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Protein Power Salad

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A nutrient-packed salad featuring grilled chicken, quinoa, and fresh vegetables.

This high-protein meal delivers both satisfaction and nutrition in every bite.

Perfect for meal prep, lunch, or a light dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, kale)
  • 2 cups grilled chicken breast, sliced (about 2 medium breasts)
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 medium avocado, diced (optional)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chickpeas, rinsed and drained (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds or pepitas (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for dressing)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for dressing)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional, for dressing)

Instructions

  1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions (typically 1 part quinoa to 2 parts water). Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool completely.
  2. Prepare the chicken by patting it dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  3. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
  4. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. For enhanced flavor, add optional minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, and herbs.
  5. In a large salad bowl, create a bed with the mixed greens. Layer on the cooled quinoa.
  6. Arrange the sliced grilled chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced cucumber over the greens and quinoa.
  7. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the salad. Add any optional ingredients like avocado, bell pepper, red onion, chickpeas, or seeds.
  8. Just before serving, drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the entire salad.
  9. Gently toss all ingredients until evenly coated with the dressing.
  10. Serve immediately on chilled plates for the freshest flavor and optimal texture.

Notes

For meal prep, store components separately and assemble just before serving.

Rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove bitterness.

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before grilling.

The salad can be customized with seasonal vegetables based on availability.

Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

Nutrition

Keywords: protein power salad, high protein salad, lean chicken salad, nutritious quinoa salad, bold veggie salad

Find it online: https://www.joyliciousrecipes.com/protein-power-salad-high-energy/