Description
Mediterranean-inspired Chicken Quinoa Salad brings zesty flavors and wholesome ingredients to your plate. Crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and protein-packed quinoa create a refreshing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb (454 grams) chicken breast, cooked and diced
Grains:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) water or chicken broth
Fresh Vegetables and Extras:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook quinoa in a medium saucepan with liquid of choice, simmering on low heat for approximately 15 minutes until water is fully absorbed. Gently separate grains with a fork and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Prepare protein and vegetable components by dicing chicken into uniform cubes, chopping tomatoes, slicing cucumber, mincing red onion, crumbling feta cheese, and roughly chopping fresh parsley.
- Create a zesty dressing by vigorously whisking olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, kosher salt, and ground black pepper in a small mixing bowl until emulsified and smooth.
- Assemble the salad by combining cooled quinoa, diced chicken, chopped vegetables, crumbled cheese, and herbs in a large serving bowl. Ensure ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Drizzle prepared dressing over the salad mixture, gently tossing to coat all components thoroughly without crushing delicate ingredients.
- For optimal flavor development, chill the salad in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving. This resting period allows ingredients to marinate and flavors to meld together harmoniously.
- Serve chilled as a nutritious and refreshing meal, perfect for warm days or as a light lunch option.
Notes
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural bitter coating and enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Opt for leftover grilled or roasted chicken to add a smoky depth and save preparation time.
- Consider using Greek yogurt instead of feta for a lower-fat, protein-rich alternative that maintains creamy texture.
- Customize the salad by adding roasted nuts like almonds or pine nuts for extra crunch and nutritional boost.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 395 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg