Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
quinoa meal prep in a bowl sitting on a white kitchen counter

Quinoa Meal Prep


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

  • Author: Jackie Shao
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the chicken:

  • 1 lb chicken breast
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon oil

For the salad:

  • 1 cup dry quinoa
  • 4 Persian cucumbers
  • 2 cups cup pineapple (1/2 medium sized pineapple)
  • 1 bunch of radish
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 4 ounces feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • juice of 1/2 lemon
  • kosher salt
  • black pepper

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken by combining all the salt, spices, brown sugar, and chicken breast together. If your chicken breast is very thick, I recommend slicing it in half lengthwise to reduce the cooking time. Let sit for a few minutes.
  2. In a small pot, make the quinoa according to package instructions – I add the 1 cup of quinoa and 2 cups of water into a pot along with a pinch of salt. Bring up to a boil, then reduce to low heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
  3. As the quinoa is cooking, sear the chicken. Heat a cast iron skillet or pan on medium high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil, and add an even layer of the chicken. Cook the chicken for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  4. As the chicken is cooking, begin to prep your vegetables. Dice the cucumbers, radish, pineapple, and cilantro. Add all the chopped vegetables, pineapple, and herbs in a mixing bowl.
  5. Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it and let it cool slightly.
  6. When the chicken is finished cooking, transfer it to a cutting board and cut it into 1″ cubes. Add the quinoa and chicken to the mixing bowl, along with a 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, black pepper, drizzle of olive oil, and the juice of 1/2 a lemon. Break apart the feta cheese into the mixing bowl as well, give everything a good toss, taste, and adjust salt and pepper as desired.
  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Category: Salad, Meal Prep
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American