Quinoa Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe is a hearty and nutritious dish made with tender grilled chicken, fluffy quinoa, and fresh vegetables it serves 4 takes about 30 minutes to prepare, and is perfect for a healthy, flavorful meal.
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🧡 Why You’ll Love This Quinoa Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe:
- Balanced Nutrition: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, it’s a complete meal in one bowl.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
- Refreshing and Light: Perfect for hot days or as a wholesome lunch option.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Make it ahead for quick and healthy meals throughout the week.
- Burst of Flavor: The tangy dressing, fresh herbs, and crunchy nuts make every bite delicious.
❓ What Is Quinoa Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe?
Quinoa Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe is a healthy, protein-rich dish combining grilled chicken, quinoa, and fresh vegetables. Topped with nuts and a tangy dressing, this versatile salad is perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a nutritious side dish.
🍗 Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 cup Avocado, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
🥗 Instructions:
- Combine quinoa and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until quinoa is fluffy. Let cool.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Grill until fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes per side. Slice thinly.
- Dice cucumber, halve Avocado, and slice red onion thinly.
- In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine quinoa, grilled chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, and onion. Toss with dressing.
- Garnish with nuts and fresh herbs. Serve immediately or chill for a refreshing cold salad.
📍 Recipe Tips
- Quinoa Fluffiness: Rinse quinoa before cooking to remove bitterness and ensure a fluffy texture.
- Chicken Options: Substitute grilled chicken with baked or shredded chicken for convenience.
- Vegetable Variations: Add bell peppers, avocado, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make It Vegan: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based version.
- Dressing Tip: Adjust the tanginess by adding more lemon juice or balancing with a touch of honey.
🍵 What To Serve With Quinoa Grilled Chicken Salad?
Pair Quinoa Grilled Chicken Salad with a side of crusty bread or a refreshing soup for a complete meal for a lighter pairing, serve with fresh fruit or a simple green salad to complement the hearty flavors.
🎚 How To Store Leftover Quinoa Grilled Chicken Salad?
Refrigerator: Store leftover quinoa grilled chicken salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent sogginess.
FAQs
What type of quinoa is best for Quinoa Grilled Chicken Salad?
White, red, or tricolor quinoa all work well in Quinoa Grilled Chicken Salad. White quinoa has a milder flavor, while red or tricolor quinoa adds nuttier undertones and a firmer texture.
Can I make Quinoa Grilled Chicken Salad spicy?
Yes, add chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of sriracha to Quinoa Grilled Chicken Salad for a spicy kick. Adjust the spice level to your preference.
How do I prevent quinoa from becoming mushy in Quinoa Grilled Chicken Salad?
To prevent mushy quinoa, rinse it thoroughly, use the correct water-to-quinoa ratio (2:1), and fluff it with a fork after cooking. Allow it to cool completely before adding it to the salad.
How do I make Quinoa Grilled Chicken Salad more filling?
Add chickpeas or boiled eggs to make Quinoa Grilled Chicken Salad more filling. You can also increase the portion of quinoa or chicken for added protein and carbs.
Can I use frozen quinoa for Quinoa Grilled Chicken Salad?
Yes, frozen quinoa is a convenient option. Thaw and warm it before mixing with the other ingredients in Quinoa Grilled Chicken Salad.
What can I do if my Quinoa Grilled Chicken Salad is dry?
Add more dressing or a splash of olive oil and lemon juice to moisten Quinoa Grilled Chicken Salad without overpowering the flavors.
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Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 341
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 6g
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
Quinoa Grilled Chicken Salad
Description
Quinoa Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe is a hearty and nutritious dish made with tender grilled chicken, fluffy quinoa, and fresh vegetables it serves 4 takes about 30 minutes to prepare, and is perfect for a healthy, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine quinoa and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until quinoa is fluffy. Let cool.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Grill until fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes per side. Slice thinly.
- Dice cucumber, halve Avocado, and slice red onion thinly.
- In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine quinoa, grilled chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, and onion. Toss with dressing.
- Garnish with nuts and fresh herbs. Serve immediately or chill for a refreshing cold salad.
Notes
- Quinoa Fluffiness: Rinse quinoa before cooking to remove bitterness and ensure a fluffy texture.
Chicken Options: Substitute grilled chicken with baked or shredded chicken for convenience.
Vegetable Variations: Add bell peppers, avocado, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
Make It Vegan: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based version.
Dressing Tip: Adjust the tanginess by adding more lemon juice or balancing with a touch of honey.