14 Make-Ahead Dinners Perfect for Next-Day Lunches

Some meals just get better with time, and these gluten-free dinners are proof. They’re simple enough for weeknights, full of flavor, and built to hold up well for lunch the next day – whether reheated or eaten cold.

This collection mixes hearty meats, nourishing plant-based options, and cozy comfort foods, all with leftovers in mind. If you’re looking to stretch your cooking without sacrificing taste or texture, these recipes have you covered.

Barbacoa With Mushrooms

Hearty jackfruit and portobello mushrooms soak up a smoky chipotle sauce in the pressure cooker, making a saucy, protein‑packed dinner perfect over rice or in lettuce cups.

Get the Recipe: Vegan Barbacoa With Mushrooms

Extra‑Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Crunchy air-fried wings that stay crisp in the fridge. You can enjoy them perfect cold or reheated. This recipe uses simple seasonings for maximum flavor.

Get the Recipe: Extra‑Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Salmon Poke Bowl

Air-frying salmon gives it a tender, flaky texture that holds up beautifully over rice and veggie-packed bowls for next-day lunches.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon Poke Bowl

Baked Pumpkin Risotto

Creamy baked risotto studded with autumnal pumpkin – a comforting dinner now, and easy-to-reheat without losing its velvety texture for lunch tomorrow.

Get the Recipe: Baked Pumpkin Risotto

Instant Pot Beef Chili

Rich, meaty chili with tender beef and beans. It’s ready in under an hour thanks to the Instant Pot, and just as satisfying the next day.

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef Chili

Sweet Potato Corn Chowder

Sweet potato and corn unite in a creamy, dairy-free chowder that scales easily and returns just as cozy as leftovers.

Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Corn Chowder

Fish and Lentils

Delicate fish paired with tender lentils in a lightly seasoned broth makes a protein-rich meal that holds up well overnight.

Get the Recipe: Fish and Lentils

Chicken and Black Bean Enchilada Casserole

Hearty layers of chicken, black beans, and enchilada sauce slow‑cooked into a casserole that reheats beautifully for a saucy lunch bowl.

Get the Recipe: Chicken and Black Bean Enchilada Casserole

Egg Roll in a Bowl

A veggie-packed, deconstructed egg‑roll stir‑fry that stays crisp and flavorful in the fridge. It’s perfect for reheating or eating cold.

Get the Recipe: Egg Roll in a Bowl

Sheet‑Pan Chicken Sausage and Vegetables

One-pan roast of chicken sausage and colorful veggies. The tomatoes hold their shape and flavors meld over time, making it ideal cold or warmed.

Get the Recipe: Sheet‑Pan Chicken Sausage and Vegetables

Bison Chili

Lean bison makes this chili lighter but still rich, and the spices deepen overnight for a bold next-day lunch.

Get the Recipe: Bison Chili

Cucumber Noodle Salad

Refreshing cucumber noodles tossed in a tangy dressing – bright, crisp, and even better after chilling overnight.

Get the Recipe: Cucumber Noodle Salad

Coconut Lime Chicken

Tender chicken simmered in coconut‑lime sauce offers a tropical twist that stays fresh and flavorful for lunch.

Get the Recipe: Coconut Lime Chicken

Lentil Salad With Nooch Dressing

Hearty lentils meet a cheesy nutritional‑yeast dressing for a protein-packed salad that tastes even sharper the next day.

Get the Recipe: Lentil Salad With Nooch Dressing