Description
A vibrant, satisfying, and nutrient-dense quinoa bowl packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats, designed to support natural weight loss and sustained energy.
Ingredients
1 cup dry quinoa, rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth or water
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total)
1 tbsp olive oil (for chicken)
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 large cucumber, diced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 large bell pepper (any color), diced
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
1 avocado, diced (optional)
For the Lemon-Herb Dressing:
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa. Combine rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth (or water) in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken. Pat chicken breasts dry. Rub with 1 tbsp olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Grill or pan-sear chicken over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice or dice.
Step 3: Make the Dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls. Divide the cooked quinoa among 4 serving bowls. Arrange sliced chicken, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, and Kalamata olives over the quinoa.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve. Drizzle generously with the lemon-herb dressing. Top with fresh parsley, crumbled feta, and diced avocado (if using). Serve immediately.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with chickpeas or lentils. This recipe is excellent for meal prepping; store components separately and assemble when ready to eat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Assembling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg