Enjoy a delicious and healthful meal with grilled lemon herb chicken, a refreshing quinoa salad, and perfectly grilled asparagus. This recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it perfect for a family dinner or a weekend barbecue.
Why Make This Recipe
Using fresh ingredients, this meal not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body. The combination of protein from chicken and fiber from quinoa makes for a complete dish. Plus, grilling the vegetables enhances their natural sweetness, adding a lovely charred flavor. If you’re looking for a delicious, healthy option, this dish fits the bill perfectly.
How to Make Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa Salad and Grilled Asparagus
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Lemon
- Herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley)
- Quinoa
- Cherry tomatoes
- Asparagus
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Step by Step
- Marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill the chicken until cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool.
- In a bowl, mix cooked quinoa with halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and grill until tender.
- Serve grilled chicken alongside quinoa salad and grilled asparagus.
How to Serve Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa Salad and Grilled Asparagus
Arrange the grilled chicken on a plate next to a generous serving of quinoa salad and grilled asparagus. A wedge of lemon on the side can add a splash of freshness. This dish pairs well with a light white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing sip.
How to Store Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa Salad and Grilled Asparagus
To store leftovers, refrigerate the chicken, quinoa salad, and asparagus in airtight containers. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken separately, as this will help maintain its texture.
Tips to Make Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa Salad and Grilled Asparagus
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F, according to USDA food safety temperature guidelines.
- Experiment with different herbs to find the flavor combination you enjoy most.
- Consider adding nuts or feta cheese to the quinoa salad for an extra layer of flavor.
Variation
For a gluten-free option, use quinoa as the base instead of traditional grains. You can also substitute grilled shrimp or tofu for the chicken to cater to different diets.
FAQs
1. Can I use other vegetables instead of asparagus?
Yes, you can use any seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Just adjust the grilling time as required.
2. Can I prepare the quinoa salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the quinoa salad the night before and refrigerate it. Just stir it again before serving.
3. What can I serve with this dish?
This meal pairs nicely with a simple green salad or crusty bread. You can also check out this high-protein chicken salad for more ideas!
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa Salad and Grilled Asparagus
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces Chicken breasts Boneless, skinless
- 1 medium Lemon, juiced For marinade
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil For marinade and grilling
- 1 teaspoon Herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley) Chopped for marinade
- Salt to taste Salt
- Pepper to taste Pepper
For the Quinoa Salad
- 1 cup Quinoa Rinsed and cooked
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
For the Grilled Asparagus
- 1 bunch Asparagus Trimmed
Instructions
Marinating the Chicken
- Marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for at least 30 minutes.
Grilling
- Grill the chicken until cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool.
- Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and grill until tender.
Preparing the Quinoa Salad
- In a bowl, mix cooked quinoa with halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Serving
- Serve grilled chicken alongside quinoa salad and grilled asparagus.
- Arrange a wedge of lemon on the side for an extra splash of freshness.