Short Description:
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa Salad is a light, flavorful, and nutritious dish that brings together perfectly grilled chicken and a fresh, protein-packed quinoa salad. The bright lemon and herb marinade infuses the chicken with zesty flavor, while the quinoa salad, with its mix of vegetables and a light dressing, adds texture and freshness. It’s the perfect meal for a healthy lunch, dinner, or meal prep!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa Salad is the perfect balance of fresh, light, and hearty. The lemon and herb marinade gives the chicken a bright, refreshing flavor, while the quinoa salad provides a satisfying crunch and a burst of nutrients. Whether you’re looking to fuel up after a workout or enjoy a flavorful dinner, this dish is versatile, easy to make, and filled with wholesome ingredients. Plus, it’s great for meal prepping as the flavors only get better as they sit!

Ingredients

For the Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Quinoa Salad:

• 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)

• 2 cups water or chicken broth

• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.

2. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.

3. Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium heat.

4. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is no longer pink in the center.

5. Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.

For the Quinoa Salad:

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water or chicken broth to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

2. Remove the quinoa from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let it cool slightly.

3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, fresh parsley, and feta cheese (if using).

4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss to combine.

To Serve:

1. Plate the quinoa salad and top with the grilled lemon herb chicken, either sliced or whole.

2. Garnish with extra fresh parsley or lemon wedges for an added burst of flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (for the chicken marinade)

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Add more veggies: Feel free to add other veggies to the quinoa salad, such as bell peppers, olives, or avocado for added flavor and texture.

• Switch the protein: You can swap the grilled chicken for grilled shrimp, salmon, or tofu for a different protein option.

• Make it dairy-free: Omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free cheese to make this meal dairy-free.

• Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs such as basil, cilantro, or rosemary to change the flavor profile of the chicken marinade.

• Add nuts or seeds: For some extra crunch, top the quinoa salad with roasted nuts or seeds like almonds, pine nuts, or sunflower seeds.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken and quinoa salad in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave or on a stovetop over low heat. The quinoa salad can be served cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I use other grains besides quinoa?

Yes, you can substitute quinoa with couscous, farro, bulgur, or rice if you prefer a different grain.

2. Can I make the quinoa salad ahead of time?

Yes, the quinoa salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just add the dressing when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

It’s best to thaw frozen chicken breasts before marinating and grilling them. This ensures even cooking and better flavor absorption.

4. Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?

Yes, you can bake the marinated chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internally.

5. How can I make the quinoa salad spicier?

Add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the quinoa salad for a little heat.

6. Can I use a different marinade for the chicken?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any marinade you like, such as a balsamic glaze, honey mustard, or a yogurt-based marinade.

7. Can I make this dish without a grill?

Yes, you can grill the chicken on a grill pan or cook it in a skillet on the stovetop if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.

8. Can I add nuts to the quinoa salad?

Yes, roasted nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pistachios would add a great crunch and additional flavor to the salad.

9. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, both the grilled chicken and quinoa salad are naturally gluten-free, making this a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

10. Can I meal prep this recipe for the week?

Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. Just store the chicken and quinoa salad separately and assemble when ready to eat.

Conclusion

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa Salad is a light, fresh, and nutrient-packed meal that comes together quickly. The zesty lemon herb chicken perfectly complements the crunchy, refreshing quinoa salad, making it a well-rounded and satisfying dish. Perfect for meal prepping or a healthy dinner, this recipe is versatile, delicious, and full of wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re following a healthy eating plan or just craving a flavorful meal, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection!