Description
This Healthy Protein Salad Bowl is a perfect combination of fresh vegetables, lean protein, and wholesome grains. Packed with flavor and nutrients, it’s ideal for a light yet filling lunch or dinner. This customizable salad will leave you feeling energized and satisfied!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa (or brown rice)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced (can substitute with grilled tofu, chickpeas, or turkey)
- 1 cup mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or kale)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup chickpeas (optional for extra protein)
- 2 tbsp feta cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Salad Base:
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions (or substitute with brown rice if preferred).
- If using chicken, cook and dice it into bite-sized pieces (or cook your protein of choice such as tofu or turkey).
-
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl or plate, start by layering the quinoa as the base.
- Add the mixed greens on top of the quinoa, followed by the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado slices, and chickpeas (if using).
- Top with diced chicken (or your protein of choice) and sprinkle with feta cheese if desired.
-
Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a bit more vinegar or lemon juice.
-
Serve:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss everything gently to combine.
Notes
- You can meal prep this salad by keeping the dressing separate and assembling the salad ingredients in containers for the week.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or roasted sweet potato to make it more colorful.
- For a dairy-free version, skip the feta cheese or substitute with dairy-free cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad, Main Dish
- Method: Assembly
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 45mg