Healthy Meal-Prep Colour Bowls (Printable)

Layer quinoa, chicken, and vibrant vegetables with a bright dressing for delicious make-ahead bowls.

# What You'll Need:

→ Grains & Base

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

→ Protein

04 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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 chopped fresh parsley

# How to Make It:

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 and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
02 - Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Grill or cook in a frying pan over medium heat for 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
03 - Chop cherry tomatoes, cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, spinach, edamame, and cucumber according to instructions.
04 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
05 - Divide quinoa evenly among four meal-prep containers. Arrange sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, spinach, edamame, and cucumber in distinct layers over the grains.
06 - Drizzle dressing over assembled bowls, or pack dressing separately for freshness. Complete with toasted pumpkin seeds and fresh parsley.
07 - Refrigerate bowls in sealed containers for up to 4 days.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Visually stunning layers make meal-prep exciting
  • Loaded with fresh vegetables and lean protein for balanced nutrition
02 -
  • You can substitute chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for vegan option
  • Check pumpkin seeds and dressing ingredients for hidden allergens if needed
03 -
  • Add avocado or sliced radishes right before serving for freshness
  • Swap the protein or grains to match your dietary needs
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