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Macro-Friendly Early Summer Reset Lunch Bowls


  • Total Time: 25-27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

These Macro-Friendly Early Summer Reset Lunch Bowls are a fantastic way to enjoy a refreshing and satisfying meal, especially as the weather warms up. This recipe focuses on fresh ingredients and balanced nutrition, making it ideal for anyone looking for a wholesome and delicious vegetarian option. Each serving provides about 18 grams of protein. Perfect for meal prep, these bowls are designed to be easy to assemble and keep well in the refrigerator, ensuring you have healthy lunches ready to go throughout your busy week. The star of the show is a vibrant veggie orzo salad, packed with flavor and texture.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 1 cup chopped cucumber
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 cups mixed greens (for serving)
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for serving)

  • Instructions

    1. 1. Cook the Orzo: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the orzo well and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking. Set aside to cool completely.

    2. 2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the orzo cooks and cools, wash and chop all your vegetables. Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely dice the red onion, and chop the bell pepper and fresh parsley. Rinse and drain the canned chickpeas thoroughly.

    3. 3. Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and garlic powder. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is well combined and slightly emulsified. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

    4. 4. Assemble the Orzo Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, fresh parsley, and rinsed chickpeas. Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients.

    5. 5. Toss Everything Together: Gently toss the orzo salad until all the vegetables and pasta are evenly coated with the dressing. Make sure the dressing is distributed throughout for maximum flavor.

    6. 6. Build Your Bowls: To serve, divide the mixed greens among four lunch bowls or meal prep containers. Spoon a generous portion of the veggie orzo salad over the greens in each bowl.

    7. 7. Add Optional Toppings: If desired, sprinkle each bowl with crumbled feta cheese right before serving to add a creamy, tangy element.

    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
    • Category: main dish
    • Cuisine: mediterranean

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 bowl
    • Protein: 18

    Keywords: vegetarian, meal prep, healthy, lunch, salad, orzo, summer, easy, mediterranean, fresh