Lunch doesn’t have to be predictable. It also doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, it can be unpredictable, exciting and nutritious! Here are a few simple, make-ahead meals you can enjoy all week long!
Lemon Parsley Bean Salad
Do you love beans? Citrus flavoring? Something different besides the tried-and-true chopped salad? If you love easy, make-ahead-lunches that pack Mediterranean flavor, this lunch is for you. To add extra crunch, pack some pita chips, or bake some falafel for added protein. Make this dish on Sunday, and double it for enough salad throughout the week. Here’s what you’ll need:
• 1 can chickpeas, rinsed
• 1 medium tomato
• 1 small diced red onion
• 2 stalks of celery, chopped or diced
• 2 cans of red kidney beans, rinsed well
• 3 TBSP fresh dill
• ¾ TBSP freshly chopped parsley
• ¼ cup of lemon juice
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste.
In a small bowl, prepare the dressing: dill, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Next, add the remaining ingredients until well coated. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Thai Inspired Wraps
You don’t have to make this dish complicated. To save time, you can buy store bought peanut sauce. Make it the night before, wrap the tortilla separately to prevent sogginess, and in the morning, grab it and go! Here’s how to make it:
• Flour or wheat tortillas
• Handful of bean sprouts
• Diced chicken, flavored with paprika, salt and pepper
• Diced onion
• Spinach or butter lettuce leaves
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 cup of water
• ½ teaspoon soy sauce
• ¼ teaspoon honey
• ½ lime
• Red pepper flakes, to taste.
Cook the chicken in a hot pan, over medium high. You can also roast the chicken quickly and to perfection, by flattening it, sprinkling with paprika, salt and pepper and baking it at 450 for fifteen minutes. When the chicken is done, let it rest for five minutes. Cut up the onion and set it aside with the chicken and tortillas.
Next, prepare the peanut sauce. All you have to do is blend the peanut butter, water, garlic clove, soy sauce, honey and lime on high. If you want it saltier, add a bit more soy sauce. If you want it sweeter, add a bit more honey or peanut butter. If you want it thinner, add more water. Take a tortilla or two to work, along with all the fixings (the chicken, bean sprouts and onion), and sauce in separate containers. When it’s lunchtime, assemble and enjoy!
