Ingredients
Let’s break it down into three main components: the quinoa salad base, the grilled chicken, and the dressing.
For the Salad Base:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa (cooled)
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Grilled Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Preparing the Quinoa
Start with quinoa—it’s the heart of this salad.
- Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove its natural bitterness.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed.
- Fluff it with a fork and set it aside to cool.
Pro Tip: Cooling the quinoa before mixing it with other ingredients helps maintain the salad’s texture and prevents it from becoming mushy.
Grilling the Chicken
How do you make grilled chicken juicy and flavorful? The key is a quick marinade and the right cooking technique.
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
Assembling the Salad
Now comes the fun part—putting everything together!
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Pro Tip: Tossing the salad lightly ensures the ingredients don’t lose their shape or texture.
Adding the Grilled Chicken
Lay the sliced grilled chicken on top of the salad or mix it in, depending on your preference. Either way, it’s going to taste amazing.
Wrapping It All Up
Doesn’t this Mediterranean quinoa salad with grilled chicken sound like a dream? It’s flavorful, healthy, and versatile—everything you could want in a meal. Plus, it’s so simple that even the busiest of us can find time to make it.
So, why not give it a try? Gather your ingredients, fire up your grill, and treat yourself to a wholesome, delicious dish. Your taste buds will thank you!
