Healthy Meal-Prep Bowls Visual (Printable)

Layered bowls with quinoa, chicken, veggies and zesty dressing. Bright flavors and easy meal-prep for busy days.

# Ingredient List:

→ Grains & Base

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

→ Protein

04 - 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, 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, 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

# Steps:

01 - Combine quinoa, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, let stand 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 fully cooked. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
03 - While the grains and chicken cook, chop all vegetables as described. Halve cherry tomatoes, shred cabbage, julienne carrot, slice bell pepper and cucumber.
04 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper until fully emulsified.
05 - Divide quinoa evenly among four meal-prep containers. Arrange sliced chicken breast, cherry tomatoes, purple cabbage, carrot, yellow bell pepper, baby spinach, edamame, and cucumber in distinct, colorful layers over the grains.
06 - Drizzle the bowls with dressing or pack dressing separately. Top each with toasted pumpkin seeds and fresh parsley. Refrigerate containers for up to 4 days.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Visually stunning with layers and pops of color
  • Nutritious, balanced, and easy to customize
02 -
  • This meal is gluten-free (dairy-free, and high protein)
  • Contains soy (edamame) (mustard in the dressing)
03 -
  • Substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegan version
  • Add avocado or lime just before serving for more flavor and creaminess
Go Back