Make Ahead Lunches for Teachers

This list of 21 Day Fix Make Ahead Lunches for Teachers is great for ANYONE who wants to plan and prepare a quick lunch for those hectic midday meals! This post contains affiliate links for products I’m obsessed with.

Teachers, wasn’t that nice?

Those couple months where you got to go to the bathroom any time you wanted. Those couple months where you got to sit down to eat a lunch that you just prepared. Those couple months where you got to check and respond to email at your leisure.

Well, as you are painfully aware, you now have 30 (let’s be real- its 20!) minutes to do all of those things. Simultaneously.

Lunch needs to be the least of your worries. Quick and painless to pack, quick and painless to eat. And if it tastes delicious? BONUS!

Just like this make ahead teacher breakfast post, these are tried and true make ahead lunches- my personal favorites!

Here in Southeast PA we are getting into full blown school mode right now! For those of you in other parts of the country, summer is pretty far in the rearview mirror. Either way, these recipes will keep you going until your first, well-deserved, long break!

Also- because I remember the lesson planning struggle, I wanted to share my FAVORITE lesson planner with you. Carrie Elle makes the most wonderful lesson planners with plenty of space to plan LIFE too. While I’m not still in the classroom, this planner is great for keeping track of our appointments and I like that I can see the month at a glance! Does anyone else still keep a paper calendar?

Have a great school year, friends!

Salads

21 Day Fix Ramen Noodle Salad– Add some protein (like this Spice Rubbed Instant Pot Whole Chicken | Spice Rubbed Crock Pot Whole Chicken) on top, and you’re set!

Fall Harvest Mason Jar Salads with Maple Cider Vinaigrette (21 Day Fix)– This dressing. So yum! It works on just about everything! Also- the post has a great guide to create your own mason jar salads with your favorite ingredients! I also have this NEW Mason Jar Salad Recipes with Homemade Ranch. SO yummy!

Avocado Chicken Salad {21 Day Fix}– Chicken salad is perfect over greens and a way to use up your chicken leftovers! Don’t forget to hold off adding the avocado until right before you eat it! For some variety, try tuna instead!

21 Day Fix Mediterranean Salad with Tzatziki Dressing this salad is SO filling and can actually be made in a Mason Jar, too!

Tip – The 24 oz Mason Jar is the best size for prepping salads!

Soups and Chili

As the weather turns colder, I love to make a batch of soup, stew, or chili over the weekend to have for lunch all week. My favorite time saver for school? This Crock Pot Food Warmer. Plug it in a couple hours before lunch, and no need to run to the faculty room to heat up food during those precious 20 minutes!

My faves:

21 Day Fix Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili (Stovetop/Instant Pot)

Easy 21 Day Fix Chicken Veggie Soup {Stovetop, Instant Pot, Slow Cooker}

Instant Pot Sausage and Lentil Soup (21 Day Fix/Stove-top Option)

Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup {21 Day Fix} or Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup {21 Day Fix}

21 Day Fix Instant Pot Beanless Beef Chili {Paleo/Whole 30 Friendly}

21 Day Fix Zuppa Toscana (Instant Pot/ Stove Top)

Mains

Never underestimate the power of leftovers. Most Confessions dinner recipes make 4 portions. I suggest either making a double batch for dinner, or saving a portion for yourself for lunch, before your family goes back to the kitchen for seconds!

My personal favorites that stand up to reheating (in the crock pot food warmer, of course):

Sloppy Joe Stuffed Sweet Potatoes {21 Day Fix}

Instant Pot Cauliflower Cheeseburger “Mac” or 21 Day Fix Cauliflower Cheeseburger “Mac” (Stove top)

21 Day Fix Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

21 Day Fix Pumpkin Pasta with Spicy Sausage (Gluten Free | Instant Pot Option)

Healthy Instant Pot Chili Mac [21 Day Fix | Gluten-Free | StoveTop Option]

Tip: These Glass Meal Prep Containers are perfect for packing and reheating lunches in a microwave!

I hope you enjoy these make ahead lunches and please let me know how your school year is going!