08/22/2024
CrossFit Tiot’s Recipe Recommendation: High-Protein Chicken and Quinoa Salad
This delicious chicken and quinoa salad is packed with over 25 grams of protein and includes a variety of vegetables. It's perfect for a nutritious meal that fuels your fitness goals. You can also double this to have enough for ~4 meals!
Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa, cooked
6-8 oz chicken breast, grilled and sliced
1 cup baby spinach
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup cucumber, diced
1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 avocado, sliced
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup almonds, sliced or slivered
1/4 cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
*Cook the quinoa: Rinse ½ cup of quinoa under cold water. In a medium pot, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let it cool.
*Grill the chicken: Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Grill over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips.
*Prepare the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and avocado.
*Add the protein and toppings: Top the salad with the sliced chicken breast, feta cheese, almonds, and dried cranberries.
*Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
*Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad right before eating and toss gently to combine.
*Serve: Divide the salad into portions and enjoy!
This recipe makes ~2 servings!
This salad is not only high in protein but also provides a great balance of healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins from the fruits and vegetables. Perfect for a post-workout meal or a nutritious lunch!