Healthy Meal-Prep Colour Bowls (Printable)

A colorful, nourishing bowl featuring layered veggies, wholesome grains, lean protein, and lively dressing.

# 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, 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 edamame, shelled and cooked
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 for 5 minutes. 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, then slice thinly.
03 - Chop the cherry tomatoes, shred the purple cabbage, julienne the carrot, slice the bell pepper and cucumber, and measure baby spinach and edamame.
04 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey until fully combined. Season with salt and black pepper.
05 - Evenly divide the quinoa among 4 meal-prep containers. Top each with slices of chicken breast and arrange vegetables in separate layers for a visual presentation.
06 - Drizzle each bowl with dressing or store dressing separately for freshness. Garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds and fresh parsley.
07 - Store assembled bowls in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Packed with nutrients thanks to a variety of fresh vegetables and lean protein
  • Easy to customize and meal-prep for busy lifestyles
02 -
  • For vegan option, substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use maple syrup instead of honey
  • Check labels for soy and mustard allergens, and confirm pumpkin seeds are nut-free if necessary
03 -
  • Add a wedge of lime for brightness just before eating
  • Layer veggies in the containers for a visually appealing and fresh presentation
Return