Hoops High-Protein Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A power-packed salad with lean protein, crunchy textures, and a zesty dressing for energy. This american-inspired salads (high-protein, gluten-free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs mixed greens, sliced grilled chicken breast, cooked quinoa 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 300 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 1/2 cup quinoa and let cool. Dice 250g grilled chicken breast. Chop 1/4 cup almonds and segment 1/2 cup grapefruit.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups mixed greens, quinoa, chicken, almonds, and grapefruit.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tsp honey until emulsified.
  4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until the ingredients are evenly coated and the greens are slightly wilted.
  5. Step 5: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Hoops High-Protein Salad take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Hoops High-Protein Salad?

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 mixed greens from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hoops High-Protein Salad?

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 Hoops High-Protein Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

Is Hoops High-Protein Salad high-protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high-protein, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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