Summer Quinoa Salad

A hearty summer salad to bring to your 4th of July cook out or any summer BBQ.

this Grilled Chicken Quinoa Salad is a high-protein, macro-friendly meal perfect for athletes. Packed with 30g of protein per serving, it's ideal for Olympic weightlifters or crossfit athletes wanting an easy summer dish.

Ingredients

🥗 For the salad:

• 1 cup quinoa

• 2 cups water

• 2 medium chicken breasts (about 1 lb total)

• 1 tbsp. olive oil

• 1 tsp. salt

• 1 tsp. pepper

• 1 tsp. garlic powder

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup cucumber, diced

• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

🍶 For the dressing:

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 2 tbsp. lemon juice

• 1 tbsp. red wine vinegar

• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Cook the quinoa:

  • Rinse the quinoa under cold water. Combine quinoa and water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.

  • Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Fluff with a fork and let it cool.

• Grill the chicken:

  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

  • Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

  • Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before dicing it into cubes.

  • Save this step and use pre-cooked Rotiserrie chicken!

• Prepare the salad:

  • In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and feta cheese.

• Make the dressing:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

• Assemble the salad:

  • Add the grilled chicken to the salad.

  • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

Nutrition Information

a little over 2 cups or around 386 grams

• Calories 450

• Protein 30 grams

• Carbohydrates 35 grams

• Fat 20 grams

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hi, i’m katie!

I am a Sports Nutritionist who works with strength and team athletes. As a former collegiate athlete and coach myself, I believe that nutrition is a vital component to athletic performance and can propel individuals closer to their goals.

I passionately believe that athletes perform best when well fed and supported. Having worked with national and international caliber athletes, it is my goal to make nutrition information accessible and available to all.

Thank you for visiting our page, I would love to hear from you and connect!