Busy schedules demand rest. If you’re overwhelmed and on the brink of burnout, meal prepping is your lifesaver.
Discover the secrets to vegan meal prepping that will save you time, keep you organised, and ensure you always have delicious, nutritious meals ready.
Here’s everything you need to know!
1. Choosing Simple Recipes
Choosing simple recipes is the cornerstone of effective meal prepping. Focus on meals that require minimal ingredients and steps.
Stir fries, salads, soups, and grain bowls are excellent choices. These dishes can be easily varied by changing the vegetables, proteins, and sauces you use, making them perfect for busy schedules.
Opt for recipes you’re familiar with or those you can easily learn. By sticking to simple, tried-and-true dishes, you can ensure meal prep is quick and stress-free.
Simplicity doesn’t mean sacrificing flavour; it means finding efficient ways to enjoy your favourite meals without spending hours in the kitchen
2. Bulk Cooking Tips
There’s more! Bulk cooking is a game-changer for busy people. Dedicate a few hours weekly to cook large batches of grains, legumes, and vegetables.
These components can be mixed and matched throughout the week to create various meals. For example, cook a big pot of quinoa or lentils and roast a tray of vegetables in multiple dishes.
Here’s the magic trick: Invest in a slow cooker or an Instant Pot to make bulk cooking even easier. These appliances allow you to cook large quantities of food with minimal hands-on time.
3. Storage Solutions
Proper storage is crucial for effective meal prepping. Invest in a good set of airtight containers in various sizes. Glass containers are a great option as they don’t absorb odours and can be safely reheated.
Here’s a tip you’ll appreciate. Label your containers with the date to keep track of freshness, and use freezer bags for soups, stews, and sauces. Lay them flat to freeze, and then stack them to save space.
This method keeps your freezer organised and ensures you always have a variety of meals on hand. Additionally, using portion-sized containers can make it easier to grab meals on the go.
4. Quick Meal Ideas
Need meals in a flash? Overnight oats, smoothie packs, and salad jars can be prepped in advance for quick breakfasts and lunches.
For dinners, keep a few simple recipes in your arsenal that can be made in under 30 minutes, like vegetable stir-fries or pasta with a quick marinara sauce.
Here’s a viable way to make things efficient and less stressful: batch-prep ingredients like chopped vegetables, cooked grains, and sauces on the weekend.
This way, you can throw together a nutritious meal faster than you can order takeout.
5. Utilizing Leftovers
Utilising leftovers is a smart way to maximize your meal-prepping efforts, such as transforming last night’s dinner into today’s lunch.
Here’s how you do it: leftover roasted vegetables can be added to a salad or grain bowl, and leftover grains can be turned into a quick fried rice or grain salad.
Another clever strategy in this narrative is planning your meals with leftovers in mind.
Cook a big dinner, knowing that the extras will be used for lunches or dinners later in the week. This saves time and reduces food waste, making your meal-prepping efforts more sustainable.
6. Balanced Meal Planning
For nutrients, a balanced meal plan ensures you’re getting all the nutrients you need.
Aim to include a variety of protein sources, such as beans, lentils, tofu, and tempeh, in your meals. Here’s a handy guide. Pair these with plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like nuts and seeds.
Also, use the plate method for balanced meals: Half your plate should be filled with vegetables, a quarter with protein, and the remaining quarter with whole grains.
This simple visual guide helps you create nutritious and satisfying meals without overthinking them.
7. Time-Saving Techniques
Efficiency is one of the saving graces of time-saving techniques. You can’t go wrong with staying organized.
Start by organising your kitchen and setting up a prep station. Gather all your ingredients and tools before you start cooking to streamline the process.
Batch cooking and multitasking, such as chopping vegetables while something else is simmering, can also save much time.
You don’t have to do all of this the old-fashioned way. Use kitchen gadgets to speed up prep time.
A food processor can quickly chop, slice, and dice vegetables, while a mandoline can make uniform cuts in seconds.
These tools save time and make meal prep more enjoyable and less tedious.
8. Essential Kitchen Tools
Having the right kitchen tools can make meal prepping a breeze. Essentials include a good set of knives, cutting boards, measuring cups, and spoons. Non-stick pans, baking sheets, and mixing bowls are crucial for efficient meal prep.
Here’s what seasoned meal preppers swear by. Investing in a high-quality blender and food processor.
These tools are invaluable for making smoothies, soups, sauces, and nut butter.
A slow cooker or Instant Pot is also an excellent addition for bulk cooking with minimal effort.
9. Smart Food Shopping
Smart food shopping is key to successful meal prepping. Start by planning your meals for the week and creating a shopping list based on your plan.
Stick to your list to avoid impulse buys and ensure you have all the necessary ingredients.
Maximise your grocery trips by shopping in bulk for staples like grains, beans, nuts, and seeds. And visit your local farmer’s market for fresh, seasonal produce that can add variety and flavour to your meals.
10. Staying Organized
Staying organised is crucial for efficient meal prepping. Keep your kitchen tidy and decluttered. Store similar items together and label your containers for easy access.
A well-organised kitchen saves time and makes the meal prep process smoother.
A final thought. Use a meal planning app or a simple notebook to plan your weekly meals and track your progress. Having a clear plan helps you stay focused and reduces the stress of last-minute decisions.
With a bit of organisation and the right strategies, meal prepping can become a seamless part of your weekly routine.
Ready to Simplify Your Vegan Meal Prep?
By following these tips, you can master the art of vegan meal prepping and make it work for your busy lifestyle. From choosing simple recipes and bulk cooking to staying organised and smart food shopping, these secrets will help you stay on track and enjoy delicious, nutritious meals daily.
Start implementing these strategies today and experience the ease and benefits of efficient vegan meal prepping.

I’m the founder and editor-in-chief at GetVedgy. As a former meat eater who only recently made a commitment to veganism, I’ve spent a lot of time over the last couple of years researching the subject. It felt like a good idea to share what I’ve learnt and help to answer the questions I’ve had that no doubt many others’ will also have.