• Recipes
    • Search my Recipes
    • Recipe Categories
  • Lifestyle
  • Fitness
  • Nutrition
  • |
  • About
  • Work With Me
    • Brand partnerships
    • Nutrition Coaching

Home » Uncategorized

August 25, 2011 (Updated March 2, 2023)

Packed Lunch Idea: Salad Burrito!

by Anne Mauney, MPH, RD

40 comments
share this post:
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Email

Yesterday marked the return of the five minute packed lunch!

013

Want to save this post?

Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you great content every week!

Save Recipe

I know you’re pumped. Don’t lie. (pssst: Missed my previous 5 Minute Packed Lunch posts? You can find them on my recipe page!)

I made one of my absolute favorites yesterday — what I call a “salad burrito.” Basically what they called a burrito bowl at Chipotle but more awesome 😉

010

It’s pretty much a deconstructed burrito, on top of salad instead of in a wrap! Deeeeeelish. Is it weird that I really love grains and salad together? Try it if you haven’t. You’ll like it 🙂

First, you add in some salad — any kind of greens will do!

001

Next up — a grain. I’d recommend quinoa, barley, or brown rice. I used half a packet of 90 second brown rice because I suck at planning ahead and was packing this right before rushing out the door, as per usual 😉

002

Then, add in some veggies, cilantro, and either guacamole or avocado!

004

Any veggies will be good — but peppers are especially awesome with Mexican-inspired meals 🙂

005

Then, top with some salsa! This is your dressing of sorts. I used one of the salsas that we made and canned ourselves at my public health dietetic internship over the summer 🙂 Man, that seems like forever ago already!

007

Finally, top with your choice of protein! I’m a big fan of black beans for this type of salad because it adds great flavor and texture 🙂 You could add in some chicken or beef if you wanted, too.

008

And there you have it! I recommend adding more salsa than you think you’d normally want because the rice will soak it up some before lunch time 🙂

009

To have on the side, I packed some sliced grapefruit. Yum!

011

As for snacks, I had an unpictured Larabar and some pistachios in the morning, and some crackers and hummus when I got home. The best thing about this lunch? I used half of everything (half a container of rice, half a can of black beans, etc.) so I’m making it for lunch again today, too 🙂

In other news, last night I made my triumphant return to my beloved Franklin Street Yoga!

IMG_0037 (640x480)

It felt great to be back after almost a month away — my body needed it! Even though I did some yoga in D.C., it just wasn’t the same. I hit up the hour and a half “Rock Your Asana” class last night, which is one of my faves — a great, sweaty flow and fun modern music to boot! I kept wanting to dance in down dog 🙂

I’m off to class — have a wonderful day, friends!

Do you like grains on top of greens? Or am I the only weirdo? 🙂

—

p.s. Want some healthy and easy dinner recipes and some lower calorie cocktail recipes? Check out this fun (and free) downloadable e-cookbook called Vegetables and Vodka that a fellow blogger created. I submitted a recipe for it, as did other blog friends!

p.p.s. Please don’t forget to vote for me in the Top 50 Most Inspirational Healthy Tweeps contest 🙂 I’m holding strong in 3rd place — thank you SO much for your support!

Vegetarian
- anne
share this post:
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Email

join the list

Sign up for my e-newsletter and I'll send you a meal plan packed with a week's worth of healthy meals, snacks and a shopping list. Happy eating!

you might also like:

Sauteed String Beans with Garlic & Lemon

healthy bliss balls in a bowl

8 Easy Bliss Ball Recipes

Tart Cherry Sports Drink Recipe

North Carolina or Bust!

leave a comment

Cancel reply

40 comments
  • Melissa
    August 25, 2011 · 9:07AM:
    That lunch sounds great! If you want to add some calcium and extra protein while feeling decadent, top the whole thing with a big dollop of plain Greek yogurt. Since I'm a sucker for cheese, I would probably sprinkle on a little shredded cheese as well. It sucks to love Mexican food and yet hate peppers. We have a mutual dislike of each other. :( Grains and salad are good although I don't do it often.
    Reply
    • Anne P
      August 25, 2011 · 1:01PM:
      Yum! I love Greek yogurt with everything. Def a great replacement for sour cream in Mexican food!
      Reply
      • Cat
        August 25, 2011 · 5:41PM:
        I was gonna suggest the same thing! Though any kind of plain yogurt NF yogurt works just as well and the runnier ones remind me more of Mexican Crema (sour cream). Also, I'm with you with the grains in salads...it makes it feel more like a meal for me. Lately I've been buying the pre-steamed Lentils at TJs in the refrig. section and have been adding those to salads and I've been really liking it! Makes me feel so much more full and satiated!
        Reply
        • Anne P
          August 25, 2011 · 6:22PM:
          Yum I should try those! I hardly ever have lentils because they take so frickin' long to cook!
          Reply
          • Cat
            August 25, 2011 · 6:27PM:
            I have to admit I was a little scared of the TJs ones at first, they grossed me out for some reason...something to do with the plastic bag? I dunno. But I got over that and they are great!
            Reply
  • Erin @ The Grass Skirt
    August 25, 2011 · 9:14AM:
    I love grains on top of greens! My favorite combo is quinoa over spinach. I'm a weirdo too. :)
    Reply
  • Julie @ Sugarfoot Eats
    August 25, 2011 · 9:15AM:
    This type of salad is one of my faves!
    Reply
  • Jennifer
    August 25, 2011 · 9:17AM:
    What a nice lunch! I'm definitely going to try this. It seems so easy to put together. I'm not a huge fan of grains on top of greens, especially if the grain is warm! Did you cool off the rice before putting it in?
    Reply
    • Anne P
      August 25, 2011 · 1:01PM:
      Nah, I didn't bother since I knew it would be cool by the time I ate it a few hours later :)
      Reply
  • Chase - the CHASE project
    August 25, 2011 · 9:23AM:
    I like salad and rice together! A little tricky to eat, but it's good!
    Reply
  • cailen
    August 25, 2011 · 9:29AM:
    thanks for the shout-out, anne! and i love topping greens with rice, quinoa or couscous! i tend to make something like that at least once a week for dinner : )
    Reply
  • Matt @ The Athlete's Plate
    August 25, 2011 · 9:56AM:
    Your lunch beats the sandwich I packed!
    Reply
  • Beth @ Beth's Journey
    August 25, 2011 · 9:57AM:
    I loooove grains on top of greens! This kind of salad is something i make often for lunch.. it is SO good!
    Reply
  • Ashley @ Coffee Cake and Cardio
    August 25, 2011 · 9:58AM:
    I make salads like this all the time and I love them. I think they're more filling with grains.
    Reply
  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen
    August 25, 2011 · 10:28AM:
    You're not weird, grains are my favorite part of salads usually. Millet is probably my fav.
    Reply
    • Anne P
      August 25, 2011 · 1:00PM:
      I need to eat millet more. I never make it!
      Reply
  • Cate @ CKinCA
    August 25, 2011 · 10:41AM:
    I LOVE a little rotini pasta on salads. But all grains are good on greens! Fills you up.
    Reply
  • Katie G
    August 25, 2011 · 10:55AM:
    This looks great! I have a long morning, so my only question is, does this get soggy by lunch time? When I pack things like this, I usually have to bring it in separate containers which adds bulk and lots of dishes later...just curious. I have all of these ingredients at my house though, I will try this for tomorrow!
    Reply
    • Anne P
      August 25, 2011 · 1:00PM:
      Nah, not really. The rice absorbs any extra moisture and you don't want it too dry, anyway, because of the salad aspect!
      Reply
  • Lauren
    August 25, 2011 · 11:22AM:
    I love grains on greens!! Great lunch idea!
    Reply
  • Megan @ Life As Megan Knows It
    August 25, 2011 · 11:46AM:
    That looks great!! I have never tried Grains in my salad but it seems like a must!
    Reply
  • Alejandra @ Mouthfuls and Morsels
    August 25, 2011 · 12:00PM:
    I love adding chickpeas to my salads, along with feta and olives for a Greek twist! The deconstructed burrito is a terrific idea, perfect for the packed lunch! Thanks for sharing!
    Reply
  • Ashley
    August 25, 2011 · 12:31PM:
    I love making homemade burrito bowls! It helps me save money when I'm craving Chipotle (which is daily, ha!). And the homemade version is just as good (or even better) than the real thing!
    Reply
  • Jessica @ Jess Go Bananas
    August 25, 2011 · 1:32PM:
    Fantastic lunch! I like to think of salads as a blank piece of paper in which you draw whatever you fancy! :)
    Reply
  • Renie August 25, 2011 · 1:58PM:
    My UMW (United Methodist Women) circle had a meeting today and everyone brought food for lunch to share. I brought your Stuffed Baby Bella Mushrooms and they were a big hit. There was nothing left. It was Fannetastic. I told them about your website so you may be getting some new readers. Have a great day at school.
    Reply
    • Anne P
      August 25, 2011 · 6:24PM:
      Yay, I'm glad they were a hit! Thanks for passing along the word to your friends about my blog :)
      Reply
  • Ginna August 25, 2011 · 2:48PM:
    Does your avocado get brown by the time you eat the salad? I never put avocado in my salad for work because I am afraid of just that!
    Reply
    • Anne P
      August 25, 2011 · 6:27PM:
      Not that I've noticed! Since it's in a sealed container there's not a ton of air circulation going on :)
      Reply
  • michelle marie
    August 25, 2011 · 2:50PM:
    i LOVE grains over greens.. i'm really crushing on wild rice over spinach with grilled tofu in fig balsamic vinaigrette right now.
    Reply
  • Jill K August 25, 2011 · 2:57PM:
    Because I'm slightly anemic (my fingers and toes are always cold) I eat lentils EVERYDAY at lunch with, some times "on" my salad! Lentils are a must! They're super low carb, very very high protein (and iron) with lots of fiber and cancer fighting nutrients -but most importantly they're so yummy!!! Lentils with my salad everyday is a total "win win" :-)
    Reply
  • Molly @ RDexposed
    August 25, 2011 · 5:58PM:
    Adding avocado to anything makes it delish. Good move! ha
    Reply
  • Michelle @ Crazy*Running*Legs
    August 25, 2011 · 8:25PM:
    I just ate dinner and I'm completely full - but this post makes me hungry!! Love a Salad Burrito :) (and grains go with anything!)
    Reply
  • Gia @ rungiarun
    August 25, 2011 · 8:55PM:
    I love grains and salad. Especially when the grains are warm and it wilts the salad a bit. YUM!! This post totally inspired my dinner. Thanks!
    Reply
  • Charise
    August 26, 2011 · 9:18AM:
    We do burrito bowls like this for a quick, easy meal, too! Greens, rice, black or pinto beans, corn, tomato, pepper, cilantro, topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt and hot sauce of choice. We do Chipotle occasionally, but this way is cheaper and way lower in sodium.
    Reply
  • Kris @Krazy_Kris
    August 27, 2011 · 12:10PM:
    LOL You're cooking! You used a knife! that totally counts in my book ;) Yes - sometimes I mix up veggies, quinoa, rice vinegar and whatever and pour it over the spinach - that's the way I cook :)
    Reply
    • Anne P
      August 27, 2011 · 2:04PM:
      Lol love it! :)
      Reply
  • Hillary WB
    August 29, 2011 · 1:30PM:
    I love this idea! Usually I'll pack a salad with some small tortillas or a pita on the side, but this is a great alternative. Also, I go to Franklin St. Yoga, too! Small world. I've never tried the Rock Your Asana class but it sounds like a lot of fun. One of the instructors played some music during one of the community classes there recently and it was a nice change of pace from the more traditional classes!
    Reply
  • Rachel @ I'm Loving Today
    August 30, 2011 · 5:42PM:
    Mmmm.. your lunch looks great! I LOVE grains on salad. I'm always adding quinoa to my regular salads - I just love the mix of texture and taste. So delicious.
    Reply
  • alexis March 10, 2013 · 9:56PM:
    How do you keep the avacado from browning? I love eating them but hate how they brown so quickly.
    Reply
    • Anne P
      March 11, 2013 · 10:02AM:
      Squeeze a little lemon juice on them! And if you're storing avocado, keep the pit in it to prevent browning.
      Reply
  • Ben June 27, 2019 · 2:45PM:
    Looks great! I'm super late to this, but I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one who uses microwave rice and canned food. Is there a big nutritional difference between cooking rice/beans the conventional way? Thanks for all the hard work you put into this website!
    Reply
    • Anne
      June 27, 2019 · 7:41PM:
      Thanks Ben! As far as I know there isn't a difference nutritionally. :)
      Reply
- next post
previous post -

about Anne

anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
Learn more

fannetastic reads

Top Posts
01

My Top 9 Most Popular Recipes + Posts

02

Why I Don’t Recommend Whole30

03

What Causes Sugar Cravings (+ How to Stop Them!)

04

How I Make Money As a Blogger

05

Blog Recipes We Make Again and Again

06

What to Eat Before and After a Long Run

07

What to Eat During Long Runs

08

7 Common Nutrition Myths

09

How to Love Veggies

connect with Anne

Email me
anne mauney

I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

When I’m not writing or cooking for fannetastic food, you can find me running, coaching nutrition clients, or on an adventure with my family. Feel free to reach out - I'd love to hear from you!

follow anne:

join the list

Sign up for my e-newsletter and I'll send you a meal plan packed with a week's worth of healthy meals, snacks and a shopping list. Happy eating!

back to top
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recent Posts
  • Privacy Policy
  • FAQ

© copyright fannetastic food