Healthy Meal-Prep Bowls Colour (Printer-friendly)

Vibrant bowls with layers of grains, lean chicken, colourful veggies, and tangy dressing for fresh meal-prep.

# What You'll Need:

→ Grains & Base

01 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Protein

04 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 ounces total)
05 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
06 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Vegetables

09 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
10 - 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
11 - 1 large carrot, julienned
12 - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
13 - 1 cup baby spinach
14 - 1/2 cup shelled cooked edamame
15 - 1 small cucumber, sliced

→ Dressing

16 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
17 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
18 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
19 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
20 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

21 - 2 tablespoons toasted pumpkin seeds
22 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

# Directions:

01 - Combine quinoa, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
02 - Rub chicken breasts evenly with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Grill or pan-sear over medium heat for 6 to 7 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove from heat, let rest 5 minutes, then thinly slice.
03 - Chop, slice, and julienne all vegetables as directed while grains and chicken cook.
04 - Whisk extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl until fully emulsified.
05 - Divide quinoa evenly into four meal-prep containers. Arrange sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, shredded purple cabbage, julienned carrot, sliced bell pepper, baby spinach, edamame, and cucumber in individual, colorful layers over the grains.
06 - Drizzle bowls with dressing or pack dressing separately if storing. Finish with toasted pumpkin seeds and chopped parsley.
07 - Refrigerate bowls in sealed containers for up to four days.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Easy to customize for different diets
  • Stays fresh and flavorful for days
02 -
  • Great for weekly meal prepping
  • Switch up the protein or grains for variety
03 -
  • Add avocado just before serving for extra creaminess
  • Serve with a wedge of lime for a fresh boost
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