Chicken and Vegetable Salad with Quinoa

This Chicken and Vegetable Salad with Quinoa is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines juicy grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and protein-packed quinoa for a wholesome meal. Perfect for a healthy lunch, this salad is both satisfying and loaded with flavor.

Ingredients

• Cooked quinoa - 1 cup
• Grilled chicken breast - 200 grams, sliced
• Cherry tomatoes - 1 cup, halved
• Cucumber - 1 medium, diced
• Red bell pepper - 1 medium, diced
• Red onion - 1/4 medium, thinly sliced
• Spinach leaves - 2 cups, fresh
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Feta cheese - 50 grams, crumbled (optional)

Steps

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions, typically boiling 1/2 cup quinoa in 1 cup of water for about 15 minutes until fluffy.
2. While quinoa is cooking, grill the chicken breast on medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and juices run clear.
3. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and spinach leaves.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
7. Serve immediately, topped with crumbled feta cheese if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 35 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein, which supports muscle health and recovery.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables, promoting overall wellness.

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