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Ingredients
Scale
- 1 and 1/2 cups (260g) cooked quinoa (around 1/2 cup dry)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1.25 pounds (565g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (140g) shredded red/purple cabbage
- 2 large oranges, peeled and segmented
- 1 avocado, sliced or cubed
- optional: 1/4 cup (40g) crumbled feta cheese
- optional: 2 tablespoons (20g) pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- optional: greens for serving, such as spinach or arugula
- 1/4 cup (60g/ml) fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup (7g) chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- salt + pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare quinoa according to package directions. For 1 and 1/2 cups cooked, use around 1/2 cup dry. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool slightly.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, smoked paprika, and salt. Cook while stirring occasionally for 5 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook until chicken is cooked through, about 2–3 more minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Combine cooked chicken, shredded cabbage, oranges, and avocado with quinoa in the bowl. Toss gently to mix ingredients.
- Whisk dressing ingredients together until well combined. Adjust flavor with salt and pepper as needed. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
- Optional: Sprinkle with feta and pepitas before serving. Serve immediately as-is or over fresh greens like spinach or arugula.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
For added texture, feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
This salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Swap out chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg