Description
A vibrant and nutritious Healthy Protein Salad Bowl featuring mixed greens, quinoa or brown rice, and your choice of chicken breast or chickpeas, topped with fresh veggies, avocado, feta or hummus, and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for a balanced meal that’s easy to prepare and customizable to your dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Bowl Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
- ½ cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast or chickpeas (for vegetarian option)
- ½ avocado, sliced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup cucumber, sliced
- 2 tablespoons feta cheese or hummus
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds or sliced almonds (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a large salad bowl, arrange the mixed greens evenly as the base layer to provide a fresh and leafy foundation for your salad.
- Add Grains and Protein: Spoon in the cooked quinoa or brown rice over the greens, then add your choice of protein—either cooked chicken breast or chickpeas for a vegetarian option—distributing evenly for balanced bites.
- Top with Veggies and Extras: Layer avocado slices, cherry tomato halves, shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and add either feta cheese or a dollop of hummus. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds or sliced almonds if desired for extra crunch.
- Make the Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar), Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), and season with salt and pepper until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
- Dress and Toss: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the assembled salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly and enjoy your nutritious and flavorful salad bowl immediately.
Notes
- Customize your salad with additions like hard-boiled eggs, grilled tofu, or salmon for variety in flavors and protein sources.
- Try using kale or romaine lettuce as an alternative green base to vary texture and taste.
- For meal prep, store salad components separately and assemble with dressing right before eating to maintain freshness.
