Are you tired of boring, bland lunches that leave you feeling unsatisfied? Get ready to revolutionize your midday meal with the most Instagram-worthy, nutritionally packed Quinoa Chicken Jar Salad that's about to become your new obsession! This isn't just another salad - it's a portable, protein-powered culinary masterpiece that combines fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and the ultimate convenience of jar-style serving. Perfect for busy professionals, health-conscious foodies, and anyone who wants a delicious meal that looks as good as it tastes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups chicken breast, cooked and diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh strainer to remove any bitterness. This step is crucial for achieving a pleasant flavor.
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and all the water has been absorbed.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the chicken. If you haven't cooked the chicken breast yet, you can poach, grill, or bake it until fully cooked. Allow it to cool, then dice it into bite-sized pieces.
- Next, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, and finely chop the red onion and parsley.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley. Gently toss the ingredients together to mix well.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a dressing. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
- Drizzle the dressing over the quinoa and chicken mixture. Toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
- To serve, you can either layer the salad in jars for a portable option or serve it in a large bowl. If using jars, start with a layer of quinoa and chicken, followed by the vegetables, and top with the dressing.
- Enjoy your Quinoa Chicken Jar Salad immediately, or refrigerate it for later. This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Quinoa Perfection: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural coating called saponin, which can make it taste bitter. Use a fine-mesh strainer for best results.
- Chicken Prep Hack: For maximum flavor, season your chicken with herbs like thyme or rosemary before cooking, and let it cool completely before dicing to maintain moisture.
- Dressing Magic: Make your dressing ahead of time and store it separately. This prevents the salad from getting soggy and allows you to dress it right before eating.
- Layering Technique: When preparing jar salads, always put dressing at the bottom, then add harder vegetables, followed by proteins, and top with leafy herbs to keep everything fresh and crisp.
- Meal Prep Bonus: This salad can be prepared up to 3 days in advance, making it perfect for weekly meal planning. Just keep the dressing separate until serving.
- Customization is Key: Feel free to swap proteins or add different vegetables based on your preference or what's in your fridge. This recipe is incredibly versatile!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg
