Healthy Grilled Chicken And Quinoa Salad

Name: Healthy Grilled Chicken And Quinoa Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup quinoa; 2 cups water; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; Juice of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Light & Balanced

I often find myself in need of a light yet satisfying meal, and this Healthy Grilled Chicken and Quinoa Salad has become my go-to recipe. Bursting with flavors from our fresh herbs and crisp vegetables, it’s not just nutritious but also delightfully refreshing. The smoky aroma of the grilled chicken pairs beautifully with the nutty quinoa, creating a dish that feels indulgent without the guilt. I love serving it warm or chilled, making it an ideal choice for any day of the week.

Created by

Aubrey Whitman

Last updated on 2026-02-24T08:09:37.671Z

When I first started experimenting with light salads, I stumbled upon this wonderful combination of grilled chicken and quinoa. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility; I've tried different seasoning blends to find what works for me, and I've finally settled on a delightful lemon-herb marinade that brings everything together beautifully. The best part? It’s equally delicious whether served warm or cold, making it perfect for meal prep.

One key tip I discovered during my attempts to perfect this recipe is to let the quinoa cool slightly before adding it to the salad. This prevents the other ingredients from wilting and keeps everything crisp. I usually prepare the quinoa ahead of time, letting it chill in the refrigerator while I grill the chicken. This way, my salad is fresh and vibrant!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Lean protein from grilled chicken for a satiating meal
Nutritious quinoa adds a delightful nutty flavor and fiber
Refreshing veggies create a colorful and crunchy texture
Versatile dressing options to suit your taste

Cooking the Perfect Quinoa

Quinoa is a fantastic base for this salad due to its rich protein content and unique texture. To cook quinoa perfectly, make sure to rinse it thoroughly under cold water before cooking; this removes the bitterness from the natural coating called saponin. I recommend using a fine mesh strainer for this process. Once rinsed, the cooking ratio of 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water is key for achieving a fluffy end result. Allow it to simmer gently, covered, for about 15 minutes until all the water has been absorbed.

After cooking, fluff the quinoa with a fork instead of stirring with a spoon. This gentle action creates a light and fluffy texture, avoiding mushiness. If you find your quinoa isn’t quite cooked after 15 minutes, simply add a tablespoon or two of water and cover it for another couple of minutes. You can also prepare quinoa in batches and store it in the fridge for up to a week, making it a convenient and healthy ingredient for salads, stews, or bowls.

Grilling Chicken to Perfection

Grilling chicken might seem straightforward, but achieving the perfect grill marks and juicy insides requires attention. First, ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat, ideally around 375°F to 425°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness; chicken should reach 165°F internally. For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken for longer, up to a few hours if time allows. This not only infuses the chicken with robust flavors but also helps in keeping it moist during grilling.

When placing the chicken on the grill, avoid touching it for the first few minutes to allow a good sear. Look for those beautiful grill marks to know it’s ready to flip. After cooking, resting the chicken for five to ten minutes helps redistribute the juices, preventing dryness when you slice it. Slice only when ready to serve to maintain its tender texture; you can grill multiple chicken breasts and save the extra for salads or wraps throughout the week.

Ingredients

Ingredients for the Salad

For the Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Quinoa Salad

1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste

Making it Fresh

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Quinoa

Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add the quinoa, and reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let it cool.

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat them well. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Grill the Chicken

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until completely cooked through. Remove from the grill and let it rest before slicing.

Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley. Squeeze lemon juice over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.

Add Chicken

Slice the grilled chicken and arrange it on top of the quinoa salad. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for later.

Enjoy Your Meal!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize your salad by adding other vegetables like avocado or spinach, or even some nuts for extra crunch!

Flavor Variations and Additions

This Healthy Grilled Chicken and Quinoa Salad offers endless possibilities for customization. Try adding black beans or chickpeas for an extra protein boost or include avocado slices for creaminess. If you love a spicier kick, top your salad with jalapeños or drizzle with a sriracha-infused dressing. For a Mediterranean twist, feta cheese and olives can seamlessly enhance the dish's flavor profile.

Incorporating seasonal vegetables can elevate the freshness of your salad. Asparagus or zucchini would grill beautifully alongside your chicken. Simply toss the chopped veggies in olive oil and season before grilling; this adds depth and a smokiness that complements the overall dish. Experimenting with seasonal ingredients can keep this recipe exciting week after week.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you plan to enjoy this salad over several days, store the components separately. Keep the quinoa and chicken in airtight containers in the fridge, while the vegetables can be kept in a different container to maintain their crunch. When you're ready to eat, mix the components together for the best texture. This salad can be safely stored in the fridge for up to four days, making it ideal for meal prep.

For a refreshing, cold meal, you can chill the assembled salad. This will help the flavors meld, making it even tastier the next day. Just be aware that the longer you store it, the softer the veggies will become. If you prefer a crunch, add crisp ingredients like cucumbers and parsley just before serving.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of quinoa?

Yes, brown rice is a great substitute, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly, usually about 40-45 minutes.

→ Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat to keep everything fresh.

→ Can I add cheese to this salad?

Sure! Feta or goat cheese works wonderfully to add creaminess to the dish.

→ What can I serve with this salad?

This salad stands alone well, but you can pair it with whole-grain bread or a light soup for a more filling meal.