This hearty and nutritious chicken and quinoa salad is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. The tender grilled chicken is paired with a colorful mix of quinoa, roasted vegetables, and crunchy croutons, all tossed in a flavorful dressing. This salad is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a healthy and delicious option.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked
- 1 sweet potato, cubed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup croutons
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear until cooked through and slightly charred. Let cool and slice into strips.
- Roast the sweet potato: Toss the sweet potato cubes with a little olive oil and salt. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) until tender and slightly browned.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, roasted sweet potato, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and croutons. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
- Add the chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
This chicken and quinoa salad is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to please your taste buds. This salad is also packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying option. Enjoy!