Are you tired of boring, bland lunches that leave you unsatisfied and hungry? Get ready to revolutionize your meal prep with these stunning Vegetarian Meal Prep Salad Jars that are not just a feast for your taste buds, but also a visual delight! Packed with protein-rich quinoa, vibrant vegetables, and a zesty dressing, these jars are the ultimate solution for healthy eating that doesn't compromise on flavor or convenience.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 jars
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the quinoa according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water, then combining it with 2 cups of water in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Rinse and halve the cherry tomatoes, then set them aside in a bowl. Dice the cucumber and bell pepper into small, bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl with the tomatoes.
- In a separate bowl, drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly under cold water. This helps to remove excess sodium and any canning liquid. Once rinsed, add the chickpeas to the bowl with the other vegetables.
- Now, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the acidity and seasoning according to your preference.
- Once the quinoa has cooled, add it to the bowl with the vegetables and chickpeas. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Prepare your jars for meal prep. You will need 4 jars with lids. Start by layering the salad mixture into each jar. A good order is to start with the quinoa and vegetable mixture at the bottom, followed by a layer of crumbled feta cheese on top.
- Seal each jar with its lid and store them in the refrigerator. These salad jars can be kept for up to 5 days, making them a convenient grab-and-go meal option.
- When ready to eat, simply shake the jar to mix the ingredients or pour the contents into a bowl. Enjoy your healthy and colorful vegetarian meal prep salad!
Tips
- Meal Prep Magic: These salad jars can be prepared up to 5 days in advance, making them perfect for busy professionals and health-conscious individuals.
- Layering is Key: Always place dressing and wet ingredients at the bottom of the jar, with more sturdy ingredients like quinoa and vegetables on top to prevent sogginess.
- Customize Your Jar: Feel free to swap ingredients based on your preference or what's in your refrigerator. Try adding roasted nuts, different herbs, or alternative proteins.
- Temperature Matters: Allow cooked quinoa to cool completely before assembling to prevent condensation and maintain freshness.
- Storage Hack: Keep jars upright in the refrigerator and shake well before eating to distribute the dressing evenly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 10mg
