High-Protein Spinach Salad with Quinoa Chicken & Fresh Berries is fresh and flavorful. It contains spinach, quinoa, chicken, berries, feta cheese, almonds, & a homemade dressing. These are very simple items and available easily in any store. This salad has feta cheese and honey, so use the dairy-free feta alternative if you have an allergy or don’t consume dairy. This salad stores in the fridge but not in the freezer, so it is not good for long-term meal prep. It is prepared in fifteen minutes, so it is perfect for lunch or dinner. High-Protein Spinach Salad with Quinoa Chicken & Fresh Berries is served with whole-grain pita, lentil soup, and sparkling water.
STATS:
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Prep Duration: Fifteen minutes
- Serving size: 1 salad
- Cook time: Nil
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Total time: 15 minutes
- Course: Lunch, Salad, Main Course
- Diet: High-Protein
- Serving: 1
EQUIPMENT:
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Small bowl or jar
- Whisk
- Knife
- Small skillet
INGREDIENTS:
- ¼ tsp. Dijon mustard
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ tsp. kosher salt
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 tbsp. white wine vinegar
- â…” cup cooked chicken breast
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- ½ cup blueberries & strawberries
- 2 tbsp. almond slices
- ½ ounce feta cheese crumbs
- ½ tsp. honey
INGREDIENT NOTES:
SPINACH:
- We have to utilize the fresh baby spinach to add the tender texture, mild flavor, and plenty of nutrients. Add the mixed greens instead if required to include a more varied texture and flavor.
QUINOA:
- Add the cooked quinoa to include protein and fiber in the salad. It makes the salad more filling and adds a pleasant nutty flavor. We have to allow the quinoa to cool before adding it so the greens do not wilt.
CHICKEN:
- Add the cooked chicken breast to include protein and make the salad lean and satisfying. We have to use grilled, roasted, or leftover chicken as required.
BERRIES:
- We have to utilize fresh blueberries or strawberries to add natural sweetness, color, and freshness. Choose whichever berries are ripe and available to make the salad more delicious.
FETA CHEESE:
- Add the feta cheese to add a creamy, salty, and tangy taste to the dish. It will nicely pair with the berries and chicken. We have to utilize the reduced-sodium feta instead if required for a milder flavor.
ALMONDS:
- We have to utilize the toasted sliced almonds to make the salad more delicious and crunchy. Toasting them briefly will enhance their aroma and add a pleasant nutty flavor.
OLIVE OIL:
- Add the olive oil to prepare the tasty dressing foundation. It will give the salad a smooth finish and nicely combine the other dressing ingredients.
WHITE WINE VINEGAR:
- We have to utilize the white wine vinegar to add acidity to the dressing and balance the sweetness of the berries and honey.
DIJON MUSTARD:
- Add the Dijon mustard to include a subtle, sharp, and tangy taste in the dressing. It will also help emulsify the dressing and combine the ingredients nicely.
HONEY:
- Add a small amount of honey to include gentle sweetness in the dressing. It will nicely balance the tanginess of the vinegar and mustard.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Cook the quinoa as mentioned on the pack if required and cool it.
- Now add the almond slices to the dry pan and roast them for two to three minutes on moderate to low flame.
- Include the mixed greens or baby spinach in the big vessel, then include quinoa, feta crumbs, blueberries, almonds, chicken, and strawberries in the big vessel.
- Include the Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, salt, honey, & olive oil to the vessel and mix.
- Put the dressing in salad & mix to coat it & serve.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
BREADS & GRAINS:
- Whole-grain pita
- Whole-grain bread
- Garlic toast
- Seeded crackers
SOUPS:
- Lentil soup
- Tomato basil soup
- Vegetable soup
- Chicken vegetable soup
DRINKS:
- Lemon water
- Iced green tea
- Mint tea
- Sparkling water
TOPPINGS:
- Avocado
- Pumpkin seeds
- Extra feta
- Fresh herbs
- Sliced cucumber
TIPS:
- Cool the quinoa, then add it to the bowl so the spinach will remain crisp.
- Dry the berries, then add them to avoid the additional moisture content.
- Roast the almonds till aromatic so they don’t get burned.
- Add more chicken to the dish to increase the protein.
- Include the cucumbers or cherry tomatoes in the dish to make it fresh and crunchier.
- You can add any other varieties of berries you want.
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- Add the dressing & salad in separate vessels and store for three days.
FREEZER:
- Don’t freeze the salad as the berries, spinach, and dressing will become watery.
FAQs:
Will I add the frozen berries?
- It is best to use the fresh berries for the best texture and avoid using the frozen ones, though you would first defrost and strain them if required.
Would I include any other protein in the dish?
- Yes, include the grilled shrimp, chickpeas, salmon, and turkey to include extra protein.
Will I make this in advance?
- Yes, we can make the quinoa, chicken, & dressing and put them in different vessels and store and combine them when required.
How to make the salad without dairy?
- Utilize the vegan feta or exclude it for this purpose.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
Calories: 510 kcal
Net carbs: 35 g
Serving: 1
Iron: 4 mg
Total carbs: 43 g
Vitamin A: 450 µg
Serving size: 1
Fiber: 8 g
Calcium: 170 mg
Protein: 30 g
Sodium: 750 mg
