Grilled Chicken Breast with Quinoa Salad
By the QuiteRecipes team (Jamy & Kaïna) | Food Service Professional, Early Childhood Expert & Parents
Discover this easy and protein-rich Grilled Chicken Breast with Quinoa Salad recipe designed specifically to provide a fast family dinner.
Juicy, lemon-herb grilled chicken on a vibrant Mediterranean quinoa salad that does most of the work on its own. We load the grains with cucumber, tomato, and herbs, then let the warm slices sit right on top so the whole bowl comes alive. This is the dinner that makes lunch the next day look forward to itself.
🥄 Ingredients
- 🫗 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 🫗 1 cup dry quinoa (rinsed and cooked in broth)
- 🫗 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes (quartered) and diced cucumber
- 🫗 1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley and mint
- 🫗 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 🫗 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
- 🫗 1 tsp garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper
Nutrition Facts*
*Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients, brands and portion sizes. Values are provided per serving.
👨🍳 Instructions
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and brush lightly with olive oil.
Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Grill chicken for 8 to 10 minutes per side until fully cooked to 165°F (74°C), then rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
In a large bowl, combine cooked fluffy quinoa, quartered cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and fresh herbs.
Whisk olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper together, then pour over the quinoa salad and toss gently.
Serve warm sliced grilled chicken breast over generous mounds of zesty Mediterranean quinoa salad.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- ✕
Overcooking chicken: Remove chicken promptly at 165°F to ensure succulent, tender meat slices.
- ✕
Dressing warm quinoa: Let cooked quinoa cool slightly before adding fresh herbs and dressing so they maintain their vibrant color.
🔄 Variations
Crumbled feta addition: Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for extra Mediterranean flavor.
Shrimp protein swap: Substitute grilled shrimp skewers for the chicken breast.
Dairy-free safety: Naturally dairy-free and nut-free for safe family dining.
🧊 Storage
- 📦
Refrigerator leftovers: Store leftover grilled chicken and quinoa salad in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- 📦
Reheating habits: Enjoy quinoa salad cold or at room temperature; reheat chicken gently before serving.
💡 Chef Tips
Herb freshness trick: Using fresh parsley and mint elevates the quinoa salad from simple side dish to vibrant Mediterranean masterpiece.
Quinoa fluffing trick: Fluff cooked quinoa with a fork after resting so it remains light and airy rather than dense.
Protein density: Combined chicken and quinoa deliver 48 grams of complete muscle-building protein for active adolescents.
❓ FAQ
Can I prep and batch make this chicken and quinoa salad ahead of time? A
Yes, this meal is fantastic for meal prep; cook the quinoa and grill the chicken in advance for up to 4 days of fast dinners.
Is this recipe completely nut-free and gluten-free? A
Yes, this recipe is 100% nut-free and naturally gluten-free.
How much protein does each serving provide? A
Each serving provides approximately 48 grams of complete protein from chicken and quinoa.
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About the Authors
This recipe and guide was developed, tested, and approved in our home kitchen and daily life. Jamy is a retired Food Service District Manager and Early Childhood Program Manager who spent his career overseeing multi-site restaurant operations, large-scale culinary production, and daycare menu management. Kaïna brings the ultimate real-world test: making sure it brings ease and joy to our kids on a busy weeknight.
Read more about our professional background and philosophy →