Description
Southwest Chicken Quinoa Salad is a fresh, protein packed meal prep bowl made with seasoned chicken, fluffy quinoa, black beans, sweet corn, crisp vegetables, and a bright lime dressing. Perfect for healthy lunches all week.
Ingredients
2 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts about 1 pound
1 cup dry quinoa
2 cups water or low sodium chicken broth
1 can 15 ounces black beans drained and rinsed
1 cup sweet corn kernels fresh or frozen
1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
1/2 cup red onion finely diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice about 2 limes
2 garlic cloves minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt divided
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Rinse quinoa under cold water. Combine with water or broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes. Let sit 5 minutes covered, then fluff and cool completely.
2. In a small bowl whisk olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to make the lime dressing.
3. Season chicken with remaining salt and pepper. Cook in a skillet over medium heat 6 to 7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Rest 5 minutes and slice against the grain.
4. In a large bowl combine cooled quinoa, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
5. Add sliced chicken to the bowl. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate 30 to 60 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
Notes
Let quinoa cool fully before mixing to prevent sogginess.
Store dressing separately if meal prepping for multiple days.
Add fresh lime juice before serving if salad absorbs dressing.
This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwest
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Southwest Chicken Quinoa Salad, Quinoa Salad Meal Prep, Quinoa Salad Lunch Prep, Lime Quinoa Salad Recipe, Quinoa Salad With Lime Juice