Balsamic Chicken Salad with Lemon Quinoa
The Balsamic Chicken Salad with Lemon Quinoa provides 9g protein and 267 calories per serving—a light lunch pairing for cutting phases or active recovery days. Quick-preps 6 servings on the stovetop for those cycling through multiple meal variations.
Ingredients
- •Quinoa, Dry(120g)
- •Vegetable Broth, Low Sodium(240g)
- •1 pinch salt to season
- •Lemon Juice, Fresh
- •Chicken Breast, Boneless Skinless
Boneless skinless thighs. Fattier than breast but more forgiving to cook.
- •Olive oil(15g)
Regular (not extra-virgin) olive oil for high-heat cooking. EVOO for dressings.
- •Vinegar, Balsamic(30g)
- •Lemon Juice, Fresh
- •Vegetable Bouillon Cube, Dry(5g)
- •Garlic powder(5g)
- •Lettuce, Romaine(1440g)
- •Tomato, Cherry(198g)
- •Yellow Onion
- •Olives, Black, Canned, Pitted(99g)
- •Cheese, Feta, Crumbled(48g)
- •Parsley, Fresh(120g)
- •Olive oil(30g)
Regular (not extra-virgin) olive oil for high-heat cooking. EVOO for dressings.
- •Vinegar, Balsamic(10g)
Instructions
- 1In a small saucepan, combine quinoa, stock and salt together. Bring to the boil; reduce heat to gentle simmer, cover with a lid and cook for 15 minutes or until broth has absorbed and quinoa is soft. Remove from heat and set aside while still covered and allow to steam. After about 2 minutes, fluff with a fork. Allow to cool slightly and add the lemon juice.
- 2Add the chicken fillets in a large skillet or nonstick pan with the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, stock powder and garlic powder/granules. Saute the chicken until nice, crispy and golden on both sides, and cooked through. Remove from heat; allow to cool slightly, and slice into 1-inch strips.
- 3Combine all dressing ingredients in a small bowl/jug, and whisk until mixed through.
- 4Combine the lettuce, tomatoes, onion, olives, Feta and parsley together in a large salad bowl. Top with chicken slices and quinoa, and drizzle with the dressing. Toss to combine. Serve with lemon wedges.
Nutrition — Per Serving
267
calories
9g
protein
13g
fat
- Carbohydrates
- 32g
- Saturated fat
- 2.6g
- Sodium
- 411 mg
- Dietary fiber
- 8.8g
6 servings per batch · ~393g each
Macro data sourced from USDA FoodData Central
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How much protein does Balsamic Chicken Salad with Lemon Quinoa have per serving?
Each serving provides 9g of protein and 267 calories, with 13g fat and 32g carbs. This is a lighter, carb-forward option compared to the standard salad version.
How long does Balsamic Chicken Salad with Lemon Quinoa take to prep?
Quick prep time across 6 servings means this recipe batch-preps efficiently for multiple lunches throughout the week. You're getting variety with minimal time spent on cooking.
Is Balsamic Chicken Salad with Lemon Quinoa good for fat loss?
At only 267 calories and 9g protein per serving, this recipe is better suited as a side dish or light lunch rather than a standalone protein source for fat loss goals. You'd need to pair it with additional protein to hit macro targets.
