Meal Prep Mix-and-Match Matrix (Build 100+ Healthy Bowls in Minutes) | Love Her Stuff

Want meal prep that doesn’t feel like eating the same thing all week? Use this Mix-and-Match Matrix to build endless bowl combinations using simple components: a base, veggies, protein, toppings, and a sauce.Tip: This format is inspired by the “build-a-bowl” approach—prep a few staples once, then mix and match through the week. Designed to work for vegan, vegetarian, or omnivore meal prep.

How to Use the Meal Prep Matrix

  1. Pick 1 Base (grain, greens, or low-carb)
  2. Pick 1–2 Veggies (roasted, fresh, or sautéed)
  3. Pick 1 Protein (animal-based or plant-based)
  4. Add 1–2 Toppings for crunch + flavor
  5. Finish with 1 Sauce (this is where the magic happens)

The Mix-and-Match Matrix

This flexible meal prep matrix lets you create dozens of healthy bowl combinations without repeating meals.

1) Bases

  • Brown rice
  • Quinoa
  • Cauliflower rice
  • Mixed greens
  • Sweet potato (roasted cubes)
  • Chickpea pasta (cold “pasta bowl”)

2) Veggies

  • Broccoli (roasted)
  • Brussels sprouts (roasted)
  • Bell peppers + onions
  • Green beans
  • Cucumbers + tomatoes
  • Shredded cabbage / slaw mix
  • Spinach (sautéed)
  • Mushrooms

3) Proteins

  • Chicken breast or thighs
  • Salmon
  • Ground turkey
  • Tofu or tempeh
  • Chickpeas or black beans
  • Eggs (hard-boiled or jammy)
  • Shrimp

4) Toppings

  • Avocado
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Pickled onions
  • Feta or goat cheese
  • Fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley)
  • Kimchi or sauerkraut
  • Crushed nuts (sunflower, pumpkin, peanuts*) *Swap as needed for allergies.

5) Sauces (choose 1)

  • Lemon-tahini
  • Greek yogurt ranch
  • Honey mustard
  • Salsa + lime
  • Peanut sauce
  • Garlic herb vinaigrette
  • Hot sauce + olive oil

12 “Done-For-You” Bowl Combos

BowlBuild
MediterraneanQuinoa + cucumbers/tomatoes + chicken + feta + lemon-tahini
Spicy SouthwestCauli rice + peppers/onions + turkey + avocado + salsa/lime
Crunchy AsianGreens + slaw + shrimp + herbs + peanut sauce
Salmon Glow-UpBrown rice + broccoli + salmon + pickled onions + garlic vinaigrette
Plant-PoweredSweet potato + spinach + chickpeas + seeds + tahini
Breakfast BowlGreens + sautéed mushrooms + eggs + avocado + hot sauce/olive oil
BBQ VeganQuinoa + green beans + tofu + slaw + yogurt ranch (or vegan ranch)
Turkey TacoCauli rice + peppers + turkey + herbs + salsa/lime
Herby GreekGreens + cucumbers/tomatoes + chickpeas + feta + vinaigrette
Honey Mustard ChickenBrown rice + brussels + chicken + nuts + honey mustard
Clean & SimpleGreens + broccoli + chicken + seeds + lemon-tahini
Spicy ShrimpQuinoa + slaw + shrimp + pickled onions + hot sauce/olive oil

7-Day Prep Plan (Simple Version)

  • Cook: 2 bases (ex: quinoa + cauliflower rice)
  • Roast: 2 sheet pans of veggies
  • Protein: 2 proteins (one animal + one plant-based)
  • Make: 2 sauces
  • Store: keep toppings separate for crunch

Printable + Embed

Printable: Turn this page into a one-page printable PDF by using your browser print dialog → “Save as PDF.”

Want to share this matrix on your site? Copy/paste this embed box:

Attribution request: Please link back to this page as the source: Love Her Stuff – Meal Prep Mix-and-Match Matrix.

Related on Love Her Stuff