Description
This Citrus Chicken Quinoa Salad combines tender chicken, nutritious quinoa, and vibrant veggies, all drizzled with a zesty dressing. A quick and healthy option for lunch or dinner that’s packed with flavor!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 and 1/2 cups (260g) cooked quinoa (around 1/2 cup dry)
- 2 Tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1.25 pounds (565g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (140g) shredded red/purple cabbage
- 2 large oranges, peeled and segmented
- 1 avocado, sliced or cubed
- optional: 1/4 cup (40g) crumbled feta cheese
- optional: 2 Tablespoons (20g) pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- optional: greens for serving, such as spinach or arugula
- 1/4 cup (60g/ml) fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup (7g) chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 Tablespoon fresh orange juice
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- salt + pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook quinoa according to package directions; for 1 and 1/2 cups cooked, use around 1/2 cup dry. Allow to cool slightly in a large bowl.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add chicken, smoked paprika, and salt, cooking while stirring for 5 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and continue cooking until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), about 2–3 additional minutes.
- In the bowl with quinoa, combine cooked chicken, shredded cabbage, oranges, and avocado. Toss gently to mix.
- Whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat all ingredients.
- Sprinkle with feta cheese and pepitas if using. Serve immediately as is or on a bed of fresh greens like spinach or arugula.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice and spices for 30 minutes before cooking.
Feel free to substitute grilled or roasted chicken for a more intense flavor.
This salad can be served warm or cold, making it versatile for any season.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg