Citrus Herb Chicken Salad Bowl (Print)

Juicy herb-marinated chicken over quinoa and greens with citrus vinaigrette, avocado, and toasted almonds.

# What you'll need:

→ Herb Chicken

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 tablespoon fresh 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 Base

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 fresh 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

# Directions:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The citrus vinaigrette comes together in seconds but makes everything taste restaurant quality
  • You can prep all the components ahead and assemble it in under five minutes
02 -
  • The chicken needs those five minutes of resting time or the juices will run out when you cut it
  • Don't dress the entire salad if you're planning to have leftovers the greens will wilt
03 -
  • Supreme your oranges by cutting between the membranes to get perfect segments without any pith
  • Toast extra almonds and store them in an airtight container for future salads
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