# Components:
→ 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 shelled, cooked edamame
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
# Directions:
01 - In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then 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 black pepper. Grill or pan-sear over medium heat for 6 to 7 minutes per side until thoroughly cooked. Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
03 - While grains and chicken are cooking, halve cherry tomatoes, shred purple cabbage, julienne the carrot, slice the bell pepper and cucumber, and set aside baby spinach and edamame.
04 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until fully emulsified.
05 - Divide cooked quinoa evenly among 4 meal-prep containers. Arrange sliced chicken, prepared vegetables, and spinach in vibrant, separate layers over the quinoa.
06 - Drizzle bowls with prepared dressing, or pack dressing separately for later use. Top with toasted pumpkin seeds and chopped parsley.
07 - Seal containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days for optimal freshness.
