Vibrant Chicken Quinoa Power Bowl with Lemon Parsley Dressing

Welcome to the vibrant world of the Chicken Quinoa Powerhouse Salad, a meticulously crafted dish that marries mixed greens, crisp red cabbage, wholesome quinoa, succulent chicken, sharp red onion, sweet dried cherries, crunchy roasted almonds, and salty feta, all harmoniously tossed in a bright, zesty lemon-parsley vinaigrette. Prepare to rediscover your love for healthy eating with this incredibly satisfying and energizing salad that will leave you feeling absolutely fantastic!

Achieving Salad Perfection: A Symphony of Flavors and Textures

There’s a special magic that happens when a salad transcends being just a side dish and transforms into a standalone culinary masterpiece. This Chicken Quinoa Powerhouse Salad is precisely that – a symphony of textures and flavors designed to excite your palate and nourish your body. The foundation is a delightful blend of fresh spinach, robust kale, and peppery arugula, providing a verdant base. Thinly sliced red cabbage introduces a satisfying crunch and a beautiful pop of color, while fluffy quinoa adds a nutty depth and a significant boost of plant-based protein and fiber. Diced, lean chicken breast ensures this salad is a hearty meal, keeping you feeling full and energized. Each bite is further enhanced by the sharp bite of red onion, the sweet chewiness of dried cherries, the earthy crunch of roasted almonds, and the creamy, tangy counterpoint of crumbled feta cheese. But the true alchemist in this blend is the homemade lemon-parsley vinaigrette – a bright, herbaceous, and irresistibly fresh dressing that weaves all these incredible ingredients into a cohesive, unforgettable experience. It’s a flavor combination so compelling, you’ll find yourself craving it time and time again.

For the Discerning Salad Enthusiast

It might sound surprising, but my passion for salads rivals my love for sweet treats. I wholeheartedly believe in the power of incorporating a fresh, vibrant salad into my daily routine. Whether it’s enjoyed as a light yet fulfilling meal or served alongside another main dish, a daily dose of greens consistently leaves me feeling vibrant and refreshed. However, not just any salad will do. I have a strict “no iceberg unless it’s a wedge” policy! My ideal salad is a medley of the freshest, most verdant greens, generously adorned with an array of colorful vegetables, hearty grains, wholesome nuts, and sweet fruits. This thoughtful combination isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an exciting interplay of textures and a rich tapestry of flavors that makes every forkful a discovery. This approach ensures that salads are never boring, but rather a joyful, satisfying part of a healthy lifestyle. This particular recipe encapsulates everything I adore in a salad, making it a staple in my kitchen.

The Inspiration Behind This Delicious Re-Creation

This summer, my craving for fresh, crisp salads has reached unprecedented levels. Perhaps it’s the intense Texas heat, or maybe it’s the fact that I’m expecting a new addition to the family, but all I desire are light, refreshing meals that make me feel good from the inside out. Salads, naturally, fit the bill perfectly. My journey to this particular Powerhouse Salad began a little over a month ago when I stumbled upon a fantastic fast-casual salad eatery called Snappy Salads during an errand run. Their concept allows you to either build your own custom creation or choose from their thoughtfully designed signature salads. I opted for their “Bam Bam” salad, and it was love at first bite! It possessed an incredible depth of flavor and texture, yet remained wonderfully light and fresh. Its complexity was captivating, making each mouthful a delightful surprise.

That initial “Bam Bam” salad experience was so transformative that I found myself returning to Snappy Salads multiple times a week. The obsession was real! However, the pragmatist in me quickly realized that spending nearly $12 on a single salad several times a week was simply not sustainable, especially when I knew I could replicate its magic right in my own kitchen. With just a minimal amount of meal preparation at the beginning of the week, I could enjoy this sensational salad daily without breaking the bank. And that, my friends, is precisely what I’ve been doing ever since. This homemade version is not only a fantastic way to save money but also allows for complete customization to my exact preferences, making it an even more perfect meal.

The Ultimate Salad for Effortless Meal Prep

One of the most incredible advantages of this Chicken Quinoa Powerhouse Salad is how perfectly it lends itself to meal preparation. My Sunday routine now includes a dedicated session to gather and prepare all the ingredients for the week ahead. This typically involves cooking the quinoa, searing and dicing the chicken, washing and chopping the greens and vegetables, and preparing the dressing. By having everything prepped and ready to go, I can assemble a fresh, delicious, and incredibly satisfying lunch or dinner in mere minutes throughout the busy workweek. This strategy has been a game-changer for maintaining a healthy diet, even on the busiest of days. No more last-minute unhealthy choices, just pure, wholesome goodness ready when I am. I am completely obsessed with the convenience and deliciousness!

If you’re already a dedicated salad aficionado, or if you’re on a quest to discover a salad that will truly capture your heart, your search ends here. This Chicken Quinoa Powerhouse Salad is everything you could wish for and more. It’s a healthy meal that truly fills you up, offers a delightful array of flavors and textures, and leaves you feeling absolutely fabulous. It’s an investment in your well-being that pays off with every enjoyable bite. Don’t just eat healthy; truly enjoy it!

Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Supplies

(For precise measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the complete recipe card located at the bottom of this post.)

Key Ingredients for Flavor & Nutrition:

• Fresh Parsley (leaves and stems): This herb is indispensable for our vinaigrette, imparting a vibrant, herbaceous, and slightly peppery note that makes the dressing taste incredibly fresh without overwhelming the other components of the salad.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: The star of the dressing, fresh lemon juice provides essential acidity and a bright, zesty tang. It’s crucial for keeping the salad feeling light and refreshing. Always opt for freshly squeezed for the best flavor!
• Champagne Vinegar (or White Wine Vinegar): This vinegar contributes a delicate, bright, and tangy acidity that forms the foundational backbone of our exquisite dressing. Champagne vinegar is preferred for its lighter, more subtle profile, ensuring the vinaigrette remains elegant and balanced. White wine vinegar is an excellent, readily available substitute. For a slightly fruitier note, apple cider vinegar can be used, or for a milder, slightly sweeter option, rice vinegar. To maintain the light and delicate flavor profile, it’s best to avoid red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Essential for binding the dressing ingredients, olive oil introduces a smooth richness and body, beautifully mellowing the sharpness of the lemon and vinegar. For those seeking an even lighter dressing, neutral oils such as grapeseed, sunflower seed, or avocado oil are fantastic alternatives.
• Kosher Salt: A fundamental seasoning that elevates and harmonizes all the individual flavors within the dressing and the salad itself. Kosher salt, with its larger crystals, dissolves more evenly and offers a less overtly “salty” taste compared to finer table salt, allowing for better control over seasoning.
• Fresh Ground Pepper: Adds a subtle yet impactful bite and a layer of complexity, beautifully cutting through the richness of the oil and providing a pleasant aromatic finish.
• Mixed Salad Greens (spinach, kale, and arugula): This trifecta offers a wonderful variety of textures and tastes: mild spinach, hearty kale, and peppery arugula. Together, they create an engaging and nutritious base. Feel free to customize with your preferred greens, such as crisp romaine for extra crunch or a convenient spring mix. If kale feels too tough, a quick massage with a little olive oil can tenderize it beautifully.
• Red Cabbage (thinly sliced): Not just for color, thinly sliced red cabbage provides an exceptional crunch and a subtle peppery bite that contrasts wonderfully with the softer elements of the salad. It’s also packed with antioxidants!
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: The primary protein source for this powerhouse salad. Perfectly pan-seared chicken tenderloins work wonderfully, or you can opt for the convenience of rotisserie chicken, any leftover grilled poultry, or even plant-based options like chickpeas or hard-boiled eggs for a complete meal.
• Quinoa (cooked): A super grain that brings a wealth of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and a delightful nutty texture. Cooked quinoa makes this salad truly hearty and nutritious. For textural variations, consider using farro or brown rice for a chewier base, or couscous for a lighter touch.
• Red Onion: Offers a distinct sharp, pungent bite that brilliantly cuts through the richness of the cheese and nuts, significantly enhancing the overall flavor complexity. For a milder flavor profile, green onions, finely diced shallots, or even quick-pickled onions can be excellent substitutions.
• Cherry Tomatoes: These little bursts of flavor provide essential freshness, a touch of acidity, and a vibrant splash of color, brightening the entire flavor profile of the salad. Any variety of fresh tomato can be used, or for a different twist, consider roasted red peppers or cool cucumber slices.
• Dried Cherries: Introduce a wonderful chewy texture and bursts of tart-sweetness that are utterly addictive. Driedcranberries are also a fantastic alternative, offering a similar sweet-tart profile.
• Roasted Almonds (chopped): Crucial for adding a satisfying crunch and a rich, nutty depth to the salad. They contribute healthy fats and additional protein. Feel free to use any preferred nuts or seeds, such as walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds, to customize.
• Crumbled Feta: A true flavor enhancer, feta brings a delightful creaminess, a distinctive tangy quality, and a savory umami punch. Its sharp, salty notes provide a beautiful contrast to the sweetness of the cherries and the other fresh ingredients. For different cheesy profiles, consider blue cheese, gorgonzola, or tangy goat cheese as substitutes.

Essential Kitchen Supplies:

• Food processor or blender: Indispensable for creating a smooth, perfectly emulsified vinaigrette with minimal effort.
• Medium mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl is essential for tossing your salad ingredients evenly without making a mess.

Crafting Your Chicken Quinoa Powerhouse Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this incredible salad is surprisingly straightforward, especially when you break it down into a few simple steps. The key is fresh ingredients and a homemade touch with the vinaigrette.

• For the Zesty Lemon Parsley Vinaigrette: Begin by combining the fresh parsley (both leaves and tender stems), bright lemon juice, elegant champagne vinegar, and rich extra virgin olive oil in the bowl of your food processor or a high-speed blender. Pulse these ingredients until they are thoroughly blended and emulsified into a smooth, vibrant green dressing. This process ensures all the flavors are perfectly integrated. Once blended, taste the vinaigrette and season it generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to your preference. The dressing should be bright, tangy, and well-balanced.
• Assembling the Hearty Salad Base: In a large, medium-sized mixing bowl, combine your robust salad greens (spinach, kale, arugula), the crunchy thinly sliced red cabbage, the savory cooked and diced chicken, the wholesome cooked quinoa, the finely chopped red onion, and the sweet halved cherry tomatoes. These form the core of your salad, brimming with nutrients and flavors.

• Dressing and Initial Toss: Pour 2-3 tablespoons of your freshly prepared Lemon Parsley Vinaigrette over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Using salad tongs or your clean hands, gently toss all the components together. Ensure that every leaf and piece of ingredient is lightly coated with the dressing. This initial toss helps distribute the flavors evenly.
• Adding the Finishing Touches: Next, add the delightful dried cherries, the satisfyingly crunchy chopped roasted almonds, and the tangy crumbled feta cheese to the bowl. These ingredients add layers of texture, sweetness, and savory notes that elevate the salad from good to extraordinary.
• Final Gentle Toss and Serve: With the remaining ingredients added, perform one final, gentle toss to incorporate them without crushing the more delicate elements. Serve your magnificent Chicken Quinoa Powerhouse Salad immediately to enjoy its peak freshness and incredible medley of flavors. Enjoy every single bite!

I absolutely adore seeing your culinary creations! If you whip up my Chicken Quinoa Powerhouse Salad, please don’t hesitate to snap a beautiful picture and share it with me on Instagram. Tag @thebakermama so I can admire your delicious work. For those on Facebook, I invite you to join my wonderful community, the Friends of The BakerMama group. It’s a fantastic space to connect with other food enthusiasts, share your culinary triumphs, and discover all the fun and yummy recipes I love to share. 😍 Your inspiration and creativity with my ideas truly bring me so much joy. Happy cooking and enjoy this incredible salad!

xoxo,

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Chicken Quinoa Powerhouse Salad with Lemon Parsley Vinaigrette

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  Author: Maegan – The BakerMama
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  Prep Time: 20 mins
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  Total Time: 20 mins
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  Yield: 1 entree salad or 2 side salads
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  Category: Salad

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Description

A super healthy, nutrient-packed salad featuring a delightful blend of mixed greens, crunchy red cabbage, fluffy quinoa, lean chicken, sharp red onion, sweet dried cherries, wholesome roasted almonds, and creamy feta, all brought together with a bright and zesty homemade lemon-parsley vinaigrette. Perfect for a fulfilling meal or healthy meal prep!

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Ingredients

For the Zesty Lemon Parsley Vinaigrette:

• 2 cups packed fresh parsley, leaves and tender stems
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (approx. from 1 medium lemon)
• 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Powerhouse Salad:

• 2 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., spinach, kale, and arugula combo)
• 1/3 cup thinly sliced red cabbage
• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced (about 4-5 oz)
• 1/4 cup cooked quinoa (cooled)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons dried cherries
• 2 tablespoons chopped roasted almonds
• 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
• 2–3 tablespoons of prepared Lemon Parsley Vinaigrette (or more to taste)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Lemon Parsley Vinaigrette: In a food processor or blender, combine the packed fresh parsley, fresh lemon juice, champagne vinegar (or white wine vinegar), and extra virgin olive oil. Pulse until all ingredients are well blended and the dressing is smooth and emulsified. Taste and season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper until the flavors are perfectly balanced. Set aside.
2. Assemble the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens (spinach, kale, arugula), thinly sliced red cabbage, cooked and diced chicken breast, cooked quinoa, finely chopped red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes. Pour 2-3 tablespoons of the prepared Lemon Parsley Vinaigrette over these ingredients.
3. Toss and Finish: Gently toss all the ingredients in the bowl until they are evenly coated with the vinaigrette. Then, add the dried cherries, chopped roasted almonds, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss once more, very gently, to combine all the delicious elements without bruising the greens. Serve immediately and savor every healthy, flavorful bite!

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