Looking for ways to reduce waste in your kitchen while still eating delicious food? Check out these 18 zero-waste meal prep recipes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds and make you feel good about your choices. Not only will you be making great use of your ingredients, but you’ll also be helping the environment!
1. Citrus Rind Candied Snacks
Who knew citrus rinds could be so tasty?! Enjoy these candy rinds as a snack, or sprinkle them over desserts.
2. Banana Peel Smoothie
The peel of a banana is edible! Not only will using the whole banana help reduce your food waste, but this recipe will result in a creamier smoothie with an extra serving of fiber! Combine bananas and banana peels with your choice of milk and blend away!
3. Pickled Vegetable Medley
This simple pickled vegetables recipe is perfect for reducing food waste! You can use any combination of vegetables, and pickling couldn’t be easier! Just chop, pickle, refrigerate, and enjoy! Perfect for snacking, or on sandwiches and salads!
4. Vegetable Scraps Broth
Vegetable scraps broth is an easy way to cut down on waste in the kitchen. Save those vegetable stems, ends, and peels! Combine them with fresh herbs and water, and you’ve got yourself a delicious homemade broth! Use it to make soups and sauces, or use it when cooking grains!
5. Cauliflower Leaf Tacos
Turn those oft-forgotten cauliflower leaves into tacos! Stuff them with your favorite veggies and top with salsa for these zesty and delicious tacos!
6. Rice and Pea Stir-Fry
This rice and pea stir-fry recipe is quick and easy to make, and it’s the perfect way to use up leftovers! Loaded with colorful vegetables and drizzled with soy sauce, this stir-fry is ideal for busy weeknights!
7. Quinoa & Roasted Vegetable Bowls
These quinoa and roasted vegetable bowls are the perfect way to use up random vegetables! Mix and match your veggies to make these bowls your own! These bowls will also keep well in the fridge, making them ideal for meal prep!
8. Chickpea Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
Bright and flavorful, this chickpea salad is the perfect addition to your meal prep routine! Loaded with crunchy vegetables and drizzled with a citrus vinaigrette, this salad is even better the next day!
9. Bread Crust Croutons
Don’t throw away your bread crusts! Combine them with herbs and spices for these crunchy croutons! Perfect for topping soups and salads, these croutons couldn’t be easier! Just season and bake!
10. Pumpkin Seed Granola
Say goodbye to store bought granola! This pumpkin seed granola is the perfect way to start your day off right! Not only will you be reducing your waste by making granola at home, but you’ll also be able to customize it to fit your tastes! Sprinkle it on yogurt and smoothies for a delicious crunch!
11. Carrot Top Pesto
Don’t toss those carrot tops! Carrot tops make a tasty pesto! The next time you’re about to toss those leafy green carrot tops, think again! Combine them with garlic, nuts, and olive oil for this easy carrot top pesto! Serve it over pasta, or use it as a dip!
12. Celery Root Puree
Creamy and delicious, this celery root puree recipe is sure to impress! The perfect side dish to serve next to roasted vegetables and proteins, this puree is a great way to switch up your meal prep!
13. Tomato Stem Sauce
This tomato stem sauce is so easy to make! Just combine stems, tomatoes, and spices, then simmer! The perfect accompaniment to pasta and pizza dishes, this sauce recipe is a great way to reduce your food waste!
14. Zucchini Noodle Salad
Light and delicious, this zucchini noodle salad is the perfect lunch or dinner! Tossed with cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs, this salad recipe is a great way to use up extra vegetables!
15. Herbed Potato Skins
Not only is this recipe a great way to reduce food waste, but it also creates a fun, flavorful treat! This recipe is also great for meal prepping! These herbed potato skins are the ultimate snack! Scoop out the inside of the potatoes, season with your favorite herbs, and pop in the oven! These crispy potato skins are sure to please your next gathering!
16. Spicy Pepper Relish
This easy relish adds spice! Spice up your meals with this easy relish recipe. The perfect topping for tacos and sandwiches, this spicy pepper relish adds some heat to any meal! Made with fresh peppers and herbs, this relish recipe is a fun way to use up any extra vegetables!
17. Chili Pepper Stem Infused Oil
Give any dish a kick of heat with this chili pepper stem infused oil! This easy recipe is a great way to use every part of your chili peppers! Store it in the fridge and use within 4 days.
18. Eggshell Fertilizer for Plants
Don’t toss your eggshells! They make great fertilizer! Full of calcium, eggshells help strengthen your plant’s root systems and encourage healthy plant growth. Just crush them up and add them to your compost or soil!