Garden Herb and Citrus Quinoa Salad with Grilled Chicken

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant quinoa salad loaded with fresh garden herbs and citrus zest paired with juicy grilled chicken for a nutritious outdoor meal. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 35 minutes pairs rinsed quinoa, water, (6 oz each) chicken breasts into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium pot, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add 1 cup rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Set aside to cool.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375°F). Brush 2 chicken breasts with 1 tbsp olive oil and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Grill chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
  4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 3 sliced green onions, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss well.
  5. Step 5: Fold in 1 diced medium cucumber and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes. Toss gently to combine.
  6. Step 6: Serve quinoa salad topped with sliced grilled chicken for a balanced outdoor meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Garden Herb and Citrus Quinoa Salad with Grilled Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Garden Herb and Citrus Quinoa Salad with Grilled Chicken?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep rinsed quinoa from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garden Herb and Citrus Quinoa Salad with Grilled Chicken?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Garden Herb and Citrus Quinoa Salad with Grilled Chicken for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Garden Herb and Citrus Quinoa Salad with Grilled Chicken?

Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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