getting boring. Mix and match throughout the week, and you’ll be surprised at how much variety you can get without a ton of work.
  • Master the Sauces: Here’s where the magic happens. A good sauce can make even the simplest meals taste incredible. Whether it’s a creamy tahini, a zesty peanut dressing, or a smoky BBQ sauce, having a few sauces prepped and ready takes your meals from basic to wow. Make a couple of sauces over the weekend, and suddenly those grains and roasted veggies have a whole new life. Store them separately to keep them fresh and versatile, and drizzle away all week long.
  • Don’t Overdo It: Meal prep doesn’t need to be overwhelming. If you’re just starting out, there’s no need to prep every meal for the entire week. Focus on a couple of meals—maybe breakfast and lunch—and take it from there. A batch of overnight oats for busy mornings or a big pot of soup for lunches can make your week a whole lot easier. Start with what feels doable and expand as you get into the groove. It’s all about finding your balance.
  • Pick a Day to Plan, Shop, and Prep: Choose a day to get everything in place. Whether it’s Sunday or a mid-week refresh, set aside a little time to plan meals, do your shopping, and knock out the prep. This routine will give you the structure you need, without overcomplicating things. Bonus points: create a meal prep binder or digital file with your favorite recipes, grocery lists, and meal plans. That way, it’s all ready to go when you need it. Learn to clean as you go for even more ease and efficiency!
  • Be Flexible and Have Fun: Life happens. So, when a recipe doesn’t work out or you feel like mixing things up, that’s totally okay. The beauty of meal prep is its flexibility. You can switch out ingredients or tweak your meals as you go. Use what’s in your fridge, try new combos, and keep it fun. The more you play around, the more you’ll find what works for you.

How to Keep Prepped Meals Fresh All Week

Good prep is only half the battle—keeping your meals fresh and ready to go is just as important. Here’s how to make sure your food stays as good on day three as it was on day one:

  • Invest in Airtight Containers: Good storage is everything. Glass containers with locking lids are ideal—they keep food fresh, don’t stain or hold odors, and work perfectly for reheating. If you’re freezing meals, silicone bags or freezer-safe containers are the way to go. A set of clear containers also helps you quickly spot what’s inside, saving you time when you’re looking for that perfectly prepped lunch.
  • Keep Ingredients Separate: If you’re prepping components like grains, veggies, and sauces, store them separately. This keeps everything tasting fresh and lets you mix things up throughout the week. Add fresh ingredients—like avocado, herbs, or citrus—right before eating to keep meals vibrant. Plus, storing protein and carbs separately helps maintain texture and prevents sogginess.
  • Label Everything: You’ll thank yourself later if you take a minute to label your containers. Write down what’s inside and the date you prepped it. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference when you’re midweek and just trying to grab something quick. Pro tip: use color-coded stickers for easy recognition of what’s what, especially if you’re storing similar-looking meals.
  • Use the Right Storage for Different Meal Types: For soups, stews, or sauces, consider storing them in deep, airtight containers so they don’t lose moisture. For dry ingredients like grains or granola, use wide-mouthed jars that allow for easier scooping without spilling everywhere. Choose your container type based on the meal to keep each one at its best.
  • Make Use of the Freezer: Not everything needs to be eaten within the week! Some meals (like soups, stews, or veggie burgers) can be frozen in portions, and then easily thawed when you’re ready. Portion out your meals into individual containers so you can grab and go without defrosting the entire batch. Just don’t forget to label and date each container to keep track of what needs to be eaten first!
  • Add Freshness Right Before Eating: When prepping salads, grain bowls, or wraps, keep any fresh toppings (like lettuce, cucumber, or avocado) separate from the main dish to prevent sogginess. That extra step of adding fresh ingredients right before eating is a game changer, making everything feel just as fresh as when you made it.
  • Don’t Overfill Your Containers: Keep a little room in your containers to allow for meal expansion, especially with grains, stews, or sauces that might bubble or swell. Overstuffing makes it hard to seal properly, which can lead to leaks or air getting inside and shortening freshness.

Use Mason Jars for Meal Prepping

Mason jars are more than just pretty storage! Layer salads, overnight oats, or grain bowls in them to keep everything fresh and perfectly organized. The layers protect your ingredients from sogginess, and they’re a perfect, portable option that you can grab-and-go. Prep once, enjoy all week!
A mason jar filled with prepped ingredients for easy meals.

High-Protein Ideas For Meal Prep Success

Protein is one of those things that can make or break a meal—it’s what keeps you full, happy, and ready to tackle whatever the day throws your way. And while tofu and beans are great (truly, they’re staples for a reason), there are so many other vegan protein sources out there that can make your meal prep more exciting and versatile.

Think of this as your ultimate shopping list and idea guide all in one. Whether you’re stocking up on grains, roasting up a batch of chickpeas, or blending hemp seeds into your favorite dressing, this list has everything you need to make protein-packed vegan meal prep a breeze. Here are all the ways you can think about plant-based protein prep:

Cook Once, Use All Week

These staples are perfect for batch cooking and can be used in endless ways:

  • Black beans or kidney beans: ideal for chili, burritos, or veggie burgers
  • Chickpeas: roasted for snacking, mashed into sandwiches, or tossed into grain bowls
  • Lentils: great for soups, salads, curries, or even taco fillings
  • Seitan: sautéed, grilled, or roasted for a hearty meat alternative
  • Soy curls: Perfect, whole food ingredient that can be rehydrated and used as a hearty filler
  • Tempeh: marinate and roast or slice for hearty sandwiches and bowls
  • Tofu: baked, pan-fried, or air-fried for crispy perfection
Tempeh bacon on a baking sheet for vegan meal prep.

Grains with a Protein Boost

These grains pull double duty as carbs and plant-based protein:

  • Amaranth: tiny but mighty, perfect for porridges or savory dishes
  • Barley (great for soups or as a base for grain bowls)
  • Buckwheat: hearty and nutty, great for porridge or as a side
  • Farro: chewy and perfect for salads or grain bowls
  • Millet: a versatile, gluten-free option that works hot or cold
  • Quinoa: fluffy, nutty, and pairs with just about everything
Farro grains on a tabletop.

Snackable Proteins

Keep these on hand for quick snacks or easy add-ins:

  • Edamame: steamed or roasted with spices
  • Nuts: almonds, cashews, walnuts, pistachios (great for snacking or topping dishes)
  • Roasted chickpeas: crunchy, spiced, and addictive
  • Seeds: pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, or hemp seeds for sprinkling
Nuts and seeds in jars.

Mighty Protein Boosters

Add these to sauces, soups, and sides for an extra protein kick:

  • Chia seeds: great for chia pudding and smoothies
  • Hemp seeds: sprinkle on bowls, blend into smoothies, or mix into dressings
  • Nutritional yeast: cheesy, savory, and perfect for sauces or scrambles
  • Tahini: creamy and packed with protein for dips, drizzles, or spreads
  • Nut and seed butters: peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter
  • Vegan protein powders: add to smoothies, overnight oats, or baked goods
A jar of spicy nutritional yeast, a great ingredient for using in plant-based meal prep.

Freezer-Friendly Favorites

Batch-prep these proteins to save time on busy days:

  • Lentil or black bean burgers: freezer staples for quick lunches
  • Tofu or tempeh slices: pre-baked and ready to thaw
  • Soups and stews: lentil curry, chickpea chili, or protein-packed veggie soups
  • Seitan roasts or strips: perfect for sandwiches, stir-fries, or wraps
A hand-formed, hand-made beetroot burger, a great vegan meal prep option.

Your Ultimate Plant-Based Meal Prep Shopping List

Let’s make vegan meal prep ideas even more expansive and varied! We’re talking about stocking your kitchen with all the good stuff that’s going to keep your meals fresh, exciting, and totally stress-free. This isn’t about making things complicated—it’s about having the right vegetables, fruits, grains, and pantry staples on hand so you can mix, match, and create meals you actually look forward to eating.

This list is here to give you everything you need to make plant-based meal prep easy and delicious. Whether you’re throwing together a grain bowl, prepping a batch of roasted vegetables, or grabbing a quick snack, these ingredients will keep your week feeling smooth and your meals flavorful. Just grab a container, take out the amount you’d like, and enjoy a satisfying meal with almost no work!

Produce

Fresh produce is where you’ll get your color, crunch, and variety. Whether it’s leafy greens for salads or root vegetables for roasting, these ingredients bring meals to life and make plant-based meals feel vibrant and fresh.

  • Avocados (grain bowls, wraps, salads, toast)
  • Bell peppers (stir-fries, fajitas, grain bowls, wraps)
  • Broccoli (stir-fries, roasted veggies, soups)
  • Brussels sprouts (roast for grain bowls)
  • Cabbage (a great base for slaws or salads)
  • Cauliflower (grain bowls, stir-fries, vegan tacos, roasted veggies, curry)
  • Carrots (salads, stir-fries, soups, roasted veggies)
  • Cucumbers (salads, grain bowls, wraps)
  • Garlic (sauces, stir-fries, soups)
  • Ginger (curries, stir-fries, dressings)
  • Kale, spinach, or mixed greens (salads, wraps, grain bowls)
  • Mushrooms (stir-fries, tofu scrambles, vegan bourguignon, soups)
  • Red onions (salads, wraps, grain bowls, roasted veggies)
  • Sweet potatoes (grain bowls, soups, roasted veggies, tacos)
  • Tomatoes (grain bowls, salads)
  • Zucchini (stir-fries, grain bowls, roasted veggies, soups)
Roasted sweet potatoes on a baking sheet for vegan meal prep.

Fruits

Fruits are a great addition to add sweetness, tang, and variety to your meals or snacks. They’re perfect for breakfast bowls or a quick snack between meals.

  • Apples (snacks, grain bowls, salads)
  • Bananas (smoothies, overnight oats, chia pudding)
  • Berries (smoothies, parfaits, oatmeal, chia pudding)
  • Grapes (snacks, salads, roasted with veggies)
  • Lemons (dressings, sauces, grain bowls, water)
  • Oranges (snacks, salads, grain bowls)
  • Pears (salads, oatmeal, snack)
  • Strawberries (for smoothies, parfaits, or as a topping)
A handful of blueberries.

Grains & Starches

These grains and starches are the perfect bases for your plant-based meals. Whether they’re tossed into a salad, layered into a grain bowl, or used as a side dish, they’ll help keep you full and energized.

  • Amaranth (porridge, salads, soups)
  • Buckwheat (grain bowls, porridge, stir-fries)
  • Farro (salads, grain bowls, soups)
  • Millet (grain bowls, salads, soups)
  • Potatoes (great for roasting)
  • Quinoa (grain bowls, salads, soups)
  • Rice (brown, white) (grain bowls, stir-fries, soups, sushi)
  • Sweet potatoes (grain bowls, roasted veggies, tacos)
  • Tortillas (wraps, tacos, burritos)
  • Oats (overnight oats, granola, baking)
Toasted muesli in a prep bowl.

Other Staples

These pantry staples are key to making vegan meal prep ideas easy and flavorful. Keep them stocked for added flavor and depth in your dishes.

  • Canned coconut milk (curries, soups, smoothies)
  • Canned tomatoes (soups, sauces, curries)
  • Chickpea flour (panisse, batters, baking)
  • Nutritional yeast (sauces, scrambles, popcorn)
  • Plant-based milk (sauces, smoothies, soup)
  • Peanut butter (dips, smoothies, sauces)
  • Seaweed (perfect for sushi rolls, bowls, or soups)
  • Soy sauce or tamari (stir-fries, marinades, dressings)
  • Sriracha (to add a nice, balances heat to bowls and sauces)
  • Tahini (dressings, sauces, dips)
  • Vegan butter (sauces, spreading)
  • Vegan cheese (melting, sprinkling)
  • Vegan mayo (dressings, sauces)
  • Vegetable broth (soups, curries, risotto)
  • Vinegar (apple cider, balsamic) (dressings, sauces, marinades)

Mix & Match To Build Simple, Flavorful Meals

Meal prep doesn’t have to mean eating the same thing every day. The key is mixing and matching your ingredients to keep things exciting. These simple yet delicious combinations will help you use the same base ingredients in multiple ways, so you won’t get bored. Let’s break it down:

Sweet & Savory Protein Bowl

The Base: Quinoa + Sweet Potato + Avocado + Chickpeas + Green Goddess Dressing. This vibrant combo gives you protein, healthy fats, and satisfying carbs.

Switch It Up:

  • Change the Grain: Swap quinoa for farro or rice for a completely different texture.
  • Spice It Up: Try roasted sweet potatoes with cumin or smoked paprika for an added punch.
  • Add Crunch: Throw in some nuts or seeds (hello, sunflower or pumpkin seeds) for a little extra crunch.
  • Switch the Sauce: Use tahini or lemon-tahini dressing if you’re craving something creamy but with a zesty twist.

Why It Works: You’ve got the warmth of roasted sweet potatoes, the creaminess of avocado, and the crunch of chickpeas all coming together with fresh dressing. It’s a satisfying bowl that’s endlessly adaptable based on what’s in season or what you have in your pantry.

Teriyaki Tempeh Bowl

The Base: Brown Rice + Tempeh + Broccoli + Teriyaki Glaze. Brown rice provides a hearty base, while tempeh gives you protein-packed deliciousness and broccoli adds crunch.

Switch It Up:

  • Swap Tempeh for Tofu: If you’re in the mood for something softer, swap the tempeh for crispy tofu or even seitan for that meaty bite.
  • Add More Veggies: Throw in some bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color.
  • Change the Sauce: Try a peanut sauce or hoisin glaze to switch up the flavor profile—something sweet and savory!
  • Add Heat: If you like spice, drizzle some sriracha or chili flakes over the top for a little kick.

Why It Works: Brown rice is a great, versatile base to work with, and the teriyaki glaze brings everything together with sweetness and depth. You can easily personalize this one with different sauces and textures to keep it fresh.

Mushroom Kale Power Bowl

The Base: Farro + Mushrooms + Tofu + Kale. Farro is chewy, mushrooms are earthy, and tofu is crispy—this combo is hearty and satisfying.

Switch It Up:

  • Substitute the Farro: Try using millet or quinoa for a lighter base or barley for a more rustic touch.
  • Mushroom Variations: Shiitake or portobello mushrooms offer a deeper umami flavor, while cremini mushrooms are milder.
  • Boost the Flavor: Add roasted garlic, miso paste, or balsamic vinegar to give your mushrooms even more punch.
  • Toss in Some Roasted Veggies: Sweet potatoes or carrots roasted with herbs would add another layer of sweetness to balance the earthiness.

Why It Works: This combo is a textural dream, with chewy farro, crispy tofu, and the savory richness of mushrooms. Kale adds a nice green punch that ties it all together, but it’s flexible enough to adapt based on your veggie stash.

Vibrant Lentil Rice Bowl

The Base: Lentils + Hummus + Rice + Zucchini + Lemon. Lentils and rice provide the hearty base, while hummus adds creaminess and richness. Zucchini is fresh and light, and a squeeze of lemon adds the perfect touch of brightness.

Switch It Up:

  • Change the Grain: Swap the rice for couscous or quinoa for a different base.
  • Lentil Variations: Try swapping the lentils for chickpeas or kidney beans to change the texture.
  • Add Fresh Herbs: Throw in some parsley or mint for extra freshness.
  • Change the Veggie: Add roasted beets or cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Why It Works: The combo of lentils, rice, and hummus is a perfect plant-based protein powerhouse, and zucchini with lemon keeps it feeling light. It’s a dish that’s hearty enough for dinner but light enough for lunch.

Chia Fruit Parfait

The Base: Chia Seeds + Plant Milk + Fresh Fruit. Chia pudding is a dreamy, make-ahead breakfast or snack, with chia seeds soaking up creamy plant milk and fresh fruit adding the perfect burst of sweetness.

Switch It Up:

  • Try Different Plant Milks: Almond, oat, or coconut milk all bring their own unique flavor to the chia pudding—go for what you’re craving.
  • Fruit Combo: Swap out fresh fruit for a berry compote or even roasted fruit like pears or apples for a warm touch.
  • Add Crunch: Top with granola, coconut flakes, or nuts for a little texture.
  • Sweeten it: Drizzle with maple syrup or agave if you prefer a little extra sweetness.

Why It Works: Chia pudding is a blank canvas, and it’s endlessly customizable. Whether you keep it fresh and simple or dress it up with toppings, it’s a great way to start your day or enjoy a satisfying snack.

Building Your Week, One Bowl at a Time

These combos are the foundation to keep your meal prep flexible, delicious, and exciting. You’ll find that once you have a few key components prepped, creating new combinations becomes second nature. Mix and match grains, proteins, veggies, and sauces like you’re the mastermind behind a plant-based kitchen—and get ready for a week of effortless, tasty meals.

A masala lentil salad in a white bowl.

Vegan Meal Prep Ideas And Recipes For Every Meal

So, you’ve got the basics down—batch cooking staples, mastering the magic of sauces, and keeping everything fresh all week. Now comes the fun part: choosing recipes that make meal prep simple, satisfying, and something you’ll actually look forward to eating.

These vegan meal prep ideas are here to make your week smooth, easy, and filled with delicious plant-based goodness. No need for stress, just simple meals that will keep you fueled and satisfied.

Easy-to-Reheat Meals (Stovetop or Microwave)

The ultimate comfort food for when you want something hearty and satisfying, without any extra effort. These meals reheat like a dream and will keep you full until your next mealtime.

Vegan Bourguignon

This cozy, wine-braised stew is your plant-based ticket to a French comfort food feast—rich, savory, and totally satisfying. Simply reheat and serve with crusty bread for the perfect meal. Feel free to swap the seitan for extra mushrooms!

A plate of seitan bourguignon with a glass of red wine.

Vegan Mapo Tofu

This bold, saucy mapo tofu is the ultimate plant-based comfort food—spicy, savory, and packed with flavor. Just reheat and serve over steamed rice for an easy weeknight meal, or pair with stir-fried greens to balance the heat. If you prefer, swap the mushrooms for tempeh for a different texture!

A top-down view of vegan mapo tofu in a Dutch oven, garnished with scallions and packed with spicy Sichuan flavors.

Cauliflower and Mushroom Curry

This cozy cauliflower and mushroom curry is a rich, flavorful dish that gets even better after a day or two in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep. Just reheat and serve over rice with vegan naan for an easy, comforting dinner. Swap the mushrooms for chickpeas or tofu for a different twist!

Two hands framing a plate of curry on a dark background.

New England Vegan Chowder

This creamy, hearty vegan clam chowder delivers all the nostalgic comfort of the classic with a plant-based twist. Reheat and serve with crusty bread or crackers for the ultimate cozy meal.

Vegan clam chowder in a pot.

Easy Split Pea Soup

This smoky, velvety vegan split pea soup is the ultimate cozy comfort food—creamy, rich, and satisfying in every bite. Simply reheat and serve with crusty bread or biscuits for a perfect meal. Feel free to crumble smoky tempeh bacon over the top!

A bowl of vegan split pea soup with microgreens.

Tofu Tikka Masala

This cozy vegan tikka masala features marinated tofu, baked and smashed to perfection, then simmered in a rich, spiced tomato gravy that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. Just reheat and serve with basmati rice and naan for the perfect meal. Swap tofu for soy curls, chickpeas, or cauliflower to switch things up!

A plate of tofu tikka masala, with rice, cilantro and naan.

Vegan Chicken and Rice Soup

This cozy vegan chicken and rice soup is the perfect blend of savory, herb-packed broth, hearty rice, and tender soy curls that soak up all the flavor. Just reheat and serve with your favorite crackers, biscuits, or crusty bread for a comforting meal. Swap the rice with barley to make it heartier!

A bowl of vegan chicken and rice soup.

Crispy, Air-Fried Favorites

When you need a satisfying crunch with quick reheat, the air fryer is your best friend. These meals stay crispy and perfect, no matter when you decide to dig in.

Gobi Manchurian

This crispy, tangy Gobi Manchurian takes cauliflower to the next level with its double-cook method—fried and then air-fried for that irresistible crunch. Serve over basmati rice, topped with fresh cilantro, and enjoy the sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the air fryer for that same crispy texture.

A plate of Gobi Manchurian with utensils.

Vegan Broccoli Tots

These homemade broccoli tots are a healthy and delicious twist on a classic snack, with crispy edges and a savory, cheesy interior. Leftovers can be refrigerated or frozen and reheated perfectly in the air fryer, keeping their crispy texture intact. Feel free to swap out the broccoli with shredded cauliflower!

A bowl of broccoli tots.

Crispy Breaded Tofu

These crispy breaded tofu cutlets are golden perfection, with a crunchy exterior and tender interior. They reheat beautifully in the air fryer! Serve them alongside grains or rice, tuck them into a sandwich, or chop and serve in grain bowls!

Crispy tofu cutlets on a baking sheet.

Fresh Serve, No Reheat Required

Sometimes the best meals are the ones that are ready right out of the fridge. These recipes are all about keeping things fresh, vibrant, and delicious with zero reheating needed.

Carrot lox

This vegan lox is perfect for meal prep. Make a batch and refrigerate for a few days to marinate. Serve at room temp for delicious bagels or vegan bowls throughout the week!

Vegan smoked salmon lox on a bagel.

Creamy Berry Chia Pudding

This creamy chia pudding with a fresh berry compote is like the best of both worlds—tart and juicy berries paired with a smooth, coconutty pudding that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Make it ahead for an easy breakfast or snack that’ll keep you coming back for more—just grab, spoon, and enjoy!

Vegan chia pudding with berries.

Toasted Muesli

This toasted muesli combines fragrant, toasted oats with crunchy nuts and seeds, creating a satisfying and flavorful base for breakfast all week long. Serve it with vegan yogurt or plant-based milk, and feel free to swap out dried fruit and nuts to keep it interesting!

Toasted muesli in a bowl with vegan yogurt.

Vegan Cheez-Its

These vegan Cheez-Its are perfect for meal prep, staying crispy for about 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re a convenient snack that’s easy to grab and enjoy throughout the week!

Two hands holding baked vegan Cheez Its.

Vegan Tuna Salad

This vegan tuna salad uses hearts of palm for a flaky, delicate texture, making it a fantastic plant-based alternative to traditional tuna. It’s easy to prepare ahead, and can be served as a sandwich filling, in wraps, or with crackers for a quick, satisfying lunch throughout the week.

Vegan tuna salad, made with hearts of palm, in a small bowl.

Easy-to-Heat Meal (Oven)

Perfectly prepped and easy to finish off—just pop these in the oven and you’ve got a fresh, warm meal in no time. Ideal for those days when you need a quick, no-hassle dinner.

Sweet Potato and Kidney Bean Burritos

These vegan burritos are packed with hearty flavors from roasted sweet potatoes, seitan, and vegan cheese, making them a filling and comforting meal. Feel free to use black or pinto beans, throw in corn, or even sub the seitan for seasoned, chopped soy curls.

Sweet potato and kidney bean burritos, with a burrito close up.

Panisse

These panisse fries are golden, crispy on the outside, and creamy on the inside, with a savory chickpea flavor that makes them irresistible. The batter can be prepped and refrigerated, so you can easily cut and bake desired portions for crispy, protein-packed fries whenever you need them.

Panisse, or chickpea fries, in a jar.

Beetroot Burger

These beetroot burgers are rich in earthy flavor from the beets, hearty from farro, and packed with a spicy kick from the kimchi mayo. They reheat easily in the oven, making them perfect for meal prep – just store and bake directly from the fridge or freezer!

A hand holding a vegan beetroot burger.

Quinoa Pizza Crust

This quinoa pizza crust is a simple, gluten-free option with a light, crispy texture and a wholesome taste that perfectly holds your favorite toppings. The batter can be made ahead and stored, so you can easily bake fresh crusts or flatbread throughout the week!

A top-down shot of a quinoa crust pizza that's been cut into four pieces.

FAQs

How far in advance can I meal prep vegan meals?

Most vegan meal prep ideas can be made up to 4-5 days in advance and still taste fresh and delicious. If you’re prepping for longer, consider freezing certain components (like cooked grains, soups, or stews) to ensure they stay fresh. Just store everything in airtight containers, and you’ll be good to go!

Can I customize these vegan meal prep ideas based on what I have at home?

Absolutely! One of the best things about vegan meal prep is how flexible it is. You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have in your fridge or pantry. Change up the grains, protein, and veggies to suit your preferences or to use up leftovers—meal prep should work for you, not the other way around!

How can I keep my prepped meals tasting fresh throughout the week?

To keep your vegan meal prep tasting fresh, store each component (grains, veggies, protein) separately until you’re ready to eat. This helps preserve the texture of ingredients like crispy chickpeas or roasted veggies. Adding fresh ingredients like avocado or herbs just before eating will also keep your meals vibrant and exciting!

Vegan Meal Prep Ideas, Wrapped!

Here’s the thing about vegan meal prep: it doesn’t have to be perfect or all-encompassing. It’s about finding small ways to make your week feel less hectic and your meals more enjoyable. Start with just one or two recipes—maybe a high-protein dinner or an easy breakfast you can grab on your way out the door—and build from there.

The best part? Once you’ve got a few staples prepped, you’ll find yourself experimenting and mixing things up in ways you didn’t expect. That batch of roasted veggies might turn into a grain bowl one day, a taco filling the next, or a side dish for dinner. Meal prep is all about giving yourself options, so you always have something nourishing and delicious within reach.

Ready to jump in? Check out my vegan meal prep ideas page for more recipes to help you get started. It’s packed with options to keep things fresh, flexible, and flavorful. Happy prepping!

Did you find these vegan meal prep ideas helpful? Drop your own plant-based meal prep tips in the comments—I’d love to hear what works for you!

Filed Under: Roundups and Guides, Vegan Articles, Vegan Kitchen Basics, Vegan Meal Prep

Filed Under: Roundups and Guides Vegan Articles Vegan Kitchen Basics Vegan Meal Prep

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Hi! I'm Erin and this is Jeff. I love creating vegan recipes for those who love to cook and eat, and Jeff enjoys photographing them. We're so glad you're here!

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Hi, I'm Erin!

Hi, I'm Erin!

Welcome to my little corner of the internet where I whip up delicious vegan dishes that feature vegan seafood, comforting classics, and crave-worthy umami flavors. You'll discover fresh and creative recipes here—all made with plants!

Our work has been featured in VegNews, HuffPost, Bon Appétit, and more.

My partner, Jeff, loves to capture all the photos you see here. We call Boston home, sharing our space with our adorable rescue pup, Harper.

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