Mediterranean Chicken, Quinoa & Veggie Salad
A hearty, nourishing salad with grilled chicken, fluffy quinoa, fresh vegetables, and a lemon-herb dressing. Light, vibrant, and perfect for a Mediterranean-inspired healthy meal.
🕒 Time Required
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20–25 minutes
Total: ~40 minutes
📝 Ingredients
Chicken
2 chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, mild)
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt & black pepper
Salad Base
1 cup cooked quinoa (cooled)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cucumber, diced
½ red bell pepper, diced
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup olives (green or black)
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
2 cups baby spinach or arugula
Dressing
3 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, balances lemon)
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt & pepper to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook Chicken
Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat
Rub chicken with olive oil, oregano, smoked paprika, salt & pepper
Cook 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked
Let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly
2️⃣ Prepare Salad Base
In a large bowl, combine quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, feta, and spinach
3️⃣ Make Dressing
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, mustard, honey, parsley, salt & pepper
4️⃣ Assemble
Toss salad with dressing
Top with sliced chicken
Garnish with extra herbs or a few whole olives
💡 Tips
Add avocado for creaminess
Swap quinoa with couscous or bulgur for variation
Can be prepped ahead; store chicken & dressing separately until ready to eat
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQs
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes — replace chicken with grilled halloumi or chickpeas
Q: Can I serve it warm?
Absolutely — serve chicken warm over salad, or toss everything together cold
Q: Is it Mediterranean-friendly?
Yes! Packed with olive oil, fresh herbs, vegetables, and lean protein
🥗 Nutritional Information
Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 32 g
Carbs: 30 g
Fat: 20 g
Fiber: 6 g