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Summer Clean Meal Prep Bowl with homemade lemon dressing in a small jar alongside a bowl containing quinoa, grilled chicken, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, legumes, and fresh herbs on a light blue napkin.

Summer Clean Meal Prep Bowls: 7 Amazing Secrets for Vibrant Health


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  • Author: Chef Crenn
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 meal prep bowls 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

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:

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring the broth or water to a boil.
  2. Add the rinsed quinoa, cover, and reduce heat to low.
  3. 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:

  1. Rub your chicken breasts down with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Grill on medium-high heat (outdoor grill or stovetop grill pan) for 5–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
  3. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips or bite-size chunks.

Sauté or Roast the Veggies:

  1. 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.
  2. Keep the tomatoes and carrots fresh and crunchy, and throw in the spinach raw for that clean, crisp texture.

Whisk the Dressing:

  1. 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:

  1. Start with a bed of quinoa.
  2. Add your grilled chicken and a rainbow of veggies on top.
  3. Drizzle with that zippy lemon dressing.
  4. 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