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Fresh Bento Box Recipe with Mini Caprese Skewers and Dark Chocolate Treats

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A fresh, colorful bento box meal featuring a nutty grain base, crisp veggies, mini Caprese skewers, and a touch of indulgence with dark chocolate treats. Perfect for a light, balanced, and satisfying lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
  • 1 cup baby spinach or mixed greens
  • ½ cup carrot sticks or cucumber slices
  • ¼ cup roasted chickpeas (optional)
  • 12–15 cherry tomatoes
  • 12 fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
  • 12 fresh basil leaves
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic glaze or vinegar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 3–4 high-quality dark chocolate squares (70% cocoa or higher)

Instructions

  1. Cook about ⅓ cup (80g) of quinoa or brown rice per serving according to package instructions, usually about 15 minutes simmering. Let it cool completely and fluff with a fork.
  2. Wash and dry baby spinach or mixed greens. Slice carrots or cucumbers into sticks or rounds about 3 inches long and ¼ inch thick. Pat dry.
  3. Optional: Drain and rinse canned chickpeas. Toss with olive oil, salt, and smoked paprika. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until crunchy. Cool completely.
  4. Assemble mini Caprese skewers by threading one cherry tomato, one basil leaf (folded if large), and one mozzarella ball onto each skewer. Repeat until all skewers are assembled.
  5. Drizzle skewers with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 teaspoon balsamic glaze. Season with salt and pepper. Let marinate at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  6. Pack the bento box by placing the grain base in one compartment, greens and veggie sticks in adjacent sections, roasted chickpeas in a small corner, and mini Caprese skewers in another compartment.
  7. Add 3-4 dark chocolate squares in a small sealed section for dessert.
  8. Optionally add a small container of extra balsamic glaze or olive oil for dipping. Close the box tightly and refrigerate if not eating immediately. Let come to room temperature before serving.

Notes

Let grains cool completely before packing to avoid sogginess. Pat fresh mozzarella dry to reduce moisture. Marinate Caprese skewers for 10 minutes to enhance flavor. Assemble skewers separately before placing in the box to avoid crushing. Store dark chocolate separately at room temperature to prevent melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: bento box, Caprese skewers, dark chocolate, healthy lunch, quick meal, fresh veggies, mozzarella, quinoa, brown rice, gluten-free, vegetarian

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/fresh-bento-box-recipe-with-mini-caprese-skewers-and-dark-chocolate-treats/