Description
Enjoy our Healthy Chicken Quinoa Bowl, a protein-packed and nutritious recipe perfect for meal prep and quick dinners. This easy quinoa salad with grilled chicken and fresh veggies will delight your taste buds!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed
- 3 cups water or chicken broth
- Pinch of salt
- 2 medium cucumbers, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup baby spinach or kale
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional Toppings: Feta cheese, Avocado slices, Toasted almonds or sunflower seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken breasts with the seasoning mixture.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Cook the Quinoa:
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove bitterness.
- In a saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa, water or chicken broth, and a pinch of salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff with a fork and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the quinoa and chicken are cooking, dice the cucumbers, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the bell pepper, and thinly slice the red onion.
- In a large bowl, combine all the vegetables with baby spinach or kale.
- Make the Lemon Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup or honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the Bowl:
- In each serving bowl, add a portion of cooked quinoa.
- Top with sliced grilled chicken and the mixed vegetables.
- Drizzle the lemon dressing over the top.
- Add optional toppings like feta cheese, avocado slices, or toasted nuts for extra flavor and texture.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve immediately, or store in airtight containers for meal prep.
Notes
- Rinsing Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove saponins, which can make it taste bitter.
- Grilling Chicken: For added flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables, such as snap peas, carrots, or roasted sweet potatoes.
- Dressing Adjustment: Adjust the lemon dressing to your taste by adding more or less lemon juice or sweetener.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: healthy salad
- Method: Grilling, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 494
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 274.5mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 28g
