Description
Satisfy your inner royalty with this vibrant chicken & quinoa bowl! Lean protein, hearty quinoa, fresh tomatoes, crisp cucumber & red onion, finished with a zesty dressing.
Ingredients
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts1.5 lbs, cut into 1-inch cubes. These provide lean protein, so ensure they are fresh and free of excess fat.
- Cooked Quinoa2 cups. A fantastic complete protein and complex carbohydrate, cook it according to package directions before starting.
- Cherry Tomatoes1.5 cups, halved. They burst with sweet juiciness when slightly roasted and add vibrant color.
- Cucumber1 large, diced. Offers a refreshing crunch and cool contrast to the savory elements.
- Red Onion1/2 small, thinly sliced. Adds a sharp, pungent flavor that mellows beautifully with a quick soak or marination.
- Bell Peppers1 red and 1 yellow, chopped. These add natural sweetness and a beautiful spectrum of colors and vitamins.
- Kalamata Olives1/2 cup, pitted and halved. Their briny, salty flavor is essential for that authentic Mediterranean taste.
- Fresh Lemon Juice1/4 cup. Provides bright acidity to uplift all the other flavors.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil1/4 cup. A heart-healthy fat that emulsifies the dressing and adds a rich, fruity note.
- Dried Oregano1 teaspoon. A classic Mediterranean herb, it brings earthy, aromatic depth to the chicken and dressing.
- Minced Garlic2 cloves. Fresh garlic adds a pungent, savory punch that is indispensable for flavor.
- Balsamic Vinegar2 tablespoons. Offers a tangy, slightly sweet acidity to the dressing, enhancing its complexity.
- Fresh Parsley1/4 cup, chopped. Used as a fresh garnish, it adds a burst of green and a clean, herbaceous finish.
- Salt and Black PepperTo taste. Essential for seasoning and bringing out the best in all ingredients.
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Step 2: Whisk the Zesty Dressing
- Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
- Step 4: Toss and Serve
Notes
- To keep your vibrant bowl at its freshest, store the zesty dressing separately in a sealed container and the chicken, quinoa, and vegetable mix in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to prevent sogginess.
- This delicious dish shines when served chilled or at room temperature; if you prefer the chicken and quinoa warm, gently heat just those components before combining with the crisp, fresh vegetables.
- Elevate your meal by serving this flavorful Mediterranean bowl with warm whole-wheat pita bread for dipping, or a spoonful of creamy hummus on the side for an extra layer of indulgence.
- For a milder and more pleasant bite, soak the thinly sliced red onion in a bowl of ice water for 10-15 minutes before adding it to your salad; this simple trick beautifully mutes its sharp pungency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 375g)
- Calories: 390
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 5g