Grilled Chicken and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe
This Grilled Chicken and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a delightful and healthy lunch recipe. Made with grilled chicken, quinoa, mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and optional feta cheese, it's a wholesome and flavorful dish. The lemon vinaigrette adds a tangy and refreshing twist. This salad is not only delicious but also packed with protein, making it a great option for a Weight Watchers-friendly meal. Adjust portion sizes according to your dietary needs and Weight Watchers plan. Serve it as a light and satisfying lunch or enjoy it as a refreshing dinner. Eating healthy has never tasted better!
Ingredients:
- one cup quinoa
- two cups water
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- salt
- black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (spinach
- arugula
- or your choice)
- one cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- one cucumber (diced)
- half red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- one clove garlic (minced)
- salt
- black pepper
Cooking steps:
- Cook quinoa: In a medium saucepan, bring two cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let it cool.
- Grill chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a grill pan or outdoor grill. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Prepare salad ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese.
- Make lemon vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Assemble salad: Add the grilled and sliced chicken to the salad. Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve: Divide the salad among serving plates. Optionally sprinkle additional feta cheese on top. Enjoy this delicious Grilled Chicken and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette as a light and satisfying Weight Watchers friendly lunch.
