A healthy recipe
Creating a healthy recipe involves considering a balance of nutrients, flavours, and ingredients that contribute to overall well-being. Here’s a simple, nutritious recipe you might enjoy:
Grilled Chicken and Quinoa Salad with Mixed Vegetables
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast: 2 (skinless and boneless)
- Quinoa: 1 cup (uncooked)
- Mixed vegetables: 2 cups (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and peas)
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 2 cloves (minced)
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Fresh herbs: a handful (parsley or cilantro)
- Optional: mixed nuts or seeds for crunch
Instructions:
- Cook Quinoa: Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a pot, add quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer, covering the pot. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the water is absorbed. Let it cool.
- Prepare Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Heat a grill pan over medium heat. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice.
- Steam Vegetables: Cut vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Steam them until they’re tender but still crisp. You can do this in a steamer or the microwave.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, steamed vegetables, and sliced chicken. Drizzle with the dressing and toss everything together.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs and optional nuts or seeds for extra texture.
- Serve: Enjoy your salad warm or chilled!
Conclusion
A healthy recipe this Grilled Chicken and Quinoa Salad with Mixed Vegetables is a perfect example of a healthy, balanced meal. It’s rich in lean protein from the chicken, packed with fibre and nutrients from the quinoa and vegetables, and dressed with heart-healthy fats from olive oil. The addition of fresh herbs and optional nuts or seeds not only enhances flavour but also adds to the nutritional profile. This recipe is adaptable, easy to prepare, and suitable for a variety of dietary needs, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a wholesome, delicious meal.