
Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad with Grilled Chicken
15min
15min
1
556
Chef's Note
For the best flavor, try marinating the chicken in a bit of lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking. If preparing ahead, keep the avocado and dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness and prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
Tags
Ingredients
4 oz boneless skinless chicken breast
1/3 cup quinoa
2/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 medium cucumber
1/4 medium red bell pepper
1/4 medium avocado
2 tbsp fresh parsley
1 tbsp fresh mint
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp lemon zest
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp pine nuts
1 oz feta cheese
Instructions
- 1
Rinse 1/3 cup quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh strainer. Drain well.
- 2
In a small saucepan, bring 2/3 cup chicken broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender.
- 3
While quinoa is cooking, season the 4 oz chicken breast with 1/8 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder.
- 4
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tsp olive oil and cook the chicken breast for 5-6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- 5
Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
- 6
Dice 1/2 cucumber and 1/4 red bell pepper into small cubes. Dice 1/4 avocado.
- 7
Chop 2 tbsp fresh parsley and 1 tbsp fresh mint.
- 8
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp lemon zest, 1/4 tsp dried oregano, and 1/8 tsp salt.
- 9
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast 1 tbsp pine nuts until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes, tossing frequently to prevent burning.
- 10
Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and transfer to a bowl. Let cool for 5 minutes.
- 11
Add the diced cucumber, red bell pepper, avocado, chopped herbs, and sliced chicken to the quinoa.
- 12
Pour the lemon dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
- 13
Crumble 1 oz feta cheese over the top and sprinkle with the toasted pine nuts.
- 14
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours for flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
556
35g
63g
19g
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