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!
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)
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!
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.