Description
This Citrus Chicken Quinoa Salad offers vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients like quinoa, chicken, and fresh citrus. Perfect for a quick dinner or a nutritious lunch, this salad is a delightful choice for anyone seeking easy, homemade recipes.
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 the quinoa according to package directions, starting with about 1/2 cup dry to yield 1 and 1/2 cups cooked. Transfer to a large bowl and allow to cool slightly.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken, smoked paprika, and salt. Cook while stirring for 5 minutes, then add minced garlic and continue cooking until chicken is fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 2–3 minutes more.
- Add cooked chicken, shredded cabbage, oranges, and avocado to the quinoa bowl. Gently toss to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, then pour over the salad and toss to coat.
- If desired, sprinkle with feta and pepitas. Serve immediately as-is or over fresh greens like spinach or arugula.
- Cover and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
Feta cheese and pepitas are optional; feel free to omit for a lighter salad.
This salad can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and are perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg