Chicken and Vegetable Pasta Salad with Quinoa

This Chicken and Vegetable Pasta Salad with Quinoa is a hearty and nutritious dish that's perfect for a light supper. Bursting with flavors from fresh vegetables and seasoned chicken, it's a delightful blend of textures and tastes that satisfies any appetite.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast - 200 grams, diced
• Quinoa - 1/2 cup (90 grams), rinsed
• Whole wheat pasta - 1 cup (100 grams)
• Cherry tomatoes - 1 cup (150 grams), halved
• Cucumber - 1 medium (150 grams), diced
• Bell pepper - 1 medium (150 grams), diced
• Red onion - 1/4 medium (30 grams), finely chopped
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
• Lemon juice - 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
• Dried oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped

Steps

1. In a medium pot, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes until the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
2. While the quinoa cooks, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken and season with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and browned. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and cooked chicken.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil and lemon juice. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
6. Add chopped parsley and toss again. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 35 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein from chicken and quinoa, supporting muscle health.
• Packed with vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables, promoting overall health.

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