Skip to content

Top Navigation

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Special Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Healthy Meal Plans
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Cooking
  • Shop
  • News
  • Videos
Log In Account Details

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Cooking Light Diet
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Real Cost of Healthy Food

      Today, more Americans than ever—a staggering 50 million people—are experiencing hunger. EatingWell examines the barriers to getting healthy food and what is being done to help. Read More Next
    • 15 Easy Citrus Vinaigrettes That Will Make You Love Salad Again

      Read More Next
    • 22 Comforting Irish Recipes That Are Perfect for St. Patrick's Day

      Read More Next
  • Healthy Recipes

    Healthy Recipes

    See All Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Healthy Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Snack Recipes
    • Healthy Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Healthy Smoothie Recipes
    • Healthy Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes
    • Healthy Kids Recipes
    • Healthy Holiday Recipes
    • Healthy Vegan Recipes
    • Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
    • Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
    • Healthy Weight Loss & Diet Recipes
    • More Lifestyle Diet Recipes
    • More Health Condition Recipes
    • More Dietary Restriction Recipes
    • More Nutrient Focused Recipes
  • Special Diets

    Special Diets

    See All Special Diets
    • Clean Eating Diet Center
    • Mediterranean Diet Center
    • Low-Carb Diet Center
    • Weight Loss Center
    • Dairy-Free Diet Center
    • Gluten-Free Diet Center
    • High-Fiber Diet Center
    • Vegan Diet Center
    • Vegetarian Diet Center
    • Heart-Healthy Diet Center
    • Cholesterol Diet Center
    • Diabetes Diet Center
    • High Blood Pressure Diet Center
    • Low Sodium Diet Center
    • Healthy Aging Diet Center
    • Pregnancy Diet Center
  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    See All Diabetes
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Diabetes Diet Center
  • Healthy Meal Plans

    Healthy Meal Plans

    See All Healthy Meal Plans
    • Meal Planning 101
    • Dinner Plans
    • Clean Eating Meal Plans
    • Mediterranean Diet Meal Plans
    • Low-Carb Meal Plans
    • Weight-Loss Meal Plans
    • Dairy-Free Meal Plans
    • Gluten-Free Meal Plans
    • High-Fiber Meal Plans
    • Vegan Meal Plans
    • Vegetarian Meal Plans
    • Heart-Healthy Meal Plans
    • Low Cholesterol Meal Plans
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Blood Pressure Meal Plans
    • Low Sodium Meal Plans
    • Anti-Aging Meal Plans
    • Pregnancy Meal Plans
    • Healthy Kids Meal Plans
    • ThePrep
  • Healthy Eating

    Healthy Eating

    See All Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Eating 101
    • Eat More Vegetables
    • 30-Day Challenges
    • Good Food Fast
    • Healthy Eating for Kids
    • Best Healthy Foods
    • Green and Sustainable Eating
    • The Beet
    • Transformed
  • Healthy Lifestyle

    Healthy Lifestyle

    See All Healthy Lifestyle
    • Wine, Beer & Spirits Guide
    • Entertaining
    • EatingWell in Real Life
    • Plant Your Plate
    • Healthy Pets
    • American Food Heroes
    • Future of Food
    • Food with Purpose
    • Obsessed
  • Healthy Cooking

    Healthy Cooking

    See All Healthy Cooking
    • Healthy Cooking How-To's
    • Ask the Test Kitchen
    • Budget Cooking Guide
    • Thrifty
    • Family Heritage Cooking
  • Shop

    Shop

    See All Shop
    • EatingWell Cookbooks & More
    • EatingWell Frozen Meals
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Cooking Light Diet
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home Chevron Right
  2. Healthy Recipes Chevron Right
  3. Healthy Cooking Methods & Styles Chevron Right
  4. Healthy Meal Prep Recipes Chevron Right
  5. The Best Base Recipes to Make For Meal Prep

The Best Base Recipes to Make For Meal Prep

August 27, 2019
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Prepping your meals in advance can help make it easier to eat healthy during the week. Batch cook some of these simple recipes on a Sunday and use them in different ways during the week for fast & easy meals.
Start Slideshow

1 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Shredded Chicken Master Recipe

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This easy slow-cooker method preps chicken for a multitude of recipes. Bonus: Rich-tasting chicken stock to keep on hand in your freezer as well.

1 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Colorful Roasted Sheet-Pan Veggies

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These easy roasted vegetables will give your plate a pop of color. Give the cubes of butternut squash a head start for 10 minutes to soften in the oven before adding in the other veggies. The broccoli, peppers and onion are naturally more tender than the butternut squash and cook more quickly. That way everything ends up finishing at the same time.

2 of 45

3 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Easy Brown Rice

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Here's the only recipe you need to make perfect brown rice every time! This healthy whole grain is great on its own as a side dish, or use it in your favorite recipes calling for cooked brown rice.

  • Watch Video

3 of 45

Advertisement

4 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Soy-Lime Roasted Tofu

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Here we marinate tofu cubes in soy sauce and lime juice with a touch of toasted sesame oil, then roast them--perfect tofu every time.

4 of 45

5 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Basil Vinaigrette

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Drizzle this basil salad dressing over sliced tomatoes or cooked green beans. Or toss it into a grain salad for a pop of fresh summertime flavor. Refrigerate for up to 5 days. The vinaigrette will discolor, but will remain flavorful.

  • Watch Video

5 of 45

6 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Garlic Hummus

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This classic hummus recipe couldn't be easier--just toss a few ingredients in the food processor and whir away! Aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) makes this healthy dip extra smooth and creamy. Serve with veggie chips, pita chips or crudités.

6 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Muffin-Tin Quiches with Smoked Cheddar & Potato

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Potatoes, cheese and greens make this mini quiche recipe delicious and satisfying. Bake up a batch over the weekend and you'll have breakfast available in a hurry for the rest of the week.

  • Watch Video

7 of 45

8 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Purple Fruit Salad

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Serve this refreshing fruit salad featuring juicy plums, grapes and berries on its own or with other colorblock fruit salads (like red, green and orange) for a fun, crowd-pleasing rainbow side dish.

8 of 45

9 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Avocado Hummus

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This vibrant green hummus recipe couldn't be easier--just toss a few ingredients in the food processor and whir away! Aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) and avocado make this healthy dip extra smooth and creamy. Serve with veggie chips, pita chips or crudités.

9 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Roasted Buffalo Chickpeas

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Soaking chickpeas in vinegary hot sauce gives them a mouthwatering tang before they crisp up in the oven. The result? An addictively crunchy snack that's actually good for you.

10 of 45

11 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Seeded Whole-Grain Quick Bread

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Bake this healthy, seedy loaf on Sunday and you can enjoy it all week--if it doesn't disappear first. This quick bread recipe is the perfect vehicle for both sweet and savory toppings, so try it as avocado toast one day and with honey the next. Store it tightly wrapped, as all the seeds make it a little more apt to dry out than typical whole-wheat breads.

  • Watch Video

11 of 45

12 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Honey-Mustard Vinaigrette

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Here is a great, all-purpose salad dressing. The pleasing pungency of Dijon mustard makes it a good match for slightly bitter greens, such as escarole, chicory, radicchio or Belgian endive. It also makes an irresistible dipping sauce for crunchy vegetables (especially fennel) and crusty whole-wheat bread.

  • Watch Video

12 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Cherry-Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Skip the granola bar options at the grocery store--they're easy to make at home! You can vary the add-ins to your taste, swapping 2 cups of any combination of small (or chopped) dried fruit, nuts and/or seeds for the chocolate, cherries and coconut in this version. We tested several sticky sweeteners, including maple syrup and honey, but found brown rice syrup held the bars together the best.

13 of 45

14 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sheet-Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

One pan is all you need for a heaping pile of nutritious, tender and colorful root vegetables. Whip up this large-batch recipe at the beginning of the week to use in easy, healthy dinners all week long.

  • Watch Video

14 of 45

15 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Roasted Chickens

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this easy roast chicken recipe, two whole birds cook side-by-side on one pan, which means you only have to heat the oven once but you'll have enough leftover chicken for days. Rotating the chickens on the pan during roasting ensures all sides are evenly cooked and golden brown.

15 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Basic Quinoa

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This foolproof recipe for perfectly cooked quinoa is fast and easy! Use cooked quinoa as a simple healthy side dish, in a salad or as a base for a delicious main dish.

  • Watch Video

16 of 45

17 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chicken Sausage and Peppers

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Colorful peppers and tomatoes and sweet onion make this sausage dinner pop with fresh flavor. Roasting instead of sautéing makes this even easier for a busy weeknight.

  • Watch Video

17 of 45

18 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This vibrant orange hummus recipe couldn't be easier--just toss a few ingredients in the food processor and whir away! Roasted red peppers make this healthy dip extra flavorful. Serve with veggie chips, pita chips or crudités.

18 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Creamy Blueberry-Pecan Overnight Oatmeal

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this no-cook overnight oatmeal recipe, just quickly reheat the oats in the morning and top with berries, maple syrup and pecans for an easy, on-the-go breakfast.

19 of 45

20 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Green Fruit Salad

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Serve this refreshing fruit salad featuring juicy melon, grapes and kiwi on its own or with other colorblock fruit salads (like red, purple and orange) for a fun crowd-pleasing rainbow side dish.

20 of 45

21 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Homemade Trail Mix

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Try this with portable mix with any combination of dried fruits and nuts.

21 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Curried Chickpeas

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Chickpeas roasted in the oven become a tasty, healthy snack in this easy recipe. If making a double batch, be sure to use two rimmed baking sheets so the chickpeas have enough room to crisp up.

  • Watch Video

22 of 45

23 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Citrus Vinaigrette

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This versatile citrus salad dressing gets a touch of natural sweetness from orange juice, which balances the acidity of the lemon juice. Use it in coleslaw for a mayo-free dressing, or drizzle it over winter greens with dried fruit and nuts.

23 of 45

24 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Crazy Herb Spice Mix

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Make a big batch of this super-herbed spice mix to have on hand when you need to whip up a quick vegetable dip or flavorful, easy salad dressing. The spice mix is also perfect to give as a hostess gift along with a recipe card for turning it into a dip or vinaigrette (see Tips, below). For the freshest, most economical spices, head to a store that has a large, well-stocked bulk spice department.

24 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Fruit & Nuts Snack Mix

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Whip up a big batch of this sweet and salty mix for on-the-go fuel or to have on hand for after-school snacks.

25 of 45

26 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Balsamic Vinaigrette

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this balsamic vinaigrette recipe, the addition of Italian seasoning adds an extra layer of flavor and spice. Use as a quick and easy balsamic vinegar salad dressing or as a balsamic marinade for chicken that's delicious and moist.

26 of 45

27 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Vegetable Soup

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Make a big batch of low-calorie veggie-packed soup with ease in this load-and-go crock pot recipe. After simmering away in the slow cooker, portion it into individual serving containers and store in the fridge or freezer for fast, healthy lunches or an easy, satisfying snack. This weight-loss vegetable soup fills you up without a lot of calories, plus it's an easy way to eat more vegetables.

  • Watch Video

27 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Vegan Freezer Breakfast Burritos

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Having a stash of flavorful bean burritos in your freezer means you'll always have a satisfying plant-based meal ready for a grab-and-go breakfast on a busy morning. Our vegan breakfast filling—made with tofu and prepared to mimic scrambled eggs—is tossed with beans, veggies and salsa for a delicious and ultra-satisfying meal.

28 of 45

29 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Pasta e Fagioli Soup Freezer Pack

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Your favorite restaurant soup just got easier and healthier with this freezer-to-crock-pot recipe. If you keep a special bottle of olive oil on hand for stand-out dishes, this is the recipe to pull it out for. The headiness of the fruity olive oil truly elevates the flavors in this Italian meal-prep slow-cooker soup.

29 of 45

30 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sautéed Peppers & Onions

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This simple technique of cooking onions and peppers is a useful way to get your veggie servings in. They're quite versatile--use these peppers and onions on a burger or sausage sandwich, stuff them into quesadillas or layer them into casseroles.

30 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Roasted Tomato & Almond Pesto

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The delightful richness of Ellie Krieger's sundried tomato and almond pesto is a perfect partner for nutty whole-wheat pasta. It's also delicious spread on grilled chicken.

31 of 45

32 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

One-Pot Greek Pasta

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A little bit of Sunday meal prep goes a long way in this one-dish Mediterranean pasta recipe. The pasta is cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge to use for meals all week, but any leftover cooked pasta you have on hand will do. Chicken sausage with feta is especially good in this recipe.

32 of 45

33 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Two of our favorite comfort-food sandwiches join forces in these family-friendly dinner sandwiches. We found that softer buns make this easier to eat, and it's all the better when wrapped takeout-style in a sheet of foil.

33 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

34 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Casseroles make perfect meal-prep dinners--this enchilada version is so easy to prep ahead. The whole casserole can be built and left to hang out in the refrigerator for up to three days. Then all you have to do is bake it off on a busy night and you have a healthy dinner on the table in a jiff. The quick homemade enchilada sauce in this recipe is great when you don't have any of the canned sauce on hand--just season crushed tomatoes with spices and salt for an instant enchilada sauce.

34 of 45

35 of 45

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Cheese Quesadillas with Peppers & Onions

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These 15-minute quesadillas are a notch above basic with the addition of sautéed peppers and onions. Let the kiddos load them up with the toppings at the table.

35 of 45

36 of 45