Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa Salad

Looking for easy and healthy dinner recipes? Try my Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken paired with a refreshing Quinoa Salad bursting with flavor!

May 14, 2025
By Sally Thompson.

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Easy and Healthy Dinner Recipes: The Zesty Chicken You Need

Oh my gosh, have you ever tried grilled lemon herb chicken with quinoa salad? let me tell you, this is one of those easy and healthy dinner recipes that feels like a small celebration on your dinner plate! picture juicy chicken with a zing from fresh lemons, paired with a colorful, crunchy quinoa salad that leaves you feeling light yet satisfied.

Seriously, if you’re looking for something that makes your taste buds dance, this is it.

A Flavorful Journey Awaits

So, where does this delightful dish come from? grilling chicken is a classic, especially in summer, when everyone’s firing up the grill.

That’s how this dish captures that perfect blend of summer vibes and homey comfort. and it’s super easy! with just about 35 minutes of your time, you can whip up a meal that serves four.

It’s perfect for those weeknight dinners when you wanna impress without stressing out.

Why You’ll Love It

Now, here’s the cool part. the best thing about this dish? it’s packed with nutrition ! we’re talking about lean protein from the chicken and tons of fiber and vitamins from the quinoa and fresh veggies.

It’s like a hug for your insides! whether you’re planning a casual dinner with friends or a cozy family night, this plate is just right.

Plus, you can easily customize it. want to mix in some avocado or feta? go for it!

When i first made this recipe, i was blown away by how flavorful it turned out. i mean, who knew marinating chicken could be such a game-changer? the marinade is just so fresh and zesty; i ended up pouring extra on my salad, because why not? it's these yummy chicken recipes that make cooking feel like less of a chore and more of an adventure.

And hey, don’t worry if you’re not a kitchen whiz. this one’s categorized as easy, and i promise you won’t need a culinary degree to pull it off.

It’s as simple as tossing together some ingredients, heating up the grill, and digging in!

Ready to make some deliciousness happen? Let’s dive into those ingredients that’ll transform your dinner game!

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa Salad Recipe Card

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:20 Mins

Servings:4

Ingredients:

• 4 large chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
• 4 tablespoons olive oil (60 ml)
• 2 lemons (zest and juice)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (5 g)
• 1 teaspoon salt (5 g)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (2.5 g)
• 1 cup quinoa (170 g), rinsed
• 2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth (480 ml)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice (45 ml)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or dish; pour marinade over and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
• In a saucepan, add rinsed quinoa and water or broth. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine diced red bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and parsley.
• Once quinoa is cooked and cooled, add it to the salad mixture.
• Drizzle lemon juice and olive oil over the salad; season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
• Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes on each side.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
• Plate sliced grilled chicken on top of the quinoa salad and enjoy!

Ingredients & Equipment

Key Ingredients for Your Delightful Dinner

Getting your hands on the right ingredients is a game-changer. trust me, i’ve been there—nothing like biting into bland chicken or overcooked quinoa to dampen your mood.

Here’s what you need for this grilled lemon herb chicken with quinoa salad :

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 4 large chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g ) – Look for ones that are plump, with no blemishes.
• 4 tablespoons olive oil ( 60 ml ) – Go for extra virgin if you can; it’s worth it!
• 2 lemons (zest and juice) – Fresh is best! You want aromatic zest and juicy pulp.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – You can never have too much garlic, right?
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano ( 5 g ) – A must-have for that Mediterranean vibe.
• 1 teaspoon salt ( 5 g )
• ½ teaspoon black pepper ( 2.5 g )

For the Quinoa Salad:

• 1 cup quinoa ( 170 g ), rinsed – Avoid the bitterness by rinsing before cooking.
• 2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth ( 480 ml ) – Broth adds extra flavor!
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped – Adds a lovely burst of color and flavor.
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice ( 45 ml )
• 1 tablespoon olive oil ( 15 ml )
• Salt and pepper to taste

Spice It Up: Essential Seasoning Notes

To make your dinner pop, you’ll want the right spice combo:

• Essential Mix: A mix of garlic, salt, and oregano amplifies any dish, especially chicken.
• Flavor Enhancers: Lemon juice and olive oil not only season but elevate the whole dish.
• Quick Substitutions: If you’re out of oregano, thyme or basil will do the trick. No lemons? Vinegar can step in!

Equipment Essentials: Tools That Make Cooking a Breeze

You don't need to empty your kitchen drawers for this; keep it simple with:

• Grill or grill pan – Indoor or outdoor, you pick!
• Medium saucepan – This is where the quinoa magic happens.
• Mixing bowl – For tossing all those fresh veggies.
• Whisk – Perfect for that marinade.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements make a difference.

Honestly, preparing this easy and healthy dinner recipe is a breeze! just grab these ingredients and tools, and you’ll be set to whip up a meal that’s a showstopper but super straightforward.

Whether you're a rookie cook or a seasoned pro, this dish will impress without the fuss. now, let’s get to cooking, friends!

Cooking Method for Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa Salad

Alright, friends, let’s dive into one of my favorite easy and healthy dinner recipes – grilled lemon herb chicken with quinoa salad.

This meal's not just good for your tummy; it’s a party on your plate! so, ready your utensils; we’re about to get cookin’!

Prep Steps

Essential mise en place: start by gathering all your ingredients. chop up those veggies and zest those lemons! if you’ve got a chaotic kitchen like mine, organizing your ingredients beforehand is a game-changer.

Don’t forget – washing your quinoa is key! trust me, those tiny bitter bits are a no-go.

Time-saving organization tips: If you’re all about efficiency, consider marinating your chicken while you cook the quinoa. Multi-tasking at its finest!

Safety reminders: Remember, a clean kitchen is a happy kitchen. Keep raw chicken separate from your veggies. Sanitize those surfaces, folks!

Step-by-Step Process

Now, let’s get to the meat (and quinoa) of the matter!

1. Marinate the chicken: whisk together 4 tablespoons olive oil, juice and zest of 2 lemons, minced garlic (3 cloves), and spices .

   Throw in the chicken into a bag and let it soak for at least 15 minutes . if you're feeling adventurous (and have the time), two hours in the fridge is heavenly!

2. Cook the quinoa: rinse 1 cup of quinoa well! combine it with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth in a saucepan.

   Bring it to a boil, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes . fluff it up with a fork afterward!

3. Prepare the Salad: Toss your diced veggies (red bell pepper, cucumber, onion, tomatoes, and parsley) into a bowl. Once the quinoa’s cool, mix it in, too.

4. Finish the Salad: Drizzle 3 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon olive oil over your salad. Season it up with salt and pepper. Give it a nice toss!

5. Grill the chicken: preheat the grill to medium-high heat . grill the chicken for 6- 7 minutes each side or until it hits 165° f ( 75° c) .

   Allow it to rest before slicing; nobody likes dry chicken!

6. Serve and Enjoy: Layer the sliced chicken on top of your colorful quinoa salad. look into in!

Pro Tips

Let’s keep this simple and fun!

• Marinate Longer: I always say, the longer, the better! Overnight marination gives chicken a flavor boost.

• Grill Marks Matter: Let the chicken chill on the grill without flipping too often. You want those gorgeous grill marks!

• Meal Prep Magic: Making this salad a day ahead? Genius! The flavors meld and become even more delicious.

Avoid those common missteps, like not rinsing the quinoa. Trust me, you don’t want a bitter surprise!

So there you have it! another hit in my collection of top dinner recipes that’s healthy and super easy. whip this up for yourself or impress your friends at the next get-together.

Happy cooking, and may your meals always be deliciously memorable! 🍴

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions

Let’s talk presentation! to make your grilled lemon herb chicken really pop, plate it on a rustic wooden board or a bright white plate.

Go for a splash of color by surrounding it with the vibrant quinoa salad. those greens and reds look gorgeous together! honestly, adding a sprig of parsley or a slice of lemon on top elevates it from “dinner” to “dinner party.

” you know?

If you’re doing the family thing, steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans are perfect sides to serve. they’re easy, they add nutrients, and they carry a nice crunch that complements your meal.

And how about washing it down with a chilled glass of sparkling water with lemon? so refreshing!

Storage Tips

Now, let's keep it real—if you’re like me, meal prep is life. so, if you've got leftovers, you’ve got options! store your chicken and quinoa salad separately in airtight containers.

In the fridge, it’ll be good for about 3-4 days .

If you want to go ahead and freeze it, i say go for it! just make sure to wrap that chicken tightly.

It can hang out in the freezer for up to 3 months . when you’re ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Reheat in the oven or a skillet; you’ll want that chicken to reach a 165° f internal temperature. keep it juicy!

Variations

Feeling adventurous? you can switch up your proteins —turkey breasts or firm tofu make excellent substitutes. want to get seasonal? toss in some avocado or feta cheese into that salad for extra richness.

Seriously, it’ll make your taste buds dance!

Can’t find lemons? No problem! Vinegar is a great replacement for lemon juice in most cases. Just remember, it packs a bit of a punch, so go light at first!

Nutrition Basics

You know i love a good convo about health! with this dish being one of those easy and healthy dinner recipes , it’s worth noting that each serving is around 350 calories , packed with 30 grams of protein .

That’s a solid boost for your muscles, right? plus, quinoa brings the fiber, which means happy digestion. yay for that!

This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken isn't just a pretty face; it’s got benefits galore! The fresh lemon and herbs can boost your immune system, too. What’s not to love?

Wrapping Up

So there you have it! this grilled lemon herb chicken with quinoa salad is not just another one of those top dinner recipes —it’s a whole vibe, and it's ready for your table.

Whether you're whipping it up for a family dinner or prepping for an effortless week ahead, you'll be glad you gave it a try.

Happy cooking, friend! you got this!