Ok, preparing meals for the week is never really that easy. Or fun for that matter. But, you can find ways to mix it up so you can enjoy something quick and easy for lunch all week long!

Today I made a quinoa recipe and some healthy salad add-ons to mix things up during the week. Need some ideas? I have a few.

Choose 1-2 high protein options from the list below, add some dark leafy greens, and combine with quinoa:

• Hard boiled eggs
  • Edamame
    • Quinoa
      • Beans
        • Chickpeas
          • Spinach

My Go-To Quinoa Mix

Here’s my favorite Mexican-inspired quinoa recipe, which to me that means that it is excellent when paired with guacamole.

Ingredients: 

• 3/4 cup of quinoa
• 1 cup of black beans
• 1/2 cup of tomatoes
• 1/4 cup of chopped red onion
• 1/3 cup of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 5 tablespoons lime juice

Preparation:

In a strainer, wash quinoa in cold water. Then, boil water and cook quinoa for about 10 minutes (or until boiling). Drain quinoa under cold water.

While quinoa is cooking, wash black beans and cook it in a saucepan with olive oil and salt.

Let it cool and toss everything in a bowl with tomatoes and red onion! Taste it and enjoy for the week ahead!

* This could also turn into a delicious three bean salad by adding edamame and anything else from my high protein list above.

My first mason jar salad didn’t look exactly like the photos of the “perfect mason jar salad” on Pinterest, but remember it’s what’s inside that counts!

It’s not too late to whip up a few quick meals for the week. Your Monday morning self will thank you. : )

Love always,

Elizabeth Kate