Grilled Chicken and Quinoa Salad with Mixed Veggies

Meet the Grilled Chicken and Quinoa Salad with Mixed Veggies: a nutritious and delicious meal perfect for bodybuilders. It combines lean grilled chicken and protein-rich quinoa with a variety of fresh vegetables, offering a balance of high-quality protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. This dish is not only a delight for the taste buds but also fuels muscle growth and recovery, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to eat healthily and stay fit.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup baby spinach or mixed greens
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: avocado slices, nuts (like almonds or walnuts), feta cheese

Directions:

1. Cook Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a pot, bring quinoa and water or broth to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until quinoa is tender. Let it cool.
2. Grill Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side or until cooked through. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
3. Prepare Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the diced bell pepper, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and spinach or mixed greens.
4. Combine: Add the cooled quinoa and grilled chicken to the bowl with the vegetables. Toss gently.
5. Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
6. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and optional ingredients like avocado, nuts, or feta cheese.
7. Serve: Enjoy this fulfilling and nutritious meal!

This salad is versatile – feel free to add or swap out ingredients based on what you enjoy or have on hand. The combination of lean protein, complex carbs, and fresh veggies makes it ideal for your bodybuilding diet.