Healthy Meal-Prep Bowls Layers (Printable Version)

Enjoy vibrant bowls with grains, chicken, fresh vegetables, and zingy dressing for beautiful, quick meals.

# 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 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 or maple syrup
20 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

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

# Directions:

01 - Combine quinoa, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes, remove from heat, and let stand 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. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
03 - While grains and chicken cook, prepare all vegetables as indicated. Halve cherry tomatoes, shred purple cabbage, julienne carrot, slice bell pepper and cucumber, and cook edamame if needed.
04 - In a small mixing bowl, whisk extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until fully emulsified.
05 - Divide the cooked quinoa into 4 meal-prep containers. Arrange the sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, purple cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, baby spinach, edamame, and cucumber in distinct, colorful layers over the quinoa.
06 - Drizzle each bowl with dressing, or pack dressing separately for optimal freshness. Top with toasted pumpkin seeds and chopped parsley.
07 - Refrigerate assembled bowls for up to 4 days.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Beautifully layered meal-prep bowls with visual appeal
  • High in protein and packed with vitamins
02 -
  • For vegan option substitute chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas.
  • Meal-prep bowls stay fresh and vibrant up to 4 days in refrigerator.
03 -
  • Add avocado before serving for creaminess and freshness.
  • A wedge of lime brings a citrusy kick to every bite.
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