Greek Chicken Red Quinoa Salad

Name: Greek Chicken Red Quinoa Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked red quinoa; 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1/2 red onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved; 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Simple Global Recipes

Enjoy a fresh and vibrant Greek Chicken Red Quinoa Salad that combines nutritious ingredients with bold flavors.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-17T00:46:19.337Z

This Greek Chicken Red Quinoa Salad is a colorful and nutritious dish perfect for lunch or dinner. The combination of grilled chicken, red quinoa, and fresh vegetables tossed in a tangy dressing makes it a well-balanced meal.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Packed with protein and fiber for a filling meal
Fresh and zesty flavors that brighten up your day
Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep

      

Nutritional Benefits

This Greek Chicken Red Quinoa Salad is not only delicious but also a powerhouse of nutrition. Red quinoa is rich in protein, providing all nine essential amino acids, making it a fantastic option for both vegetarians and meat eaters alike. The addition of grilled chicken breast boosts the protein content even further, ensuring that this salad will keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Incorporating fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion contributes essential vitamins and minerals. These ingredients are packed with antioxidants that help combat inflammation and support overall health. The Kalamata olives add healthy fats, which are crucial for heart health, and the feta cheese provides calcium and flavor, making this salad both nutritious and satisfying.

Perfect for Meal Prep

One of the best things about this Greek Chicken Red Quinoa Salad is that it's incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time. You can make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. The flavors meld beautifully after a day in the fridge, making it a perfect option for meal prep enthusiasts.

To ensure maximum freshness, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving. This will keep the salad crisp and vibrant, preventing sogginess. Additionally, this salad is versatile; you can easily modify the ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it a great go-to recipe for any occasion.

Serving Suggestions

This Greek Chicken Red Quinoa Salad can be served as a main dish or a side. It pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables or whole grain pita bread for a more substantial meal. For a light lunch, serve it alongside a bowl of soup or a fresh fruit salad.

If you're hosting a gathering, this salad makes an impressive centerpiece for your buffet table. Its vibrant colors and variety of textures will catch the eye, and its flavors are sure to please your guests. Consider garnishing it with extra parsley or a sprinkle of lemon zest for an added touch of freshness.

Ingredients

For the Salad

2 cups cooked red quinoa
2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Dressing

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Quinoa

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of red quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and parsley. Drizzle with the dressing and toss to combine.

Serve

Top the salad with crumbled feta cheese and serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Storage Tips

To keep your Greek Chicken Red Quinoa Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for up to two days, making it an excellent choice for leftovers. If you find that the quinoa has absorbed too much dressing, feel free to drizzle a little extra olive oil or lemon juice when serving to revive the flavors.

If you plan to enjoy this salad over several days, consider keeping some ingredients separate, such as the feta cheese and olives, to maintain their freshness. This will also allow you to customize each serving to your liking.

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with this salad! You can swap the grilled chicken for chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian twist. Adding roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes can introduce a delightful tanginess, and mixing in some avocado will add a creamy texture and even more healthy fats.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider sprinkling in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You could also experiment with different herbs, such as mint or dill, to change up the flavor profile and keep your taste buds excited.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be prepared a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve.

→ What can I substitute for feta cheese?

You can use goat cheese or omit the cheese entirely for a dairy-free version.

→ Can I use a different type of grain?

Absolutely! You can substitute red quinoa with brown rice or farro.

→ Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free grains, this salad is naturally gluten-free.