17 Bodybuilding Meal Prep Recipes: The Best Weight Gain Meal Prep Ideas

Learn how to meal prep like a bodybuilder and make healthy meals for the week.
Last Updated
:
September 9, 2024
Bodybuilding meal prep dishes in four black bowls on a light gray wooden dining table
This article may have featured some affiliate links that are independently selected by our editors. We may earn affiliate revenue and commission when you buy something here. Affiliate Disclosure

After a long, hard workout at the gym, all you want to do is eat something that will help your body recover quickly. But what should that something be? Most people think that they need to go out and buy expensive protein shakes or supplements in order to refuel their bodies after a workout.

This simply isn’t true! There are plenty of healthy, affordable meal prep recipes that can help you get the nutrients your body needs.

Well, lucky for you! We’ve compiled a list of delicious bodybuilding meal prep recipes for you to try. From chicken curry bowls to sweet potato black bean burritos, there’s something here for everyone.

Related Recipe Books:

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

The 17 Best Bodybuilding Meal Prep Recipes

And best of all, these recipes are all quick and easy to prepare! Let’s see them now!

Protein snack pack on a black tray
The Forked Spoon

Protein Snack Pack

Protein snack pack on a black tray
The Forked Spoon

Protein snacks can be a great way for people to get their protein intake, whether they’re looking for a quick and convenient snack or something that will provide them with lasting energy throughout the day.

Some of the best protein snacks include trail mix, fruit and nut bars, and energy balls.

These snacks are easy to carry with you wherever you go, and they’re also perfect for when you need a bit of extra energy but don’t have time to cook.

Get the Protein Snack Pack recipe.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Salmon croquettes on a plate
The Recipe Critic

Salmon Croquettes

Salmon croquettes on a plate
The Recipe Critic

Salmon Croquettes are a delicious and easy way to enjoy salmon without having to fry it.

These croquettes are made with fresh, cooked salmon, mashed potatoes, and cheese, and they can be served as an appetizer or as part of the main course.

They are also perfect for parties because they can be made in advance and frozen.

Get the Salmon Croquettes recipe.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Frozen cod in air fryer on a black plate
Summer Yule

Frozen Cod in Air Fryer

Frozen cod in air fryer on a black plate
Summer Yule

Frozen cod is a popular seafood dish that can be cooked in an air fryer. The fish is coated in a coating of breadcrumbs and spices, then frozen.

It is then thawed and cooked in the air fryer according to the recipe. Frozen cod can be made into different types of dishes, such as casseroles or pouches.

Get the Frozen Cod in Air Fryer recipe.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Close-up of quinoa breakfast bowl
Bowls Are The New Plates

Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

Close-up of quinoa breakfast bowl
Bowls Are The New Plates

You can make them as simple or as complex as you like, depending on what you want to include in your bowl.

Some popular breakfast quinoa bowl variations include oatmeal topped with fresh fruits or nuts, eggs cooked in various ways, and chili.

There is really no wrong way to enjoy these bowls, so be creative and have fun!

Get the Quinoa Breakfast Bowl recipe.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Close-up of philly cheese steak sliders
Valentina’s Corner

Philly Cheese Steak Sliders

Close-up of philly cheese steak sliders
Valentina’s Corner

These sliders are made with thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and breaded onion rings, all sandwiched between two slider buns and served with your choice of dipping sauce.

Get the Philly Cheese Steak Sliders recipe.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

Quinoa Black Bean Burrito Bowls

Close-up of quinoa black bean burrito bowls
Tori Avey

They’re quick, easy, and packed with flavor. In fact, they’re so good that you might not even miss the traditional meat version! Just combine cooked quinoa, black beans, and delicious toppings (like salsa or avocado), and you’re good to go.

Oh, one more thing: you can use them as an appetizer, main course, or even a light snack.

Get the Quinoa Black Bean Burrito Bowls recipe.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Close-up of no-bake chocolate peanut butter protein bars
Ambitious Kitchen

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars

Close-up of no-bake chocolate peanut butter protein bars
Ambitious Kitchen

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars are a delicious and nutritious way to satisfy your sweet tooth and fuel your workout.

They are made with simple ingredients and take just minutes to make, so you can enjoy them any time of day. They are perfect for on the go or as a quick snack when you need something sweet but don’t have time to bake.

The bars are also high in protein, healthy fats, and vitamins, making them ideal for refueling after a tough workout or ensuring you get the nutrients your body needs throughout the day.

Get the No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars recipe.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
A glass of weight gain apple cinnamon smoothie
Healthy With a Chance of Sprinkles

Weight Gain Apple Cinnamon Smoothie

A glass of weight gain apple cinnamon smoothie
Healthy With a Chance of Sprinkles

Made with whole milk, ice cream, and plenty of natural sugars, this drink is perfect for those seeking a quick and easy way to pack on the pounds.

Though apple cinnamon smoothies are high in calories and sugar, they are also very satisfying. Due to their high protein content, these drinks can help you feel fuller longer after eating.

Additionally, adding almond milk offers additional health benefits, such as decreasing the risk of heart disease and helping you lose weight more effectively.

Get the Weight Gain Apple Cinnamon Smoothie recipe.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

Eggplant Parmesan Stacks

Eggplant parmesan stacks on a plate
Canva Photos

There is no wrong way to enjoy a stack of Eggplant Parmesan – but there are definitely some delicious ways to do it!

This Italian dish can be made in many different ways, but the easiest way to make stacks is by layering slices of eggplant and then covering them in breadcrumbs, grated cheese, and parmesan.

Fry the stacks until they’re golden brown and crispy, and serve them up with a side of your favorite sauce.

Get creative and add different toppings to your stacks – like sautéed onions or garlic – for extra flavor.

Get the Eggplant Parmesan Stacks recipe.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Close-up of honey sriracha air fryer salmon
Cooked by Julie

Honey Sriracha Air Fryer Salmon

Close-up of honey sriracha air fryer salmon
Cooked by Julie

We were so impressed with how easy it was to cook up some salmon in the air fryer. All you need is some healthy salmon fillets, honey sriracha sauce, and your favorite vegetables.

The air fryer made the salmon incredibly crispy without any extra oil or fat. We could not believe how delicious it turned out!

The sriracha flavor worked perfectly with the honey, resulting in an incredible dish that everyone will love.

Get the Honey Sriracha Air Fryer Salmon recipe.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Instant pot chicken curry on a deep plate
Recipes From A Pantry

Instant Pot Chicken Curry

Instant pot chicken curry on a deep plate
Recipes From A Pantry

Instant Pot Chicken Curry is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that can be made in just a few minutes. It is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something quick and easy.

The chicken cooks quickly in the pressure cooker, so there is minimal fussing required. The spices in this Instant Pot Chicken Curry are a blend of Indian and Chinese flavors, so it tastes complex and wonderful.

Get the Instant Pot Chicken Curry recipe.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Marinated chicken in air fryer on a black plate
Summer Yule

Marinated Chicken in Air Fryer

Marinated chicken in air fryer on a black plate
Summer Yule

Chicken breasts can be bland, but a flavorful marinade and air frying create a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

This recipe is low-carb, Paleo, gluten-free, and keto-friendly, making it nice for weeknight family dinner. It would pair well with a salad or roasted veggies for a complete, nutritious meal.

Get the Marinated Chicken in Air Fryer recipe.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Close-up of sweet potato and black bean burritos
Tasty

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burritos

Close-up of sweet potato and black bean burritos
Tasty

This burrito recipe is made with shredded sweet potatoes, black beans, cheese, salsa, and tortillas. The sweetness of the sweet potatoes balances out the earthiness of the black beans, while the cheese brings everything together.

The salsa adds a touch of sourness that perfectly compliments the flavors in the burritos. The tortillas provide a hearty texture that is perfect for satisfying hunger pangs.

They can be eaten as a main course or as a side dish.

Get the Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burritos recipe.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Close-up of pumpkin protein muffins
The Real Food Dietitians

Pumpkin Protein Muffins

Close-up of pumpkin protein muffins
The Real Food Dietitians

Each muffin contains around 100 calories and boasts an impressive 7 grams of protein.

These muffins are perfect for pre- or post-workout fuel, as the protein helps to rebuild muscle tissue and the carbs offer a quick boost of energy.

Get the Pumpkin Protein Muffins recipe.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Air fryer honey garlic shrimp on a plate
Fork To Spoon

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Shrimp

Air fryer honey garlic shrimp on a plate
Fork To Spoon

From appetizers and side dishes to main courses, the air fryer can do it all. And this recipe for honey garlic shrimp is no exception.

The shrimp are cooked in a delicious honey garlic sauce that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, this dish is so easy to make that you’ll be able to whip it up in no time at all.

Get the Air Fryer Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Sausage egg muffins on a plate
Wholesome Yum

Sausage Egg Muffins

Sausage egg muffins on a plate
Wholesome Yum

Sausage Egg Muffins are easy to make and require very little prep time. They can be prepared in the morning and quickly baked, so they are perfect for busy families or mornings when you don’t have much time to spare.

These muffins are also very versatile and can be customized to your liking by adding different ingredients, such as different sausage varieties or fruit flavors.

Get the Sausage Egg Muffins recipe.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Instant pot turkey chili in a bowl
A Cedar Spoon

Instant Pot Turkey Chili

Instant pot turkey chili in a bowl
A Cedar Spoon

This dish takes just a few minutes to prepare in the Instant Pot, and then it cooks quickly in the appliance, yielding a delicious and hearty meal.

The Instant Pot makes this recipe easy and quick, so you can enjoy a warm and comforting turkey chili without having to spend hours simmering on the stovetop.

It is perfect for a quick and easy dinner option or as a hearty lunch or supper option. If you’re looking for a spicy version of turkey chili, be sure to add some diced jalapeños or other peppers to the mix.

Get the Instant Pot Turkey Chili recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below