Description
Fresh, vibrant, and perfectly balanced Summer Clean Meal Prep Bowls combine lean grilled chicken, fluffy quinoa, and a rainbow of seasonal vegetables with a zesty lemon dressing. These make-ahead meals save time during busy summer days while providing essential nutrients and flavors that won’t weigh you down in the heat.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Grains:
- 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
Veggies:
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 yellow squash, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 cups baby spinach
Dressing (light & zesty):
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the Quinoa:
- In a medium saucepan, bring the broth or water to a boil.
- Add the rinsed quinoa, cover, and reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for about 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Let it sit off heat for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Grill the Chicken:
- Rub your chicken breasts down with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Grill on medium-high heat (outdoor grill or stovetop grill pan) for 5–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Let rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips or bite-size chunks.
Sauté or Roast the Veggies:
- You can lightly sauté the zucchini, squash, and bell pepper in a splash of olive oil OR roast ’em at 400°F for 20 minutes — just till tender and golden.
- Keep the tomatoes and carrots fresh and crunchy, and throw in the spinach raw for that clean, crisp texture.
Whisk the Dressing:
- In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt & pepper.
Assemble Your Meal Prep Bowls:
- Start with a bed of quinoa.
- Add your grilled chicken and a rainbow of veggies on top.
- Drizzle with that zippy lemon dressing.
- Optional: sprinkle with feta or sliced avocado if you’re feelin’ fancy.
Notes
- Store these meal prep bowls in airtight glass containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to maintain optimal freshness and prevent sogginess.
- For best results, place heavier or moisture-rich vegetables away from delicate ingredients like spinach.
- These bowls can be enjoyed cold or gently reheated, depending on your preference.
- For extra protein, add a soft-boiled egg just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grill, Sauté
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 65mg