:: Chicken Sausage Veggie Bowl ::
If you happen to follow Simply Happenstance on Instagram… you may have already seen pictures of my favorite lunch! I’ve showed a couple variations, but haven’t actually shared the recipe on our blog. I thought it was about time to do so!
A few months ago, I embarked on the Whole30. Basically, it’s an eating plan where you eat primarily lean meats, veggies, fruit, some nuts, and healthy fats. {Are you wondering why I would do such a thing? Ha! To torture myself, of course! No… I’m only kidding! If you have questions about it, just leave a comment below and I’ll gladly get back to you!}
While on that particular eating plan, I had to get rather creative for my meals {since typical lunches like sandwiches were out due to the bread, condiments, etc.}. I spent the first couple of weeks eating salads, but found that I needed to add more protein to stay satisfied without snacking. I then came up with this tasty meal! {Although, the Sweet Apple Trader Joe’s sausage I used for this particular recipe is not Whole30 approved… I actually ate the Aidells Chicken and Apple Sausage.}
{If you still have a summer garden, you are in luck! My mom brought me over these gorgeous cherry tomatoes! There is nothing like the taste of home-grown, organic vegetables!}
For this recipe, you can choose whatever vegetables you like cooked. My favorites are zucchini, bell pepper and tomatoes. At times, I also add in raw spinach, yellow squash, and even asparagus.
So, it may not be the prettiest picture, but let’s talk sausage! I could write a whole post on just how much I LOVE this Trader Joe’s Sweet Apple with Pure Vermont Maple Syrup Chicken Sausage! Ha! {No, really! It’s THAT good!} If you’re fortunate enough to have a TJ’s by you… you have to give it a try! I know there are numerous brands of chicken sausage out there, as well as different flavorings, but this one… it’s perfect! It adds a layer of natural sweetness that would otherwise be missing. {That would be a shame, don’t you think?!} It pairs so nicely with the vegetables in the dish! Trust me on this one!
The Coconut Oil Spray from Trader Joe’s is another fabulous find! Do you use it? It’s so versatile and has a higher smoking point than olive oil or butter, making it great for sautéing! I also love the subtle flavor that it adds to the dish!
So, here’s the recipe! It’s a breeze to make… especially if you prep your vegetables earlier in the day or week! It’s a great meal when you are in the mood for something healthy, filling, and warm! Perfect for the upcoming season of fall! Enjoy!
Chicken Sausage Veggie Bowl
Ingredients
- 1-2 links of {fully-cooked} *chicken sausage sliced
- 1 zucchini chopped
- 1 yellow or orange bell pepper seeded and chopped
- 1 handful of cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 handful of raw spinach rinsed {optional}
- coconut oil spray {or olive oil}
- *I used Trader Joe's Sweet Apple Chicken Sausage
Instructions
- Rinse and chop vegetables, slice meat, and set all ingredients aside.
- Warm a skillet on the stovetop, over a medium flame, spraying with a thin layer of coconut oil {or olive oil}.
- Add zucchini and bell peppers. Sauté over medium heat, for 2-3 minutes. {Add another spray of coconut oil, if needed.}
- Add in sliced chicken sausage, stirring occasionally for an addition 2-3 minutes until the meat and vegetables start turning a golden brown.
- Remove from heat. Stir in tomatoes and spinach {if desired}. The spinach should begin to wilt, and the tomatoes should be bubbly and warm after a minute or so.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Do you have a go-to, favorite lunch right now? If so, Nicole and I would love to hear all about it! Leave us a comment below!
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