10 Simple 5-Ingredient Meal Prep Ideas for Busy Weekdays

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated, and these 10 five-ingredient meal prep ideas prove just that. Each recipe is designed to showcase delicious flavors with minimal fuss, allowing you to whip up satisfying meals that are both quick and satisfying. With a focus on simple techniques and fresh ingredients, these dishes strike the perfect balance between taste and convenience, making it easy to enjoy homemade goodness throughout the week.

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus is a simple yet delicious meal that packs a punch of flavor. This dish features plump shrimp sautéed in rich garlic butter, paired with tender asparagus. Served over fluffy rice, it makes for a satisfying meal prep option.

To make this dish, you’ll need just five ingredients: shrimp, asparagus, garlic, butter, and rice. Start by cooking the rice according to package instructions. In a skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic, letting it sizzle for a minute. Toss in the shrimp and asparagus, cooking until the shrimp turns pink and the asparagus is bright green and tender. Serve it all together for a delightful meal.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. It’s quick to whip up and can be stored in the fridge for easy reheating. Enjoy a burst of flavor without the fuss!

Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze

This Caprese Pasta Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The vibrant red cherry tomatoes and creamy mozzarella balls create a beautiful contrast against the spiral pasta. Fresh basil leaves add a pop of green, making the dish not only tasty but visually appealing.

The balsamic glaze drizzled on top enhances the overall flavor, bringing a sweet and tangy element that ties everything together. This salad is perfect for meal prep, as it holds up well in the fridge and can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

To make this dish, you’ll need just five simple ingredients: pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, fresh basil, and balsamic glaze. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then mix in the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving. It’s that easy!

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon with Broccoli

This honey garlic glazed salmon is a delightful dish that’s both simple and satisfying. The salmon is beautifully cooked, topped with a shiny honey garlic sauce that adds a sweet and savory kick. The vibrant green broccoli on the side not only adds color but also brings a nutritious element to the meal.

To make this dish, you’ll need just five ingredients: salmon fillets, honey, garlic, soy sauce, and broccoli. Start by marinating the salmon in a mixture of honey, minced garlic, and soy sauce. This will infuse the fish with flavor. While the salmon cooks, steam or sauté the broccoli until it’s tender yet crisp.

Once everything is ready, plate the salmon and drizzle the remaining sauce over it. Serve with the broccoli on the side for a complete meal. This dish is perfect for meal prep, as it stores well and can be enjoyed throughout the week.

Spicy Chickpea and Spinach Stew

This Spicy Chickpea and Spinach Stew is a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for meal prep. The vibrant colors in the bowl showcase the bright yellow chickpeas and fresh green spinach, making it as appealing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.

To whip up this delicious stew, you’ll need just five ingredients: chickpeas, spinach, diced tomatoes, onion, and spices. Start by sautéing the onion until it’s soft, then add the chickpeas and tomatoes. Let it simmer, then stir in the spinach until it wilts. Season with your favorite spices for that extra kick!

This stew is not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients. It’s a great option for lunch or dinner, and it stores well in the fridge. Pair it with some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Taco-Style Quinoa Bowl with Avocado

This Taco-Style Quinoa Bowl is a colorful and nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare. The base is fluffy quinoa, which is packed with protein and fiber. On top, you’ll find a delicious mix of black beans, sweet corn, and diced red peppers. Each ingredient adds a unique flavor and texture, making every bite satisfying.

The star of the dish is the creamy avocado, sliced and arranged beautifully on top. It not only adds richness but also provides healthy fats. Fresh cilantro sprinkled over the bowl brings a burst of freshness, tying all the flavors together.

To make this bowl, start by cooking the quinoa according to package instructions. While it cooks, rinse the black beans and corn, and chop the red peppers. Once the quinoa is ready, mix everything in a bowl. Top it off with avocado slices and cilantro for a vibrant finish. This meal is perfect for meal prep, as it keeps well in the fridge and can be enjoyed throughout the week!

One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Veggies

This One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Veggies dish is a true winner for meal prep. It combines juicy chicken with colorful vegetables, all roasted together for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.

The vibrant mix of bell peppers, zucchini, and lemon slices adds a fresh touch. The chicken is seasoned with herbs, making it both tasty and healthy. You can easily whip this up in under an hour, and it’s perfect for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

To make this dish, you’ll need just five ingredients: chicken thighs, bell peppers, zucchini, lemon, and your favorite herbs. Start by preheating your oven, then arrange the chicken and veggies on a baking sheet. Squeeze lemon juice over everything and sprinkle with herbs. Bake until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender. It’s that simple!

This meal is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a great option for meal prep. You’ll love how easy it is to pack for your week ahead!

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese

This creamy tomato basil soup is a warm hug in a bowl. It’s rich, smooth, and bursting with flavor. The vibrant orange color is inviting, making it hard to resist. A swirl of cream and a fresh basil leaf on top adds a touch of elegance.

Next to the soup, you’ll find a perfectly grilled cheese sandwich. The golden-brown bread is crispy, and the melted cheese peeks out, promising a delightful crunch with every bite. This classic pairing is a comfort food favorite that never goes out of style.

Making this dish is simple and requires just a few ingredients. For the soup, you’ll need ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, cream, garlic, and vegetable broth. The grilled cheese only needs bread and cheese. Start by sautéing garlic, then add tomatoes and broth to simmer. Blend until smooth, stir in cream and basil, and serve hot with the grilled cheese on the side.

This meal is perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch of soup and store it in the fridge. The grilled cheese can be made fresh or toasted and kept warm. Enjoy this cozy meal any day of the week!

Pesto Zoodle Stir-Fry with Cherry Tomatoes

This Pesto Zoodle Stir-Fry is a quick and tasty meal that brings together fresh ingredients in just five simple steps. The vibrant colors of the cherry tomatoes and zoodles make it a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach.

To make this dish, you’ll need zucchini, cherry tomatoes, pesto, olive oil, and your choice of pasta. Start by spiralizing the zucchini into zoodles. Then, sauté them in olive oil until they soften. Toss in the cherry tomatoes and cook until they burst with flavor. Finally, mix in the pesto and your cooked pasta for a delightful finish.

This meal is perfect for meal prep. It’s light yet satisfying, making it a great option for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, so you can feel good about what you’re eating!

Cilantro Lime Rice with Black Beans

Cilantro lime rice with black beans is a simple yet satisfying dish. The fluffy rice is infused with zesty lime and fresh cilantro, making it a perfect side or base for many meals.

This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. You only need a few ingredients: rice, black beans, lime, cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Start by cooking the rice according to package instructions. Once it’s fluffy, stir in lime juice, chopped cilantro, and salt to taste.

Serve it alongside black beans for added protein and flavor. The contrast of the creamy beans with the zesty rice creates a delightful combination. This meal is great for meal prep, as it keeps well in the fridge and can be enjoyed throughout the week.

Sausage and Bell Pepper Skewers

Sausage and bell pepper skewers are a fun and easy meal prep option. These skewers are colorful and packed with flavor, making them a hit for any meal. The combination of juicy sausage and sweet bell peppers creates a delicious bite that everyone will enjoy.

To make these skewers, you’ll need just five ingredients: your favorite sausages, bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), olive oil, salt, and pepper. Start by cutting the sausages and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Then, thread them onto skewers, alternating between the sausage and peppers.

Next, drizzle the skewers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill them for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until everything is nicely charred. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra kick!