PROTEIN POWER BOWL
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.
Layers to the salad bowl
1st layer – Crisp lettuce of choice
2nd layer – Quinoa and rice mix
3rd layer – Chicken and chickpea combo
4th layer – Fresh cut veggies
5th layer – Additional toppings “olives, artichokes and parmesan cheese”
6th layer – Fresh dressing
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR PREP AND LAYERING
ENJOY!