Description
This Citrus Chicken Quinoa Salad is a delightful mix of tender chicken, refreshing oranges, quinoa, and creamy avocado, making it perfect for a quick, healthy meal full of 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
- Prepare quinoa according to package directions, using around 1/2 cup dry for 1 and 1/2 cups cooked. Transfer to a large bowl and let it cool slightly.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, smoked paprika, and salt, cooking for 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and continue until chicken is cooked through, reaching 165°F (74°C), about 2-3 more minutes.
- Add cooked chicken, shredded cabbage, oranges, and avocado to the bowl of quinoa. Toss gently to combine.
- Whisk together all dressing ingredients until well combined and season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle with feta cheese and pepitas if desired. Serve immediately or over fresh greens like spinach or arugula.
- Cover and store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables or nuts.
If you prefer, grilled chicken can be used for a smoky flavor.
This salad is great as a meal prep option and keeps well in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg