Pineapple Bowls: a sweet & salty treat
let's get tropical
It's officially back-to-school time, which means a lot of mixed emotions for different people. For some, it's a really exciting time to get back into a schedule and see old friends. For others (like myself) it's a bit sad as all my friends leave me and the anxiety to get a job sinks in. And then there are parents who are probably feeling both excited and sad. Excited because they get to send their kids back to school and say hello to freedom! But also sad because now it's time to kick back into high gear and get dinner menus planned and meals prepared.
If you are anything like me, it is so easy to lose sight of healthy eating during the summer months. Summer is the season to soak up the sun, enjoy an occasional beer or margarita and spend time with friends. It's so full of activities that sometimes I forget to eat or I'm in a rush and fast food is the easiest option. Well, no more of that! I found the easiest and quickest recipe that will literally satisfy everyone! Say hello to my friend the Pineapple Bowl!
What I love so much about this meal is that it is full of your grains, protein and fruit! It's gluten and dairy free making Allie and I very content . And don't even get me started on how filling it is! You simply pick your toppings, fill your bowl and enjoy! So, what are you waiting for? Let's get started!
Here is what you will need for two servings:
1 ripe pineapple
Fresh chicken breasts (enough to fill two halves of pineapple)
Your favorite sauce (For this one, I used a cherry barbecue sauce. Teriyaki would also be delicious!)
Seasonings
Seriously that is all the ingredients! How easy is that? Now, follow these even easier steps (psst there are only 7 of them!)
1. Cut the pineapple in half (lengthwise)
2. Scoop out the inside of the fruit with a spoon or ice cream scoop and set aside
3. Cook and season the raw chicken to your liking. I cooked mine in a skillet, but I bet on the grill would be even better! (Especially since this dish screams summer!)
4. Start to boil a bag of rice
4. Remove the chicken from heat and marinate in your favorite sauce
6. Take the spoon or ice cream scoop and dish out a plentiful serving of hot rice into each pineapple half, leaving room for chicken
7. Layer the marinated chicken on top or to the side of your rice bed
** I, personally, love pineapple too much to just expect the flavor to soak back into the meal so I added some of the leftover chunks back into the bowl! But, feel free to leave out. **
There you have it! An easy peasy, delicious, mouthwatering HEALTHY meal that takes less than 30 minutes to make! It will leave your family feeling full and satisfied! Plus, these bowls are so fun to make! I want all my followers to try this recipe and incorporate their own favorite flavors into it! I've seen shrimp bowls, veggie bowls and even smoothie bowls created in these juicy pineapples! Tell me, what is your favorite OR what are you dying to try?
Also, I wouldn't feel right posting this recipe without at least trying! I am IN LOVE with the cherry barbecue sauce I used making these bowls. However, I used the entire jar up already :( My dad received the sauce as a gift at the end of the school year and was told it was only sold in Michigan. If anyone knows more information (where I can find it or an equally delicious sauce) PLEASE let me know! My life is truly not the same without its deliciousness.
Thank you so much for following along! Again, if you do try this recipe, let me know how it goes in the comment section below! Hope you and your family enjoys it as much as I do!