The Ultimate Meal Prep Guide For Spring

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Meal prepping is a total game changer. Having a meal prep guide, especially for spring helps you create fresh-tasting and healthy meals in advance. This guide takes the guesswork out of “What’s for dinner?”

Springtime is known for rebirth, freshness, and cleanness. It’s why we spring clean our houses, feel happier, and try new things. Having fresh, bright, and healthy meals should be no different in the spring. Fall and winter are for hearty, comfort foods and spring and summer are for in-season fresh fruits, outside, and lots of ready-made foods

Spring also brings hosting, outside activities, and so much more. This meal prep guide is to help you have fresh hand foods prepared ahead of time to cut costs and ensure everyone in the family has access to healthy meals.

Meal prepping will allow you to have more time with your family, less stress, and have healthier meals.

This post is all about the ultimate meal prep guide for spring.

Meal Prep Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What is meal prep?

Meal prepping is planning and preparing your meals ahead of time. Many people dedicate weekends or a few hours a day to chopping, cooking, and separating future meals ahead of time.

What are the best foods for meal prepping?

Basic foods that are great for meal prepping are fresh-cut fruits and vegetables (like berries and lettuce), sheet pan meals, beans and rice, and pasta dishes.

How to meal prep?

Meal prepping for the week or for how long you want is easy. I highly suggest choosing a day or night that you can dedicate time to chopping, cooking, and freezing your meals. Make it an event by putting on your favorite show or playlist with your favorite beverage.

The Ultimate Meal Prep Guide for Beginners

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1. You’ll need some spring pantry staples

Every good meal prep starts with having a good stock supply. You’ll want pantry essentials that complement your fresh produce.

Must Haves:

Whole grains: Quinoa, brown rice, and oatmeal
Proteins: Chicken, salmon, beans, eggs and even tofu
Dairy (and alternatives): Greek yogurt, cheese, almond/oat milk
Healthy Fats: Olive and/or avocado oil, avocados, and nuts
Seasonings: Basil, dill, cilantro, lemon zest, and honey (honestly all of these I use year round because they taste so fresh)

2. Focus on seasonal ingredients

Spring is perfect for experimenting with fresh, light, and colorful foods. Purchase in-season fruits and veggies to save some money. This may also be the perfect time to support your local farmers’ market and score the freshest veggies.

Fruits and Veggies to Keep in Mind:

Vegetables: Asparagus, spinach, peas, radishes, cucumbers, and zucchini
Fruits: Strawberries, citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes, etc), pineapple (my family’s favorite), and mango
Herbs: Mint, chives, parsley, rosemary, and thyme

3. Plan your weekly meal prep in 3 easy steps

The biggest takeaway from the meal prep guide is to plan. Having a plan will ensure that you have all your ingredients ready to go and feel at ease knowing exactly what you are making for the next few days.

Create your meal plan: Choose 3-5 meals for breakfast, lunch, & dinner for the week. Include easy (and healthy) snacks. To save some money and time, choose meals that use some of the same ingredients.
Prep as much as you can in advance: Take time to chop veggies, cook proteins, and assemble any bowls ahead of time. This is also the time to portion out healthy snacks for everyone.
Store your food: Use mason jars, glass containers, and meal prep containers for easy and quick meals whether you stay at home or need work lunches.

Meal Ideas For Spring

Breakfast Ideas

Overnight Lemon Blueberry Oats: Oats, milk (or a milk alternative), lemon zest, and blueberries. Optional add-ins: chia seeds.
Veggie Egg Muffins: Eggs, spinach, bell peppers, feta cheese, and your choice of seasonings.
Greek yogurt parfaits: Yogurt, granola, strawberries & blueberries, and honey.

Lunch Ideas

Mason Jar Salads: Spinach, cucumbers, chicken, feta cheese, and a lemon vinegarette
Roasted Veggies and Brown Rice: Brown rice, bell peppers (red, yellow, and orange), red onion, and cilantro with some lime juice.
Turkey and Avocado Wraps: Deli-sliced turkey (thick cut), avocado slices, cucumbers, lettuce or spinach, and a whole wheat tortilla.

Dinner Ideas

Sheet Pan Fajitas Bowls: Chicken thighs, fajita seasonings, cilantro, bell peppers (orange, red, and yellow), and red onion served with rice of choice. (Spanish rice or even brown rice) Add-ins: fire-roasted corn, canned beans, avocado, and cheese.
Salmon with Mango Salsa and rice: Salmon, mango, red onion, cilantro, lime, and rice.
Chicken Sausage Sheet Pan Meal: Chicken sausage, your choice of veggies, sweet potatoes, oil, and spices of your choice.

Quick Snacks

Hummus and Veggie Tray
Cottage Cheese with Fruit
Granola Bars

Meal Prep Hacks

Save time during your busy week by batch-cooking your proteins. Put your oven, InstantPot, air fryer, and slow cooker to work to easily switch up your meals depending on your mood.

Pre-chop your fruits and veggies for faster weekday meals and entice your family to choose the healthier options for snack time. Make sure to store them in airtight meal prep containers for longer-lasting produce.

Utilize your freezer by making smoothie packs, marinated meats, and serving sized soups. Simplify your meal planning fatigue by creating themed nights such as meatless Mondays or slow cooker Sundays.

Meal prepping is a game changer for those busy weeknights and limiting going for takeout. Streamlining your meal prep will allow you more time with your family throughout the week and to eat healthier, cost-effective meals.

This post was all about the ultimate meal prep guide for spring.

The Ultimate Meal Prep Guide For Spring

Meal Prep Guide