This grilled chicken quinoa salad is a nutritious and satisfying meal, perfect for lunch or dinner. Packed with protein from the chicken and quinoa, along with fresh vegetables, it offers a balanced and flavorful option.
The recipe is simple to prepare and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or dressings to suit your taste.
Ingredients for a Wholesome Meal
This grilled chicken quinoa salad is a delightful combination of nutritious ingredients that work together to create a satisfying dish.
The fluffy quinoa serves as a perfect base, providing protein and fiber. Paired with grilled chicken, it enhances the meal’s protein content.
Colorful diced bell peppers and refreshing cucumber add a crunch and vibrant color, making the salad visually appealing. Fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese offer a burst of flavor, while a light lemon dressing ties everything together.
Preparation Steps
Preparing this salad is straightforward and can be done in about 30 minutes. Start by cooking the quinoa in water or chicken broth until fluffy.
While the quinoa cooks, grill the chicken breasts seasoned with olive oil and garlic powder. Once cooked, let them rest before slicing.
Combine the cooled quinoa with the diced vegetables and feta cheese in a large bowl. This mixture creates a colorful and inviting salad.
Creating the Dressing
The dressing is a simple yet flavorful blend that elevates the salad. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
This light dressing complements the ingredients without overpowering them, allowing the freshness of the vegetables to shine through.
Assembling the Salad
Once all components are ready, it’s time to assemble the salad. Add the sliced grilled chicken to the quinoa and vegetable mixture.
Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently to combine everything. This step ensures that each bite is packed with flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This salad can be served immediately or stored in the refrigerator for later. It makes for a great lunch option or a light dinner.
For an added touch, consider garnishing with extra parsley or feta cheese just before serving. The rustic wooden table setting enhances the meal’s appeal, inviting everyone to enjoy a healthy dish.
Nutrition Benefits
This grilled chicken quinoa salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Each serving contains a balanced amount of calories, protein, and healthy fats.
Quinoa is a complete protein, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. The addition of vegetables contributes essential vitamins and minerals.
Overall, this salad is a fantastic option for anyone seeking a nutritious and flavorful meal that is easy to prepare and enjoy.
Healthy Quinoa Salad with Chicken
This salad features fluffy quinoa combined with grilled chicken, colorful bell peppers, cucumbers, and a zesty dressing. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- For the dressing: 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Quinoa: In a saucepan, combine quinoa and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Grill for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Let rest before slicing.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, diced bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and feta cheese if using.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Salad: Add sliced chicken to the quinoa mixture, drizzle with dressing, and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 30g