Citrus Herb Chicken Salad Bowl (Printable View)

Juicy orange segments, creamy avocado, and herb-marinated grilled chicken over fluffy quinoa and fresh greens.

# What You'll Need:

→ Herb Chicken

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
04 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
05 - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
06 - 1 clove garlic, minced
07 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Salad

10 - 2 cups cooked quinoa
11 - 6 cups mixed salad greens
12 - 2 large oranges, peeled and segmented
13 - 1 large avocado, sliced
14 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
15 - 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds

→ Citrus Vinaigrette

16 - 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
17 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
18 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
19 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
20 - 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
21 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
22 - 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

# How To Make It:

01 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, basil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours refrigerated for enhanced flavor development.
02 - Preheat grill or grill pan to medium heat. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
03 - Rinse quinoa under cold water. Combine with 1.5 cups water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and cool slightly.
04 - Whisk together orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until fully emulsified.
05 - Divide mixed greens among four bowls. Layer with cooked quinoa, orange segments, avocado slices, red onion, and grilled chicken. Drizzle with citrus vinaigrette and top with toasted almonds.
06 - Serve immediately to maintain optimal freshness and texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • That moment when the citrus hits the warm chicken and the whole kitchen fills with this incredible bright aroma that makes you feel like everything is going to be okay
  • The way creamy avocado balances with the sharp tang of orange vinaigrette, creating this perfect bite that never gets boring
02 -
  • The chicken needs those five minutes of rest time after grilling, slice it too soon and all those juices end up on your cutting board instead of in your salad
  • Warm quinoa can wilt delicate greens, so let it cool slightly before you start assembling your bowls
03 -
  • Pat your chicken dry before adding the marinade, it helps the herbs stick better and promotes more even grilling
  • Segment your oranges over a bowl to catch all that juice, then whisk it right into your vinaigrette
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