Southern In Law: Recipe: Healthy Pesto Caprese Quinoa Bake (Gluten Free)

Easy Quinoa Pesto Caprese Quinoa Bake - gluten free, low fat, healhy, clean eating recipe, meal prep recipes, quinoa casserole, high protein.jpg

Perfect for Weekly Meal Prep, this Pesto Caprese Quinoa Bake Recipe is healthy, gluten free and perfect for lunch, brunch or a light dinner. Vegetarian and filled with gooey mozzarella balls, basil pesto and cherry tomatoes, this Italian inspired casserole dish will be a family favourite. High protein, low fat, gluten free, clean eating friendly, sugar free and absolutely delicious! Freezer friendly so you can reheat and eat for work lunches or busy nights.

Click to pin this recipe on Pinterest!

I love cooking, but in the middle of a busy work week, the only cooking I do is at dinner time - so I need to get creative if I want to eat good food.

You see, at lunchtime on a regular work day, I don't have time to pull together something magnificent. My phone is constantly ringing, my email inbox is exploding and my to do list is a mile long - all while my stomach has switched rumbling for roaring because girl needs to eat.

That's where this recipe comes in...

Easy Gluten Free Quinoa Pesto Caprese Quinoa Bake - gluten free, low fat, healhy, clean eating recipe, meal prep recipes, quinoa casserole, high protein

Click to pin this recipe on Pinterest!

You see, whilst I could throw together a quick sandwich or grab bits and pieces from the fridge, it's just not that satisfying - so instead, on a Sunday afternoon I've been taking the time to whip up a few lunch options for the week ahead.

This Pesto Caprese Quinoa Bake is one of those options. Easy to make and freezer friendly, I make it up in a big batch to pop into the freezer so I can simply reheat and eat during the week.

It's got some sneaky veggies and a whole lot of flavour - because healthy lunches should also be delicious, right?!

Also, if you're looking for other make-ahead lunch recipes, be sure to check the links at the bottom of the post - they're the recipes I make along with this one so I always have plenty of options in the freezer!

But first, let me share this recipe with you! >>

Gluten Free, Casserole, Lunch, Dinner, Healthy, Meal Prep, Quinoa, Low Fat, High Protein

Main Meals

Yield: 6-8 servingsAuthor: Southern In Law

Healthy Pesto Caprese Quinoa Bake (Gluten Free)

prep time: 10 minscook time: 50 minstotal time: 60 mins

ingredients:

1 cup (200g) raw quinoa, cooked according to package directions
1/4 cup (45g) basil pesto*
2 cloves garlic, crushed
6 eggs
2 cups (300g) grated zucchini
1/2 cup (50g) grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup mini bocconcini mozzarella balls
Salt and pepper, to taste

instructions

Preheat your oven to 1807C/355F.
Line an 8x8" or 7x11" baking dish with baking paper and set aside (Note: The pictured version was baked in an 8x8" baking dish).
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked quinoa with your pesto, garlic, eggs, zucchini and parmesan cheese.
Season to taste with salt and pepper and fold through half of your cherry tomatoes and bocconcini balls.
Pour your quinoa mixture into your prepared pan and top with tomato halves and bocconcini balls, pressing them into the top of the quinoa mixture.
Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
Leave to cool slightly before slicing and serving (Tip: If you're not eating it right away, pop the tin into the fridge once it has cooled to chill completely. This will make it easier to slice!).
This bake will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days or can be frozen in individual slices to defrost and eat later.

NOTES:

*Want a stronger pesto flavour? Use up to 1/2 cup of pesto

https://www.southerninlaw.com/2019/02/healthy-pesto-caprese-quinoa-bake-recipe-gluten-free.html

Created using The Recipes Generator

Other Make Ahead Lunch Recipes:

Looking for more healthy lunch inspiration? Here are some of my other favourite recipes. Simply click the photo to head to the recipe so you can add it to your meal prep list!