Ingredients
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 ripe avocado, cubed
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for dressing)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Rinse quinoa under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve. Combine rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water or broth in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
While quinoa cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper for the dressing.
Divide the fluffed quinoa among 4 serving bowls. Arrange the cooked chicken, diced bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and cubed avocado over the quinoa in each bowl.
Drizzle generously with the prepared dressing. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
For meal prep, store the dressing separately and add just before serving. Feel free to swap chicken for grilled salmon, chickpeas, or tofu for different protein options. Add a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Healthy Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Cooking, Assembly
- Cuisine: Health-Focused Fusion
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free (if using dairy-free dressing)