Citrus Herb Chicken Salad Bowl (Printable Version)

Juicy orange segments, creamy avocado, and herb-marinated grilled chicken over fluffy quinoa with zesty citrus vinaigrette.

# Ingredient List:

→ Herb Chicken

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
04 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
05 - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
06 - 1 clove garlic, minced
07 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Salad Base

10 - 2 cups cooked quinoa
11 - 6 cups mixed salad greens
12 - 2 large oranges, peeled and segmented
13 - 1 large avocado, sliced
14 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
15 - 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds

→ Citrus Vinaigrette

16 - 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
17 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
18 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
19 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
20 - 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
21 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
22 - 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

# How-To Steps:

01 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, basil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
02 - Preheat grill or grill pan to medium heat. Grill chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side until fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F. Allow to rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
03 - Rinse quinoa under cold water. Combine with 1.5 cups water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer covered for 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and cool slightly.
04 - Whisk together orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
05 - Divide mixed greens among four bowls. Top each with cooked quinoa, orange segments, avocado slices, red onion, and grilled chicken. Drizzle with citrus vinaigrette and sprinkle with toasted almonds.
06 - Serve immediately for optimal freshness and texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything tastes fresh and light but still keeps you full for hours without that heavy, sluggish feeling.
  • The mix of warm grilled chicken, cool citrus, and creamy avocado hits every texture and temperature you crave in one bowl.
  • It comes together faster than ordering takeout, and you can prep the parts ahead if your week gets chaotic.
  • The citrus vinaigrette is so good you will want to drizzle it on everything else in your fridge.
02 -
  • Do not skip resting the chicken after grilling, cutting it too soon means all those juices end up on your cutting board instead of in your bite.
  • If your vinaigrette separates, just whisk it again right before drizzling, it happens and it is no big deal.
  • Assemble the bowls right before serving so the greens stay crisp and the avocado does not brown.
03 -
  • Toast your almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, shaking the pan often, it wakes up their flavor completely.
  • If your oranges are not super juicy, add a tiny splash of water to the vinaigrette so it is not too thick.
  • Use a sharp knife to segment the oranges over a bowl so you catch all the juice and can add it to your dressing.
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