There’s something satisfying about a home-cooked dinner, and Prep+Pared meal kits make it simple to enjoy a flavorful, restaurant-style meal at home even when time is tight.
Available at select Ralph’s and Kroger stores, these chef-designed kits come fully prepped and portioned. I picked mine up at Ralph’s in Manhattan Beach. Each kit contains all the measured ingredients you need to go from package to plate in about 20 minutes, and costs less than dining out. Even a novice cook can produce a gourmet-feeling meal for two.
I picked the Peruvian-inspired Salmon with Quinoa & Avocado salad because my family would enjoy it and I wanted to try a new flavor profile. The box was reassuringly straightforward. Inside were:
- Lemon garlic dressing
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Diced red bell peppers
- Salmon
- Lime
- Cucumber
- Cooked quinoa
- Cherry tomatoes
- Diced onions
- Kalamata olives
- Avocado
From my pantry I only needed vegetable oil, salt and pepper.
The recipe card listed just three clear steps. First, marinate the salmon for ten minutes, then cook it three to five minutes per side. With the components prepped and measured, this part was quick and easy.
While the salmon marinated, I prepared the quinoa and avocado salad. I sliced the cucumber, halved the lime and diced the avocado; the rest of the ingredients were ready to toss. Having the quinoa already cooked and chilled saved time and made assembly effortless.
Finally, I plated the salmon alongside the quinoa and avocado salad. The portions were larger than I expected — generous enough to satisfy two hungry young adults without adding extra sides. They both enjoyed the meal.
I enjoyed making the Peruvian salmon. The instructions were approachable even without prior experience with this cuisine, and shopping was quick since I went straight to the Prep+Pared display, picked a box and checked out.
Other available kits include:
- Thai Turkey Wraps
- Tofu Tikka Masala
- Athena’s Lemon Chicken
- Lemongrass Pork
- Creamy Chicken & Bacon Alfredo with Fettuccine
My family asked for this meal again, and I’m happy to make it — a convenient, tasty option for busy weeknights.
