Zesty Citrus Chicken Quinoa Salad: A Healthy, Flavorful & Filling Meal Prep Gem

This vibrant Zesty Citrus Chicken Quinoa Salad is a delightful blend of light and healthy ingredients. Featuring tender white meat chicken, creamy avocados, juicy mandarin oranges, and a burst of fresh cilantro, all tossed with fluffy quinoa and an irresistible lime dressing. It’s incredibly satisfying, packed with nutrients, and surprisingly light on calories, making it a perfect meal for any day!

Immerse yourself in the bright, invigorating flavors of this Zesty Citrus Chicken Quinoa Salad. This isn’t just any salad; it’s a meticulously crafted dish designed to delight your taste buds while keeping you fueled and satisfied for hours. Each spoonful delivers a symphony of textures and tastes, from the succulent chunks of protein-rich chicken to the creamy richness of ripe avocados, the sweet and tangy pop of mandarin oranges, and the aromatic freshness of cilantro. What truly elevates this salad from good to unforgettable is its zesty fresh lime dressing, a concoction so perfectly balanced that it will undoubtedly make you fall in love. Prepare to experience a meal that is both profoundly fulfilling and genuinely lighter on your caloric intake, proving that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious.

Before we dive deeper into the magic of this salad, I have to confess, I’ve been feeling a bit melancholic lately. And no, it’s not solely because of an overabundance of blueberries in my kitchen. This past week presented me with two rather unfortunate blueberry baking experiments. Attempt number one involved blueberry muffins that simply refused to rise to the occasion, and attempt number two, a blueberry loaf, was arguably the greater culinary catastrophe. The loaf, despite a promising golden-brown top, collapsed into a mushy, custard-like texture the moment it left the pan. *Sigh.* I don’t imagine anyone reading this blog is yearning for a recipe for soggy baked goods, so rest assured, I’ll keep experimenting until I achieve absolute perfection. These small kitchen mishaps, however, often lead me back to reliable, satisfying meals that never disappoint, like this incredible chicken quinoa salad.

Moving right along from my baking woes, have I ever shared my perennial struggle with “hanger” with you all? That’s right, I frequently get *hangry*. If you’re currently squinting at your screen with a puzzled “um…what” expression, allow me to clarify. “Hangry” is that perfectly coined term used to describe the irritable, often angry state one falls into when hunger strikes hard and fast. Tell me I’m not alone in this delightful emotional rollercoaster! For me, preventing a hangry outburst often comes down to consuming meals that are truly satisfying, and that’s precisely where this chicken quinoa salad steps in as a culinary hero. Its robust combination of protein and fiber ensures long-lasting fullness, keeping those hunger-induced mood swings at bay.

Quinoa, often hailed as a “superfood,” truly lives up to its reputation. And, as everyone knows, incorporating superfoods into your diet is a fantastic decision for overall well-being. On a related note, who exactly do I contact about adding chocolate and peanut butter to that prestigious superfood list? Is there an exclusive superfood committee I’m not privy to? Joking aside, quinoa is exceptionally rich in both fiber and protein – two crucial components for satiety and sustained energy. I must admit, when I first introduced quinoa into my diet, I wasn’t its biggest advocate. In terms of flavor, I found it somewhat reminiscent of cheap soap. (Please don’t ask how I’m familiar with the taste of cheap soap!) The secret, as I quickly learned, lies in dressing it up with an abundance of vibrant flavors. Have you had the chance to try my quinoa tabbouleh? It’s incredibly quick, simple to prepare, and serves as the perfect wholesome side dish for almost any meal.

For this particular salad recipe, you’ll need a total of two cups of perfectly cooked quinoa. While some might find it intimidating, preparing quinoa is remarkably straightforward. I personally swear by this reliable guide, and it yields flawless results every single time. The key to its versatility and ability to absorb flavor makes it an ideal base for a vibrant salad like this one, ensuring each grain is a vessel for deliciousness.

The dressing is truly the star that brings this chicken quinoa salad to life, infusing it with its wonderfully bright and zesty character. Crafting it is surprisingly simple: just whisk together a generous splash of fresh lime juice, a touch of golden honey for a hint of sweetness and balance, quality olive oil, finely chopped fresh cilantro, and a modest amount of orange juice. For effortless mixing, simply toss all these ingredients into a mason jar, secure the lid tightly, and give it a few vigorous shakes until everything is thoroughly combined. This quick and satisfying act of shaking was actually a perfect little stress reliever after my aforementioned blueberry loaf mishap! The invigorating burst of these fresh, vibrant flavors genuinely helps to make even the coldest, dreariest winter days feel a little brighter and more cheerful. It’s an integral component that ties all the diverse elements of the salad together into a harmonious, irresistible whole.

This recipe is quite generous in its yield, making plenty to share or savor throughout the week. My husband, Anees, and I typically enjoy a satisfying serving each for dinner, with enough left over for delicious lunches the following day. To round out the meal and boost our vegetable intake, I often steam some crisp broccoli or sauté some fresh zucchini to accompany this delightful citrus quinoa salad. Its versatility makes it an excellent candidate for meal prepping, ensuring you have a healthy and flavorful option readily available when hunger strikes.

I have a strong feeling that this Zesty Citrus Chicken Quinoa Salad will quickly become a favorite in your household. It offers the perfect trifecta: light, refreshing, and absolutely bursting with flavor. The combination of lean protein, wholesome grains, healthy fats, and vibrant citrus notes creates a meal that is both incredibly nutritious and deeply satisfying.

What’s not to love about a dish that delivers on health, taste, and convenience? It’s the ideal choice for anyone looking to incorporate more wholesome, delicious meals into their routine without sacrificing flavor or feeling deprived. Whether you’re aiming for a lighter dinner, a power-packed lunch, or simply a delicious way to enjoy your vegetables, this salad truly delivers.

Yield: 4 servings

Light Citrus Chicken Quinoa Salad

Prep Time
30 minutes

Cook Time
10 minutes

Total Time
40 minutes

A light and healthy citrus salad with creamy avocados, chunks of white meat chicken, mandarin oranges, and fresh cilantro. This chicken quinoa salad is so filling and still lighter on the calories!

Ingredients

2 cups cooked quinoa
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch cubes
5 cloves roasted garlic, chopped (see notes)
3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
1 large ripe avocado, peeled and cubed
1/4 cup lime juice
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons orange juice
1/2 cup chopped cilantro, divided

Instructions

Place the quinoa in a large bowl and allow it to come to room temperature.
Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken along with the roasted garlic. Sprinkle with the smoked paprika and salt and allow the chicken to cook through, about 6-8 minutes. Add the cooked chicken, mandarin oranges, avocado, and 1/4 cup of cilantro to the bowl with the quinoa. Stir; set aside.
For the dressing: Place lime juice, honey, orange juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1/4 cup of cilantro in a mason jar and give it a few good shakes until the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Pour the dressing over the salad when ready to serve.

Notes

I used 2/3 cup uncooked quinoa to yield 2 cups cooked. I cook my quinoa using these directions.
Roasted garlic can be found in jars in the International food aisle in most grocery stores.
To roast your own garlic: Heat an oven to 400 degrees F. Position a rack in the center of the oven. Peel off most of the paper from the garlic, leaving the head intact with the cloves attached. Trim the top off the head of garlic by ¼ inch. Drizzle 2 teaspoons of olive oil over the exposed surface, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Wrap in foil and bake for 40 minutes. Check the garlic, it is done when the center clove is completely soft with pierced with a paring knife. Continue roasting for an additional 5 -10 minutes to help deepen the golden color and caramelize further. Exact roasting time may vary due to size. Garlic can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks and frozen for up to 3 months.
Recipe adapted from Sally’s Baking Addiction.

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