Wholesome grains, lean protein, and vibrant vegetables layered for an easy, nutritious and colorful meal.
# Components:
→ 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 oz total)
05 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
06 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - Salt to taste
09 - Black pepper to taste
→ Vegetables
10 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
11 - 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
12 - 1 large carrot, julienned
13 - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
14 - 1 cup baby spinach
15 - 1/2 cup shelled, cooked edamame
16 - 1 small cucumber, sliced
→ Dressing
17 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
18 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
19 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
20 - 1 teaspoon honey
21 - Salt to taste
22 - Black pepper to taste
→ Garnish
23 - 2 tablespoons toasted pumpkin seeds
24 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
# Directions:
01 - Combine quinoa, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
02 - Rub chicken breasts 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. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
03 - While grains and chicken cook, halve cherry tomatoes, shred cabbage, julienne carrot, slice bell pepper, rinse spinach, cook and shell edamame, and slice cucumber.
04 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
05 - Divide cooked quinoa equally among four meal-prep containers. Arrange sliced chicken and vegetables in individual layers on top of the grains for a vibrant presentation.
06 - Drizzle each bowl with prepared dressing, or pack it separately for freshness. Finish with toasted pumpkin seeds and chopped fresh parsley.
07 - Seal containers and refrigerate for up to four days.
