# 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
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Combine quinoa, water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then cover and reduce to low. Simmer for 15 minutes, remove from heat, and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
02 - Rub 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. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
03 - Wash and chop all vegetables as described: halve cherry tomatoes, shred cabbage, julienne carrot, slice bell pepper and cucumber.
04 - Whisk extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper together in a mixing bowl until fully 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 with dressing or package dressing separately for freshness. Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds and parsley as garnish.
07 - Store covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. For best quality, add avocado or lime directly before serving, if desired.
