Easy Meal Prep Ideas: Recipes and Tips to Simplify Your Week

Ever find yourself staring into the fridge, hoping dinner will magically appear? Or grabbing takeout again because there’s nothing ready to eat? Meal prep can be a lifesaver. Whether you're packing lunches to avoid the midday “What should I eat?” dilemma, stocking up on grab-and-go snacks for the kids or breaking the habit of last-minute takeout, a little planning goes a long way. With delicious, homemade meals ready to go, you’ll save time, eat healthier, and make life just a little easier.And guess what? True Citrus products can take your meal prepping to the next level. Known for our convenient, mess-free packets, True Citrus makes it easy to keep your meals flavorful, fresh, and exciting. These tips and recipes will inspire your next meal prep session, from seasoning your dishes to keeping fruits from browning.

Meal Prep Recipes You'll Love

Meal Prep Recipes You'll Love

1. Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Grain Bowl

Why you'll love it: A balanced, protein-packed option perfect for lunches or dinners.

Ingredients:

  • 2 large sweet potatoes, diced
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice (use a rice cooker for ease!)
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green onion, chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2-3 packets of True Lime packets
  • tsp taco seasoning

Instructions:

  1. Roast sweet potatoes with olive oil and taco seasoning at 400°F for 25 minutes.
  2. Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned.
  3. Assemble in meal prep containers with rice, sweet potatoes, and veggies.

2. Chicken Stir Fry with Soy Sauce and Veggies

Why you'll love it: Quick to cook, easy to store, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
  • 3 cups mixed stir-fry veggies (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp True Orange Ginger Spice Blend

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken until fully cooked.
  2. Add veggies, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Sauté until veggies are tender.
  3. Divide into airtight containers for lunch or dinner.

3. Mason Jar Chickpea Salad

Why you'll love it: A portable, protein-packed lunch that stays fresh.

Ingredients:

  • 1 can chickpeas, rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp vinegar
  • 2-3 packets of True Lemon for extra zing!

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, and True Lemon to make a dressing.
  2. Layer chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta in a mason jar.
  3. Drizzle dressing on top and seal in an airtight container. Shake before eating.

4.Egg Muffins with Veggies

Why you'll love it: A grab-and-go breakfast packed with protein and flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 6 eggs
  • 1 cup coleslaw mix (or any shredded veggies)
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheese
  • 1 green onion, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp True Lime for a zesty kick

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a muffin tin with nonstick spray.
  2. In a bowl, whisk eggs, True Lime, and green onion. Fold in coleslaw mix and cheese.
  3. Pour mixture into muffin tin and bake for 20-25 minutes.

5. Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs

Why you'll love it: A tender, flavorful chicken recipe perfect for pairing with veggies, rice, or salads throughout the week.

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
  • 1 packet True Lemon
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, True Lemon, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
  2. Coat chicken thighs with the marinade and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Add chicken broth to the slow cooker, then layer the marinated chicken thighs on top.
  4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
  5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over rice or alongside roasted vegetables.

Meal Prep Tip: Divide the chicken into meal prep containers with a side of steamed veggies or quinoa for easy lunches or dinners.

Save Time, Eat Healthier and Make Life Just a Little Easier with True Citrus

Save Time, Eat Healthier and Make Life Just a Little Easier with True Citrus

Sliced apples, avocados, and pears are a meal prep favorite for snacks or lunch add-ons, but they tend to brown quickly. Enter True Lemon! Sprinkle True Lemon on these fruits to keep them looking fresh and tasting amazing. This works just as well as lemon juice but without the hassle of cutting and squeezing lemons.

This hack is also a lifesaver for guacamole. Add a little True Lime to your avocado mix to preserve that vibrant green color and enhance the flavor. Plus, because True Citrus packets are so easy to store, you can toss a few into your meal prep kit for on-the-go freshness wherever needed.

Flavor is Key

Let's be honest: bland meals are the enemy of meal prepping. Keep your taste buds happy by experimenting with seasonings, marinades, and bold flavors:

  • True Lime: Add it to olive oil and taco seasoning for a zesty marinade for chicken thighs or ground beef.
  • True Lemon: Sprinkle it over roasted veggies like sweet potatoes or carrots for a citrusy punch.
  • True Orange: Use for quick stir-fry recipes like orange chicken that are easy to store in meal prep containers.

Pro tip: True Citrus packets are small but mighty, packing tons of flavor in every sprinkle. They're perfect for adding a citrus twist to any dish without extra calories or mess.

True Citrus Your Meal Prep MVP

True Citrus: Your Meal Prep MVP

Meal prepping is all about making life easier, and True Citrus is here to help. Whether you're preserving fruits, adding bold flavors to your favorite recipes, or staying hydrated, True Citrus products make meal prep simple and delicious.

  • Convenience: No cutting or squeezing required—just open a packet and sprinkle.
  • Versatility: Perfect for seasoning, drinks, marinades, and more.
  • Clean Ingredients: Non-GMO, gluten-free, and made without artificial sweeteners, True Citrus fits seamlessly into a healthy lifestyle.

Transform your meal prep game with True Citrus, and you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. Ready to try? Share your favorite recipe with True Citrus and let us know how it went!

You can find True Citrus in a grocery store near you, shop online, or grab it on Amazon.

Article written 08/05/2024:

Mia Syn

Registered Dietitian, MS, RDN

Mia Syn is a nationally recognized on-air nutrition expert and author. She earned a Master of Science in Human Nutrition from the Institute of Human Nutrition at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons and a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science Physiology and Metabolism from the University of California, Berkeley before earning her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential. She has been featured by dozens of major media outlets including Cosmopolitan and SHAPE, and was named one of the top registered dietitians to follow on Instagram by Women’s Health Magazine. You can follow her at @nutritionbymia for daily nutrition tips and easy healthy recipes.