Powerhouse Quinoa Salad Chicken Kale Protein Boost
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Fuel your body with our ProteinPacked Quinoa Salad Grilled chicken nutrientrich kale a protein boost create a delicious healthy meal 152 chars
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup Quinoa, rinsed
2 Chicken Breasts, boneless and skinless
4 cups Kale, chopped and massaged
1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup Cucumber, diced
1/4 cup Red Onion, thinly sliced
1 Avocado, diced
1/4 cup Feta Cheese, crumbled (optional)
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
1 teaspoon Honey
Salt and Pepper to taste
Toasted almonds (optional)
Pumpkin seeds (optional)
Dried cranberries (optional)
Instructions
Cooking the Quinoa:
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water or chicken broth.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Grilling the Chicken:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices (like paprika or garlic powder).
Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or dicing it.
Preparing the Kale:
Wash and thoroughly dry the kale.
Remove the tough stems and chop the kale into bite-sized pieces.
Massage the kale with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt for about 2-3 minutes, until it softens slightly. This step is crucial for making the kale more palatable.
Making the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
Adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Assembling the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, massaged kale, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
Add the grilled chicken and diced avocado.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Sprinkle with feta cheese (if using) and any other desired toppings, such as toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds.
