This healthy and hearty quinoa salad recipe is the perfect meal for lunch or dinner. It’s packed with protein and vegetables, making it a nutritious and filling option. The quinoa is combined with grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette for a delicious and flavorful salad. This dish is easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time for a convenient and healthy meal any day of the week. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, this quinoa salad is sure to please.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Rinse the quinoa and place it in a saucepan with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and cover. Cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed. Set aside to cool.
- Heat the grill to high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and olive oil.
- Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Set aside to cool and then slice into thin strips.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chicken strips, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, pepper, and parsley. Toss to combine.
- Serve the quinoa salad as is, or refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy!