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Summer Glow Bowls: The Ultimate Nutrient-Packed Meal for a Radiant Summer

Summer Glow Bowls

Every summer, I find myself craving something colorful, fresh, and packed with flavor—and that’s how these Summer Glow Bowls were born. Inspired by backyard grilling and garden harvests, this bowl is both a hearty salad and a feel-good meal. If you’re looking for a light yet satisfying dish to celebrate the season, this one’s for you. Try it for your next lunch or easy dinner—it’s perfect to prep ahead, too!

Ingredients

Scale

Base:

  • 2 cups cooked quinoa

  • 1 lb chicken thighs or thin chicken breast

  • 2 ears sweet corn, husked

  • 8 oz cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1 large carrot, grated or sliced

  • 1 large cucumber, grated or sliced

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced

  • 3/4 cup mixed herbs (basil, cilantro, mint), finely chopped

  • 1 tbsp chives or green onions, chopped

  • 5.5 oz spring greens, baby kale or arugula

Curry Vinaigrette:

  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

  • Juice & zest of 1 lemon

  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

  • 2 tbsp curry powder

  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup

  • Pinch of red chili flakes (optional)

  • 1 tsp kosher salt (adjust if curry powder is salted)

Instructions

  • Cook Quinoa: Boil 2/3 cup dry quinoa in 1 1/3 cups water or stock with a pinch of salt. Simmer covered for 15 mins. Let sit 5 mins, then fluff.

  • Prepare Veggies: Slice, dice, and prep all fresh veggies. Set aside.

  • Make Vinaigrette: Whisk or shake all vinaigrette ingredients in a jar. Store in the fridge up to a week.

  • Marinate Chicken: Coat chicken with half the vinaigrette. Marinate 12–48 hrs in the fridge.

  • Grill Time: Grill marinated chicken (4–5 mins per side) and corn (3–4 mins per side). Slice corn kernels off cob and chop chicken.

  • Assemble Bowls: Mix quinoa, chicken, corn, veggies, and herbs in a bowl. Toss with remaining vinaigrette.

  • Serve: Add greens to bowls, top with quinoa mix, and drizzle extra vinaigrette. Garnish with herbs. Enjoy!

Notes

Make it ahead – Marinate the chicken and prep the quinoa and veggies in advance. Everything keeps well in the fridge for a few days!

No grill? No problem! – You can roast or pan-sear the chicken and corn instead. Still delicious!

Mix it up – Swap in tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version, or try bulgur or couscous instead of quinoa.

Fresh herbs = flavor bomb – Don’t skip the herbs. They really brighten up the dish and bring that summer magic!

Leftovers? – This bowl is just as tasty cold. It’s perfect for work lunches or quick dinners.

Nutrition