Looking for a wholesome meal that dazzles both taste buds and eyes? The Basic + Awesome Chicken Quinoa Salad is a vibrant, protein-packed dish that checks every box for flavor, freshness, and nutrition. Each forkful delivers a pop of juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, fluffy quinoa, and tangy feta, all tossed in a zesty homemade lemon dressing. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or need a crowd-pleasing lunch, this salad is a total game changer you’ll want on repeat!

Basic + Awesome Chicken Quinoa Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this salad plays a starring role, bringing something unique to the table—color, crunch, creaminess, or zest. These simple basics blend effortlessly to create a salad that’s bright, nourishing, and truly irresistible.

Quinoa: The hearty, nutty grain provides a protein-rich, gluten-free base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
Water or chicken broth: Using broth instead of water gives your quinoa extra savory depth.
Cooked chicken breast: Diced or shredded, it adds satisfying heft and lean protein.
Cherry tomatoes: Halved for juicy bursts of sweetness in each bite.
Cucumber: Diced for unbeatable fresh crunch and cooling contrast.
Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and subtle sweetness.
Red onion: Finely chopped for sharp, zippy bite (soak briefly in water if you want a milder flavor!)
Feta cheese: Crumbled feta provides creamy, tangy richness that ties everything together.
Fresh parsley: Chopped for herbal brightness and a burst of color.
Olive oil: The base of the dressing, lending silkiness and healthy fat.
Fresh lemon juice: Bright, zesty acidity perks up all the ingredients.
Red wine vinegar: Adds a touch of tang that makes the flavors sing.
Dijon mustard: For punchy, savory depth in the dressing.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing everything to life.
Lemon wedges (optional): Squeeze extra over the top for an added zing before serving.

How to Make Basic + Awesome Chicken Quinoa Salad

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa

Start by thoroughly rinsing the quinoa under cold water—this helps remove its natural bitter coating. Combine it with water or chicken broth in a saucepan and bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the grains are tender and the liquid is absorbed. Let it rest, still covered, for 5 minutes, then fluff it up with a fork so it’s light and airy. Give the quinoa a little time to cool; this keeps your veggies crisp in the final salad.

Step 2: Prep and Combine the Veggies and Chicken

While the quinoa is cooling, get into the veggie chopping zone! Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, finely chop the red onion, and roughly chop the parsley. If you haven’t already, dice or shred your cooked chicken. Toss everything—quinoa, chicken, veggies, feta, and parsley—into a large mixing bowl. This is where the rainbow comes together!

Step 3: Whisk Up the Lively Dressing

In a small bowl or a jar with a tight lid, combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk it vigorously (or shake it up) until the mixture is creamy and well-blended. Don’t be shy—taste and adjust seasoning as needed. This dressing is key to making your Basic + Awesome Chicken Quinoa Salad so memorable.

Step 4: Toss and Adjust

Drizzle the dressing all over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Let the dressing mingle with the salad for a few minutes—those flavors only get better. Taste again, and add a little more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired. If you prefer a chilled salad, pop it in the fridge for about an hour before serving—trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

When ready to eat, give the salad a final toss, pile it onto plates or into bowls, and garnish with extra lemon wedges for a burst of citrusy freshness. The salad is now ready to wow your taste buds, whether for a laid-back lunch, dinner, or meal on the go!

How to Serve Basic + Awesome Chicken Quinoa Salad

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra feta or chopped parsley scattered over the top adds immediate appeal. For a touch of crunch, try toasted nuts or seeds—slivered almonds and pepitas are fantastic options. Lemon wedges on the side let each diner dial up the citrus, making every bite sing.

Side Dishes

If you want to round out your meal, serve the salad alongside warm pita bread, a fresh fruit platter, or a bowl of soup. It pairs beautifully with light soups like gazpacho or a cool yogurt cucumber soup, creating a satisfying, well-balanced spread without weighing you down.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon the Basic + Awesome Chicken Quinoa Salad into lettuce cups for a playful, hand-held appetizer, or pile it high on a bed of fresh greens to up the veggie factor. For meal prep, scoop individual portions into mason jars with dressing on the bottom for a portable lunch that turns heads wherever you take it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad is a meal prep superstar: just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll stay vibrant, fresh, and delicious for up to three days. The flavors keep mingling and only get better with time, making it the perfect option for grab-and-go lunches or busy weeknights.

Freezing

While you can technically freeze Basic + Awesome Chicken Quinoa Salad, the fresh vegetables and feta lose their texture when thawed. For best results, freeze only cooked chicken and quinoa separately, then combine with fresh veggies and dressing when ready to eat.

Reheating

If you prefer your salad slightly warm, gently microwave leftovers (without extra garnishes) for about 30 seconds just to take the chill off—don’t overdo it, as you want the veggies to stay crisp! Most people love it cold or at room temperature, especially during warmer months.

FAQs

Can I make Basic + Awesome Chicken Quinoa Salad dairy-free?

Absolutely! Just skip the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based feta or a simple sprinkle of toasted nuts for creaminess and crunch.

Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?

Of course! Swap the chicken for chickpeas or white beans, or add in some extra veggies like roasted sweet potato or avocado for a satisfying vegetarian spin that’s every bit as tasty.

What type Salad

Both shredded rotisserie and simply poached or baked chicken breast work beautifully. Leftover grilled chicken adds a smoky vibe, so use whatever you have on hand!

Can I add other ingredients?

Definitely—this recipe is endlessly flexible. Try olives, sun-dried tomatoes, arugula, avocado, or whatever seasonal veggies you fancy. The Basic + Awesome Chicken Quinoa Salad adapts to your cravings and fridge contents.

How can I make the salad more filling?

Add some sliced avocado, a scoop of cooked beans, or a handful of toasted seeds for bonus fiber and healthy fats. This makes the salad hearty enough for a complete meal, any time of day.

Final Thoughts

This is one of those recipes you’ll turn to again and again—a hit for meal prep, parties, or anytime you want something fresh and satisfying. Give the Basic + Awesome Chicken Quinoa Salad a try and let it bring a delicious, colorful spark to your table!

Basic + Awesome Chicken Quinoa Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 9 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious and nutritious chicken quinoa salad that is perfect for a light and satisfying meal. Packed with protein, fresh vegetables, and flavorful dressing, this salad is easy to make and great for meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water or chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

For the Dressing:

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional:

Lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

Rinse the quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
Cook the quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water or chicken broth. Simmer for about 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Prepare the salad: In a large bowl, combine quinoa, chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, feta, and parsley.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper.
Toss and serve: Pour dressing over salad, toss gently to coat. Adjust seasoning. Serve immediately or chill for an hour. Garnish with lemon wedges.