Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Quinoa Bowl (Printable)

Juicy lemon-herb grilled chicken over fluffy quinoa with fresh vegetables and tangy dressing. A protein-packed bowl perfect for healthy lunches.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken & Marinade

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - Juice and zest of 1 lemon
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
07 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
08 - ½ teaspoon salt
09 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ Quinoa

10 - 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
11 - 2 cups water
12 - ¼ teaspoon salt

→ Salad Vegetables

13 - 2 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
14 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
15 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
16 - ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
17 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
18 - ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

→ Dressing

19 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
20 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
21 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
22 - 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
23 - Salt and pepper to taste

# Steps:

01 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add chicken breasts and turn to coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor development.
02 - Rinse quinoa under cold running water. Combine quinoa, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.
03 - Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5 to 6 minutes per side until fully cooked and juices run clear when pierced. Transfer to a plate and allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
04 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey if using, salt, and pepper in a small jar or bowl until well combined.
05 - Arrange spinach or mixed greens in a large serving bowl. Layer with cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, and feta cheese if desired.
06 - Slice grilled chicken and place atop the salad. Drizzle with prepared dressing and toss gently to combine, or serve as individual composed bowls. Serve immediately with lemon wedges if desired.

# Tips from the Pros:

01 -
  • Perfect balance of protein, complex carbs, and vegetables
  • The lemon-herb marinade infuses the chicken with bright, Mediterranean flavors
  • Easy to prepare in just 40 minutes total
  • Ideal for meal prep and healthy lunches
  • Naturally gluten-free and high in protein
02 -
  • Toast the quinoa in a dry pan before cooking to enhance its nutty flavor
  • Make the dressing in a jar with a tight-fitting lid so you can shake it well and store any leftovers
  • For a time-saver, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and ready-to-eat quinoa
  • To prevent the quinoa from becoming soggy, cool it completely before adding to the salad
  • Massage a little olive oil and salt into the spinach leaves before assembling for enhanced flavor
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