Description
A vibrant main-course salad loaded with lean protein, hearty legumes, crisp vegetables, and a zesty lemon Dijon dressing. Fresh, filling, and customizable for lunches or light dinners.
Ingredients
- Mixed Greens: 4 cups
- Quinoa: 1 cup cooked
- Chickpeas: 1 cup, cooked or canned and drained
- Grilled Chicken Breast: 1 large (8 ounces), sliced
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
- Cucumber: 1 medium, sliced
- Red Bell Pepper: 1 large, diced
- Avocado: 1, sliced
- Feta Cheese: 1/2 cup, crumbled
- Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed
- Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon
- Honey: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Rinse quinoa if needed, then cook according to package directions. Set aside to cool.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Slice grilled chicken, halve tomatoes, slice cucumber and avocado, dice red bell pepper, and chop parsley.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread mixed greens on a large platter, then arrange quinoa, chickpeas, chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper over the top.
- Cook to Perfection: Drizzle the dressing evenly and toss gently to coat just before serving.
- Finishing Touches: Sprinkle feta and parsley, then add avocado slices.
- Serve and Enjoy: Portion onto plates and serve immediately, optionally with warm crusty bread.
Notes
- Roast chickpeas at 400°F (205°C) for 15 to 20 minutes for extra crunch.
- Season quinoa with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon while it cools for brighter flavor.
- Slice avocado right before serving to keep it vibrant.
- Note: Keep dressing separate if packing for meal prep to maintain crisp greens.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course Salad
- Method: No-Cook Assembly
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg