Citrus Herb Chicken Salad Bowl (Printer-friendly)

Juicy grilled chicken with fresh oranges, avocado, and quinoa over mixed greens with citrus vinaigrette.

# Ingredient List:

→ Herb Chicken

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
04 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
05 - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
06 - 1 clove garlic, minced
07 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Salad

10 - 2 cups cooked quinoa
11 - 6 cups mixed salad greens
12 - 2 large oranges, peeled and segmented
13 - 1 large avocado, sliced
14 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
15 - 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds

→ Citrus Vinaigrette

16 - 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
17 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
18 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
19 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
20 - 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
21 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
22 - 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, basil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours refrigerated for enhanced flavor.
02 - Preheat grill or grill pan over medium heat. Grill chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Allow to rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
03 - Rinse quinoa under cold water. Combine with 1.5 cups water in a saucepan, bring to boil, then simmer covered for 15 minutes. Fluff with fork and cool slightly.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
05 - Divide mixed greens among four bowls. Layer with quinoa, orange segments, avocado slices, red onion, and sliced chicken. Drizzle with citrus vinaigrette and top with toasted almonds.
06 - Serve immediately for optimal freshness and texture.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The citrus vinaigrette hits that perfect sweet and tangy balance that makes you actually want to eat salad for lunch
  • Everything can be prepped ahead so you are not scrambling on busy weekdays
02 -
  • Cutting cold chicken is way easier than slicing it hot, so let those grilled breasts rest properly before you start chopping
  • The salad greens get soggy fast if you dress them too early, always add the vinaigrette right before eating
03 -
  • Warm the quinoa slightly before assembling your bowl, it creates this lovely temperature contrast with the cool oranges and avocado
  • Use a vegetable peeler to shave thin ribbons of the red onion instead of slicing it, the texture becomes much more pleasant
Go Back