Are you tired of boring, bland healthy meals that leave you unsatisfied? Get ready to revolutionize your lunch routine with this mouthwatering Chicken with Broccoli and Quinoa Salad that's not just a meal, but a culinary experience! Packed with protein, nutrients, and explosive flavors, this recipe is about to become your new obsession - perfect for health-conscious foodies, busy professionals, and anyone looking to elevate their meal prep game in just 40 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Salad
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1/4 cup almonds, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice to taste
Instructions
- Prepare quinoa by rinsing thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup quinoa with 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then dice into bite-sized cubes.
- Steam broccoli florets in a steamer basket or microwave for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately rinse with cold water to stop cooking and preserve color and nutrients.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, diced chicken, and steamed broccoli florets. Gently toss to mix ingredients evenly.
- Toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Drizzle the salad with olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and toasted almonds over the top.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Serve immediately at room temperature or chilled.
Tips
- Quinoa Pro Tip: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural coating (saponin) which can taste bitter. This ensures a clean, nutty flavor.
- Chicken Perfection: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F - this guarantees juicy, perfectly cooked meat every time.
- Broccoli Brilliance: Don't overcook your broccoli! The goal is bright green, tender-crisp florets that retain maximum nutrients and flavor.
- Flavor Boost: Toast your almonds just before adding them to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch.
- Meal Prep Hack: This salad tastes even better the next day, so don't be afraid to make it in advance. The flavors will continue to meld and develop overnight.
- Customization Option: Feel free to swap feta for goat cheese or add some dried cranberries for an extra flavor dimension.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 241kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 48mg
