Colorful layers of nutritious vegetables, grains, and protein, easily assembled for tasty, healthy 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 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
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 edamame, shelled and cooked
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
20 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
21 - 2 tablespoons toasted pumpkin seeds
22 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
# Method:
01 - Combine the quinoa, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff the grains with a fork.
02 - Coat chicken breasts in olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Grill or pan-sear over medium heat for 6 to 7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Allow the meat to rest for 5 minutes and then slice thinly.
03 - Chop and prepare all vegetables as described, working while the grains and chicken are cooking.
04 - Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until the dressing is emulsified.
05 - Divide quinoa equally into 4 meal-prep containers. Layer sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, baby spinach, edamame, and cucumber over the grains, creating vibrant visual separation.
06 - Drizzle bowls with prepared dressing, or pack dressing separately for better freshness. Top each bowl with toasted pumpkin seeds and parsley.
07 - Store bowls in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best texture, add avocado or lime wedge just before serving.
