# 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 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
# Directions:
01 - Combine the 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 covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
02 - Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Grill or pan-sear over medium heat for 6 to 7 minutes per side, until fully cooked. Allow to rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
03 - As the grains and chicken cook, prepare all vegetables by chopping, halving, julienning, and slicing as specified. Set aside.
04 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is emulsified.
05 - Divide the quinoa among 4 meal-prep containers. Arrange sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, shredded cabbage, julienned carrot, bell pepper, spinach, edamame, and cucumber in distinct layers over the grains.
06 - Drizzle each bowl with the prepared dressing, or pack dressing in a separate container for freshness. Top with toasted pumpkin seeds and fresh parsley.
07 - Seal containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
