When it comes to food, I’m definitely a creature of habit. Once I find a meal, I’ll happily eat it several times a week without growing tired of it. I’ve been obsessed with this Greek inspired lunch bowl made almost entirely with Trader Joe’s products. Like most millennial women, I love Trader Joe’s. During the pandemic, it became my favorite outing, and now my kids love coming along because the cashiers hand out lollipops and stickers.
As a busy mama, I need lunches that are quick, healthy and delicious. This bowl is all of that! It’s packed with vegetables and plant-based protein. It’s quick to whip up and keeps me full for hours. I’m trying to incorporate more veggies into my diet and this helps me do so. I do eat meat, but sometimes I’m not in the mood for it, and this has become my favorite vegetarian lunch.
Here’s everything you’ll need to make my Greek-inspired bowl for lunch this summer:
Organic Mediterranean Style Salad Kit
Okay, I know bagged salads are having a tough time right now, but in this time of my life, convenience wins. I’d rather have a salad kit with vegetables than not have any veggies at all because I didn’t want to do the chopping. This kit in particular includes romaine, broccoli stalks, radicchio, celery, flatbread strips, feta cheese, sun dried tomatoes, roasted chickpeas and a dressing packet. In my opinion, you don’t need the dressing – we’ll dress it up later!
Organic Garbanzo Beans
Garbanzo beans (or chickpeas) are already included in the salad kit, however, these beans are a great protein source so I like to add a little more!
Frozen Fully Cooked Falafel
These are the stars of the show! I pop these in the air fryer for about 10 minutes so they become crispy on the outside. They are delicious and filling.
Mediterranean Style Hummus
This is one of my absolute favorite store bought hummuses. It’s flavorful without having that overpowering taste some hummuses give off.
Tzatziki
You can’t have a Greek-inspired meal without tzatziki! I put a smaller amount of this on the bowl than the hummus as this condiment really does pack a flavorful punch. The tzatziki and hummus make a great alternative to a dressing.
Banana Peppers
Unfortunately, my Trader Joe’s does not sell banana peppers, but you can get these from most grocery stores. If you like a little bit of a kick, these peppers are a must to finish this bowl off.
How I Build My Bowl
1
Prepare the falafel in the air fryer ~ 10 mins
2
Toss the salad kit together (discard dressing)
3
Add extra garbanzo beans
4
Cut up falafel and place it on top
5
Add a heaping spoonful of hummus
6
Drop a dollop of tzatziki
7
Top with banana peppers
8
Mix together and enjoy!
I’m learning that eating healthier doesn’t have to mean growing your own produce, making everything from scratch, or spending a ton of money at the grocery store. For me, it’s been about choosing whole foods when I can and leaning on convenient, healthier options when life gets busy. Healthy eating can be realistic, flexible, and nourishing.
I’m always looking for healthy meal ideas and any excuse to visit my local Trader Joe’s, so if you have any recommendations or you try this bowl, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
XO,
Kassie
