High Protein Meal Prep Bowls

Name: High Protein Meal Prep Bowls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups quinoa, rinsed; 4 cups water or broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt to taste; 1 pound chicken breast, diced; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup corn, frozen or canned; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 avocado, diced; 1 cup spinach; 1/4 cup Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 tablespoon honey; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

Prepare these delicious high protein meal prep bowls for a week of healthy eating. Packed with nutrients and flavor, they make meal planning a breeze.

Created by

Lillian Hayes

Last updated on 2025-12-24T14:09:46.327Z

These high protein meal prep bowls are designed for those who want to maintain a healthy diet without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for busy individuals, these bowls can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for easy access throughout the week.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Packed with lean proteins to keep you energized
Versatile ingredients that can be swapped to suit your taste
Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prepping

      

Nutritional Benefits

These high protein meal prep bowls are an excellent choice for anyone looking to boost their protein intake without compromising on taste. Quinoa serves as a complete protein, providing all nine essential amino acids, making it a perfect base for your meals. Combined with lean chicken breast and black beans, this recipe ensures that you meet your daily protein requirements while enjoying a variety of flavors and textures.

In addition to being high in protein, these meal prep bowls are packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables included. The bell pepper and cherry tomatoes add a burst of color and nutrients, while spinach provides important antioxidants. This combination not only keeps your energy levels high but also supports overall health and wellness.

Meal Prep Made Easy

Preparing meals in advance can save you time and stress during the busy workweek. These high protein meal prep bowls can be made in bulk and stored in the refrigerator for quick lunches or dinners. Each component can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to mix and match throughout the week for variety.

Using meal prep containers helps keep your ingredients fresh and makes it easy to grab a healthy meal on the go. You can also customize each bowl to suit your preferences or dietary needs, whether that means adding more vegetables, swapping proteins, or adjusting the dressing to your taste.

Tips for Customization

One of the best aspects of these meal prep bowls is their versatility. Feel free to substitute the chicken with other protein options such as tofu, turkey, or even grilled shrimp to keep things interesting. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, consider using lentils or chickpeas as a protein source.

The vegetables can also be tailored to your liking. You can add roasted zucchini, diced cucumbers, or even shredded carrots for extra crunch and flavor. Experiment with different dressings too, such as a tahini sauce or a balsamic vinaigrette, to find the perfect complement to your meal prep bowls.

Ingredients

For the Base

2 cups quinoa, rinsed
4 cups water or broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt to taste

For the Protein

1 pound chicken breast, diced
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn, frozen or canned
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika

For the Vegetables

1 bell pepper, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, diced
1 cup spinach

For the Dressing

1/4 cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Feel free to customize the ingredients according to your preferences!

Instructions

Cook the Quinoa

In a medium pot, combine quinoa and water or broth. Add salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.

Cook the Chicken

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken, cumin, paprika, and salt. Cook until chicken is browned and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.

Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Assemble the Bowls

In meal prep containers, layer quinoa, cooked chicken, black beans, corn, diced bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and avocado. Drizzle with dressing.

Store in the fridge for up to 5 days for easy meal prep!

Storage Tips

To ensure your high protein meal prep bowls stay fresh throughout the week, it's important to store them properly. Use airtight containers to keep your ingredients from drying out and to prevent any unwanted odors from permeating your meals. Make sure to separate ingredients that may become soggy, such as the dressing or avocado, until you're ready to eat.

These meal prep bowls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days, making them a convenient option for meal planning. If you're looking to extend their shelf life, consider freezing individual portions. Just be sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Perfect Pairings

To make your high protein meal prep bowls even more satisfying, consider pairing them with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad. A simple citrus salad or a mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette can enhance the overall meal experience while adding additional nutrients.

For those looking to add a crunch factor, a handful of nuts or seeds sprinkled on top can provide healthy fats and a satisfying texture contrast. This not only boosts the nutritional profile of your meal but also adds a delightful crunch that complements the softness of the quinoa and vegetables.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze these meal prep bowls?

Yes, you can freeze the quinoa and protein components, but it's best to add fresh vegetables just before eating.

→ How long do these meal prep bowls last in the fridge?

They will last up to 5 days when stored in airtight containers.

→ Can I use different grains instead of quinoa?

Absolutely! Brown rice, farro, or even couscous make great alternatives.

→ Is this recipe suitable for meal prep for weight loss?

Yes, this recipe is high in protein and fiber, which can help keep you feeling full while managing calories.