Get ready for a delicious, nutritious, and vibrant quinoa grain bowl that will satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body. The grilled chicken adds a smoky and juicy element while the cherry tomatoes, peppery arugula, sliced cucumber, purple cabbage, and carrots add texture and flavor. The creamy guacamole and refreshing lemon dressing tie it all together making this quinoa grain bowl a truly satisfying meal. Let’s begin!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 8 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 small cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup guacamole (store bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
For the dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the raw quinoa under cold water and drain well. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions until tender and fluffy. This typically takes about 15 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Season the thinly sliced chicken breast with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes, or until cooked through. Make sure to flip the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking. Once cooked, remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, grilled chicken breast slices, cherry tomatoes, arugula, sliced cucumber, shredded purple cabbage, and shredded carrots.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Drizzle the dressing over the quinoa grain bowl and toss gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
- Top the bowl with dollops of guacamole, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a sprinkle of black sesame seeds.
Notes
Ensure the quinoa is fully cooked and cooled before assembling the bowl. This helps to achieve a fluffy and light texture. Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Additions like bell peppers, radishes, or black olives can provide extra color and flavor. Experiment with different herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of the chicken. A sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of cumin can add a delightful twist. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can also add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the guacamole for an extra tangy kick.
*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
