Transform your evening meal into a nutritious and flavorful experience with this healthy dinner recipe featuring succulent chicken paired with the wholesome goodness of quinoa. Packed with protein, fiber, and a burst of vibrant flavors, this dish is a delightful way to end your day on a nutritious note.
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken with Quinoa Salad:
Ingredients:
For the Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Zest and juice of one lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Quinoa Salad:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or chicken broth (for cooking quinoa)
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken:
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag and pour half of the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or longer for more flavor).
- Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
- Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Quinoa Salad:
- In a saucepan, combine quinoa and water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and water is absorbed.
- Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and chopped parsley.
- Drizzle the remaining half of the lemon herb marinade over the quinoa salad and toss gently to combine.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper according to your taste.
Serving:
Plate the Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken slices alongside a generous serving of the Quinoa Salad. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and a wedge of lemon for an added burst of flavor.
This delightful combination of Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken and Quinoa Salad not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a balanced and nutritious dinner. With a mix of protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients, this recipe is a perfect way to end your day on a healthy and delicious note. Enjoy the culinary harmony!