Quinoa Salad with Grilled Chicken
Ingredients (for 2 servings):
1/2 cup quinoa (uncooked)
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cucumber, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil (for dressing)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Cook the Quinoa:
Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitter coating.
In a medium pot, combine 1/2 cup quinoa with 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, until the quinoa is tender and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.
Grill the Chicken:
While the quinoa cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is fully cooked. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly.
Prepare the Vegetables:
While the chicken rests, dice the cucumber, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar (if using), salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced vegetables, and sliced chicken.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated.
Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for extra flavor.
Serve:
Serve immediately, or store in the fridge for up to 3 days for a make-ahead meal.
Health Benefits:
Quinoa is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. It’s also high in fiber and minerals like magnesium.
Chicken provides lean protein, which helps with muscle repair and keeps you full.
Vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting overall health and digestion.
Olive oil offers healthy fats that support heart health.
Nutritional Info (per serving):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving
Protein: About 30-35g
Carbs: Around 30g
Fat: About 15g, mostly from healthy olive oil and chicken
This Quinoa Salad with Grilled Chicken is a healthy, balanced meal that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, and it’s easy to make ahead for the week!
Servings:
This recipe serves 2 people.
Total Cooking Time:
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Quinoa cooking time: 15 minutes
Chicken cooking time: 10-14 minutes (while quinoa is cooking)
Total time: 25 minutes