- Serves 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 Mins
This Quinoa Chicken Salad is a fresh, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Featuring fluffy quinoa, tender chicken, crisp veggies, chickpeas, and crunchy pistachios, it’s tossed in a zesty lemon herb dressing for a bright, flavorful finish. Balanced with healthy fats, fiber, and lean protein, it’s a satisfying and nutritious choice you can prep ahead for busy days.
Recipe
Nutrition Highlights
Recipe
Ingredients
Dressing:
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 Tblsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ¾ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
Salad:
- 2 cups cooked quinoa (or your favorite grain)
- 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 15 oz chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cucumber
- 1 cup red onion
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- ½ cup chopped mint
- 1 cup chopped roasted pistachios
Options:
- Add Chia or Hemp Seeds for more protein and fiber!
- Use salmon instead of chicken
- Use your own favorite healthy dressing
Directions
1. Prepare the salad dressing by combining the ingredients and whisk or shake vigorously.
2. Prepare quinoa according to package directions, using chicken or bone broth as the liquid. Allow quinoa to cool to room temperature.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cooked chicken, chickpeas, cucumber, red onion, fresh parsley, fresh mint, pistachios, and feta. Toss to mix the ingredients.
4. Shake the dressing and pour it over the salad ingredients and toss until evenly coated.
*Salad can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Highlights
Amount: 1 1/3 cup
Calories ~ 475
Protein ~ 27 g
Fiber ~ 8g