Delicious Grilled Chicken, Quinoa & Kale Salad Bowl with Zesty Basil Vinaigrette
Welcome to a salad experience that will redefine your perception of healthy eating! Get ready to dive into a vibrant and utterly delicious salad bowl, bursting with tender grilled chicken, nutrient-rich cooked quinoa, a dynamic kale salad mix, sweet fresh raspberries, satisfying sliced almonds, tangy feta cheese, crisp green beans, and a homemade basil vinaigrette that ties it all together beautifully. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients. (This conversation is proudly sponsored by Earthbound Farm. All opinions and text are my own.)
Life has its delightful detours, and for me, it was a blissful ten-day family vacation. My husband, bless his heart, had a full ten days off work – a rarity! We indulged, relaxed, and let go of our usual routines. This meant less time at the gym and more time enjoying delicious food, perhaps a little too much! While those moments of carefree indulgence are cherished, they often lead to a renewed commitment to healthier habits.
Returning to reality, the scale delivered its inevitable verdict. Let’s just say it served as a stark reminder that while vacations are wonderful, balance is key. So, it’s back to basics: hydrating with what feels like a million gallons of water (not my favorite beverage, I confess) and embracing salads for both lunch and dinner. And, as someone who historically wasn’t a “salad person,” this return to greens required something truly special, something that would make healthy eating feel like a treat, not a chore.
Why This Salad Bowl Will Change Your Life (or at least your lunch!)
And what culinary marvel do I present to you today? Yes, my friends, it is indeed a salad. But let me assure you, this isn’t just any salad. This is quite possibly the best salad I have ever encountered in my entire life. The secret? It’s a salad bowl – a brilliant concept that transforms the humble salad into a complete, satisfying, and visually stunning meal.
Salad bowls are a revelation. Where have these magnificent creations been all my life?! Seriously, the concept is genius. You can artfully layer a diverse array of ingredients, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite. Drizzle it with a vibrant dressing, and voilà! You have a meal that’s not only visually appealing but also incredibly satisfying and packed with flavor. It’s a win-win situation every single time. The beauty of a salad bowl lies in its ability to combine textures, temperatures, and tastes in a single, harmonious bite, ensuring every forkful is an adventure, preventing the monotony often associated with traditional salads. This method encourages creativity and makes healthy eating genuinely enjoyable.
Crafting the Perfect Homemade Basil Vinaigrette
No salad is truly complete without an exceptional dressing, and this homemade basil vinaigrette is nothing short of exceptional. It’s quick, easy, and brimming with fresh, aromatic flavors that elevate every component of the salad. I simply combined all the dressing ingredients – apple cider vinegar, honey, olive oil, fresh garlic, and an abundance of fresh basil leaves – in my Vitamix blender. Within moments, I had a perfectly emulsified, incredibly flavorful dressing. It’s literally a one-step process to a gourmet dressing that tastes far more complex than it is to prepare. The vibrant green hue and herbaceous notes of fresh basil, infused with a subtle tang from the vinegar and sweetness from the honey, make this vinaigrette an absolute standout, transforming a simple salad into an extraordinary culinary experience. Its versatility also means you can use it on countless other dishes, from roasted vegetables to pasta salads.
Tender Grilled Chicken: The Heart of the Salad
For the star protein of this salad, I opted for tender grilled chicken. To infuse it with maximum flavor and ensure a succulent texture, I marinated the chicken breasts for about 15 minutes in a simple yet effective three-ingredient marinade: olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and dry Italian seasoning. This brief soak works wonders, tenderizing the meat and imparting a delicious savory depth that perfectly complements the fresh salad components. Grilling the chicken not only adds a wonderful smoky char and attractive grill marks but also makes cleanup incredibly easy – a huge bonus in my book! If grilling isn’t an option, or if you’re looking for an even quicker preparation, feel free to pan-sear your chicken on the stovetop until golden brown and cooked through, or use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for ultimate convenience. The key is to have flavorful, juicy chicken that complements the freshness of the other ingredients, providing a hearty and satisfying element to the bowl.
A Symphony of Fresh and Wholesome Ingredients
Beyond the flavorful chicken and the delightful dressing, this salad bowl is a carefully orchestrated medley of textures and tastes, meticulously chosen to create a balanced and exciting meal. The remaining components include fluffy, protein-packed cooked quinoa, bright and juicy fresh raspberries, crunchy sliced almonds (which can be lightly toasted for an enhanced nutty flavor), creamy and salty reduced-fat feta cheese, and crisp-tender green beans. And, of course, the foundational greens: Earthbound Farm Organic Kale Italia salad mix. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, contributing its unique profile to the overall harmony of the bowl, ensuring every spoonful is bursting with flavor and nutritional goodness.
The Star Greens: Earthbound Farm Organic Kale Italia
Let me take a moment to express my profound admiration for Earthbound Farm. As a dedicated fan, I consistently appreciate their unwavering commitment to providing fresh, high-quality organic salad mixes. The Kale Italia blend is a shining example of their excellence, and it has quickly become a personal favorite among their esteemed Deep Green Blends collection. What makes it so exceptional is its thoughtfully curated combination of greens: it features mildly bitter baby kale, gently peppery baby arugula, bold mizuna, and the striking ruby red radicchio. This blend offers a complex, nuanced flavor profile and a delightful textural variety that serves as the perfect canvas for our vibrant salad bowl.
The robust yet perfectly balanced flavors of the Earthbound Farm Kale Italia mix pair absolutely perfectly with the other ingredients in this healthy salad bowl recipe. The various greens really bring out the subtle nuances of the basil vinaigrette and enhance the overall “yum factor” of the entire dish. This isn’t just a healthy option; it’s a truly satisfying and filling meal that both you and your waistline can feel great about! It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking to incorporate more organic vegetables into their diet without sacrificing taste or satisfaction. The crispness of the greens provides a wonderful counterpoint to the softer quinoa and tender chicken, while their distinct flavors add depth and excitement to every single bite, making healthy eating a true pleasure.
Eager to experience the freshness and quality of Earthbound Farm Organic Kale Italia salad mix for yourself? Don’t miss out! You can grab a coupon right HERE to save on your next purchase. Enjoy the incredible taste and health benefits that come with high-quality organic ingredients – a simple step towards a more vibrant and nourished you!
Full Recipe: Grilled Chicken, Quinoa & Kale Salad Bowl with Easy Basil Vinaigrette
Chicken, Quinoa & Kale Salad Bowl Recipe with Easy Basil Vinaigrette
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Ingredients
Quick & Easy Chicken Marinade:
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- juice from 1/2 lemon
- 2 tsp. dry Italian seasoning mix
- 2-3 chicken breasts cut into tenders or sliced thinly for grilling
Basil Vinaigrette Dressing:
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 1/2 Tbsp. honey
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves fresh garlic minced or roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves packed
- salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
Salad Bowl:
- Earthbound Farm Kale Italia Mix one package, about 5 oz
- 1/4 lb. fresh green beans trimmed
- sliced almonds toasted for extra crunch (optional)
- reduced fat feta cheese crumbled
- cooked quinoa cooled
- fresh raspberries
Instructions
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1. Prepare Chicken: In a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning mix for the marinade. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. Seal the bag (or cover the dish) and let the chicken marinate on the counter while you prepare the dressing and green beans (approximately 15-20 minutes). If you have more time, marinate in the refrigerator for up to an hour for deeper flavor.
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2. Make Dressing: Combine all Basil Vinaigrette ingredients (apple cider vinegar, honey, olive oil, garlic, fresh basil leaves, salt, and pepper) into a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and fully emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Set aside.
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3. Cook Green Beans: Bring about 2 inches of water to a boil in a medium-sized saucepan. Add a pinch of salt to the water, then add the trimmed fresh green beans. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until the beans are crisp-tender and still retain a slight bite. Immediately drain the hot water and transfer the cooked green beans into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant green color. Once completely cooled, drain thoroughly and set aside.
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4. Grill Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, discarding any excess marinade. Grill the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. You can baste the chicken with a little extra fresh marinade (ensure it hasn’t touched raw chicken) during grilling for added flavor. Alternatively, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop or pan-sear the chicken until fully cooked. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips or cubes. This resting period helps retain the juices and keeps the chicken tender.
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5. Assemble Salad Bowls: In individual salad bowls, artfully arrange the ingredients. Create a visually appealing “pie effect” or separate sections (as shown in the accompanying pictures) by placing portions of cooked quinoa, fresh raspberries, sliced almonds, crumbled feta cheese, cooled green beans, sliced grilled chicken, and a generous bed of Earthbound Farm Kale Italia greens. The goal is to have a little bit of everything in each section for a balanced presentation and easy enjoyment.
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6. Serve & Enjoy: Just before serving, generously drizzle the homemade basil vinaigrette over each salad bowl. Toss gently if desired, or let each diner mix their own to their preference. Serve immediately and savor the delightful combination of flavors and textures in this healthy, satisfying meal!
Tips for Success & Meal Prep
To make this vibrant salad bowl a regular and effortless part of your healthy routine, consider incorporating a few smart tips for efficiency and ease. You can cook the quinoa and blanch the green beans a day or two in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The delicious basil vinaigrette can also be prepared ahead of time and stored in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen even further. For the protein, grill a larger batch of chicken at the beginning of the week and portion it out for quick assembly throughout. This strategic meal prep can save you significant time during busy weekdays and ensure you always have a delicious, nutritious, and ready-to-assemble meal at your fingertips, making healthy eating a sustainable and enjoyable habit.
Health Benefits of This Power-Packed Salad
This grilled chicken, quinoa, and kale salad bowl isn’t just incredibly delicious; it’s a powerhouse of essential nutrition designed to fuel your body and keep you feeling vibrant. The tender grilled chicken provides a generous serving of lean protein, which is crucial for muscle repair, growth, and prolonged satiety, helping you stay full longer. Quinoa stands out as a complete protein source, offering all nine essential amino acids, alongside a rich supply of dietary fiber and various vital minerals like magnesium and iron. The Earthbound Farm Kale Italia mix is a nutrient-dense blend, abundant in vitamins K, A, and C, as well as powerful antioxidants that support overall cellular health. Fresh raspberries contribute a burst of natural sweetness, along with additional fiber and antioxidants. Sliced almonds deliver healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, and a satisfying crunch. Even the crisp green beans add a good dose of vitamins (like Vitamin C and K) and fiber. This thoughtfully crafted combination ensures you’re getting a well-rounded meal that not only tastes fantastic but also provides sustained energy, supports a healthy metabolism, and contributes to your overall well-being.
If you loved this healthy and satisfying salad, you might enjoy these other delicious options:
17 Healthy Salad Recipes you Need to Try:
Easy Greek Salad with Homemade Dressing
Southwest Orzo Salad Recipe
This post is proudly sponsored by Earthbound Farm. Rest assured, all thoughts, opinions, and original content shared here are authentically mine and reflect my genuine experience with their fantastic products.