Seeking an easy lunch that’s fiber-rich and protein-packed, but doesn’t compromise on flavor? We’re loving a bevy of recipes from blogger and culinary creator Kyndra Holley‘s latest book, Simply Delicious. It’s tough to pick a favorite from these healthy dishes, but if we had to choose just one, it may be Holley’s chimichurri chicken salad bowl.

This layered, Mediterranean-inspired meal is equal parts satisfying, refreshing, and complex. Chimichurri dressing — an herbaceous, garlicky, tangy sauce that ties everything together with bright, zippy energy — is the star of the show here. You can pick up some pre-made chimichurri on your next Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s trip, but you can also easily make a batch at home (we love this simple recipe).

The salad itself calls for butter or baby gem lettuce, which provides a crisp, tender foundation with a clean flavor that lets the toppings shine. Chicken, avocado, grape tomatoes, chickpeas, marinated artichoke hearts, and pepperoncinis ensure that each bite is vibrant and hearty. Sunflower seeds contribute a toasty crunch while goat cheese provides a tangy, creamy contrast and a touch of indulgence.

According to Holley, this dish is also super simple because each component is so easy to tuck away in the fridge until lunchtime: “This is one of my favorite recipes to meal prep, storing all of the prepped ingredients separately to create my own personal salad bar.”

Chimichurri Chicken Salad Bowls

Serves: 2

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

¼ cup chimichurri
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 heads baby gem or butter lettuce, roughly chopped (6 to 8 cups)
10 ounces cooked chicken, cubed or shredded
1 large avocado, peeled, pitted, and thinly sliced
½ cup quartered grape tomatoes
½ cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
½ cup quartered marinated artichoke hearts
⅓ cup crumbled goat cheese
¼ cup sliced pepperoncini
¼ cup thinly sliced pickled red onion
2 tablespoons sunflower seeds

Instructions

Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the chimichurri and balsamic.
Divide the lettuce evenly between two bowls. Divide the remaining ingredients evenly between the bowls. Drizzle the desired amount of dressing over each salad, or serve the dressing on the side.