High Protein Chicken Quinoa Salad

Name: High Protein Chicken Quinoa Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa, rinsed; 2 cups water; 2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 cucumber, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup red onion, diced; 1/4 cup parsley, chopped; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Wellness Table Creations

I love making this High Protein Chicken Quinoa Salad because it’s nourishing and packed with flavor! It comes together quickly, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or as a meal prep option for the week ahead. The combination of juicy chicken and protein-rich quinoa offers a satisfying and hearty dish, while the array of colorful veggies adds crunch and freshness. This salad is not only healthy but also versatile, allowing for substitutions based on what I have at home.

Created by

Phoebe Drake

Last updated on 2026-02-16T10:05:37.025Z

When I first made this High Protein Chicken Quinoa Salad, I was amazed at how simple yet delicious it turned out. The trick is to let the quinoa cool after cooking, which enhances its nutty flavor and improves the texture, making it fluffier. I added a generous amount of vegetables, which not only boosts the nutritional value but also gives the salad a vibrant color.

What I particularly love about this recipe is its adaptability. I’ve swapped out chicken for chickpeas on vegetarian days and played with different dressings to keep things interesting. This salad truly satisfies without feeling heavy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
High in protein to keep you feeling full and energized
Fresh and colorful veggies add a delightful crunch
Perfect for meal prepping or as a healthy lunch option

The Versatility of Quinoa

Quinoa is not only a protein powerhouse but also gluten-free, making it an excellent grain alternative for various dietary needs. It has a unique nutty flavor and a fluffy texture that can elevate your salad. While this recipe uses a classic ratio of 1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups of water, you can adjust this to cook more quinoa in larger batches for meal prepping. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may slightly increase with more quinoa in the pot.

When preparing quinoa, it's essential to rinse it well before cooking. This step removes the natural coating called saponin, which can impart a bitter taste. After cooking, let the quinoa cool completely before adding it to the salad mix, as this helps prevent wilting the fresh vegetables and makes for a more pleasant texture overall.

Cooking Perfect Chicken

To achieve juicy and tender chicken breasts, consider brining them in a simple saltwater solution for 30 minutes before cooking. This not only enhances flavor but also keeps the meat moist. You can then season them with your favorite spices or a simple blend of salt and pepper. Cooking methods like grilling or baking at medium-high heat (around 375°F) will yield beautiful, golden edges and a mouthwatering grill mark on your chicken.

If you're short on time, using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred the meat before tossing it with the other salad ingredients. This not only saves time but also adds a depth of flavor to the dish since rotisserie chicken is often seasoned with herbs and spices.

Serving and Storing Tips

To make this salad an appealing centerpiece for your meal, consider serving it in a large, shallow bowl that showcases the colors of the ingredients. The vibrant mix of bell peppers, tomatoes, and parsley adds a beautiful visual aspect that makes the dish more inviting. You can also sprinkle some feta cheese or avocado on top before serving to elevate the flavors further.

For storage, this High Protein Chicken Quinoa Salad can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, if you're planning to store it for later, add the dressing only when ready to serve to maintain the crunchiness of the vegetables. This salad is also a fantastic choice for freezing; just make sure to skip the dressing before freezing, and add it fresh upon thawing for the best texture and flavor.

Ingredients

For the Salad

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water
2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, diced
1/4 cup parsley, chopped

For the Dressing

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Quinoa

In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until all water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool.

Prepare the Chicken

Cook chicken breasts via your preferred method—grilling, baking, or sautéing. Once cooked, let cool and then dice into bite-sized pieces.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix cooled quinoa, chicken, bell pepper, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, onion, and parsley.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

Toss and Serve

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice and herbs before cooking. This enhances taste and tenderizes the meat.

Ingredient Swaps

Feel free to customize this salad by swapping out ingredients based on what you have on hand. For example, instead of bell peppers, you could use grated carrots or snap peas. Chickpeas or black beans can be great additions for extra protein and fiber, and they can enhance the heartiness of the salad as well.

If you're looking for a vegan option, replace chicken with diced tofu or tempeh, marinated and baked. Nutritional yeast can also be sprinkled on top for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Experimenting with different herbs or adding spices like cumin can give the salad a whole new twist.

Flavor Boosters

To elevate the flavor of your dressing, consider adding crushed garlic or finely minced shallots for a punch of richness. Herbs like basil or cilantro can be added to the dressing for an aromatic freshness that pairs perfectly with the chicken and quinoa. Always taste the dressing as you go; a splash more lemon juice or a pinch of salt can make a significant difference.

For an added crunch, toss in some toasted nuts or seeds at the last minute before serving. Almonds or sunflower seeds not only enhance the texture but also provide healthy fats that can keep you satisfied longer.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, you can replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu to make it vegan.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I customize the veggies?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute or add any seasonal vegetables you prefer.

→ Is quinoa gluten-free?

Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this salad suitable for those with gluten intolerance.