QUICK SEMI-HOMEMADE LUNCH

TRADER JOE’S EDITION

This quick 20-minute dinner is the perfect combo of chicken, chickpeas, fresh veggies, tart artichokes, olives and an easy homemade dijon balsamic dressing. Fresh ingredients, simple steps that make this the perfect semi-homemade dinner!

DRESSING

1 Tablespoon of Dijon mustard

3 Tablespoon of balsamic vinegar

6 Tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

1 Teaspoon of dried oregano

½ Teaspoon of salt

PREPARATION

Combine all ingredients in a bowl or a mason jar.

Note – The dressing last up to two weeks in the fridge, if it thickens just add a bit more olive oil to loosen it up.

HOT INGREDIENTS

1 ½ Tablespoons of olive oil or oil of choice

¼ Cup of diced or chopped red onions

½ Cup of garbanzo beans

[chickpeas, drained, rinsed and dried]

1 ½ Teaspoon of smoked or sweet paprika

½ Bag of “Just grilled chicken strips” from trader joe’s

[any other brand of chicken strips can work]

Freshly ground black pepper [use to liking]

1 package of “2 per serving” quinoa, brown and red rice packet

[I used the brand called “Seeds Of Change” but you can use a rice pack of your liking]

COLD INGREDIENTS

Romain, Boston or Butterhead lettuce

[use as much as you’d like]

1 small Roma or beefsteak tomato

1/8 Cup of diced yellow, green or red bell pepper

1/8 Cup of sliced red onions

1/8 Cup of sliced olives [I used Kalamata olives]

1/8 Cup of grilled olive oil marinated artichokes

[I got mine in trader joe’s but you can choose your favorite]

1 Tablespoon of ground parmesan cheese

PREPARATION

- Turn your stove top to a medium-high heat and in a large pan pour in your olive oil, once the oil heats up add in your diced red onions and stir; once the onions get a bit translucent add in your frozen grilled strips. Sprinkle the tops with the paprika and sauté for three minutes. Pour in your two tablespoons of water and sauté for two minutes or until the water dries up a bit. Add in your chickpeas, season with black pepper [to liking] and stir for another 2-3 minutes. Once done set aside for late use.