Lemon Dijon Chicken Quinoa (Printable Version)

A fresh, protein-rich combination of lemon-Dijon chicken and fluffy quinoa with crisp vegetables.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
04 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
05 - 1 garlic clove, minced
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Quinoa Salad

08 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
09 - 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
10 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
11 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
12 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
13 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
14 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

→ Dressing

15 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
16 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
17 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
18 - 1 teaspoon honey
19 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
20 - Salt and pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Combine olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Add chicken breasts and turn to coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
02 - Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water. In a saucepan, bring quinoa and water or broth to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool.
03 - Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken breasts 6 to 7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Remove from heat, rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
04 - In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, and fresh parsley.
05 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
06 - Drizzle dressing over salad base and toss gently to combine evenly.
07 - Top salad with sliced chicken and optional feta cheese. Serve immediately or chill up to 2 hours to develop flavors.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Protein-packed and nutritious
  • Fresh and zesty flavors perfect for warm days
02 -
  • For a dairy-free version omit feta cheese
  • Add avocado for extra creaminess or swap parsley for fresh mint
03 -
  • Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor
  • Use low-sodium broth for cooking quinoa to control salt levels
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