15+ Easy High Protein Salads for Meal Prep | Protein Meals for Runners, Pre-Workout Meals, Meal Prep for Runners

Why Make This Recipe

High-protein salads are perfect for anyone looking to boost their protein intake while enjoying delicious and fresh ingredients. They are ideal for runners or anyone who needs quick and nutritious meals. This recipe is easy to prepare and great for meal prep, making it a go-to option for busy days.

How to Make Chicken Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa and shredded chicken.
2. Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese. Mix well.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour it over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
5. Enjoy your healthy chicken quinoa salad!

How to Serve Chicken Quinoa Salad

Serve the chicken quinoa salad in bowls or on plates. It can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. This salad makes a great lunch or dinner option. You can also serve it with additional lemon wedges for extra flavor.

How to Store Chicken Quinoa Salad

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for about 3 days. If you are meal prepping, consider keeping the dressing separate until you are ready to eat to keep ingredients fresh.

Tips to Make Chicken Quinoa Salad

• Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
• Feel free to swap fresh vegetables based on your preference.
• Add nuts or seeds like almonds or sunflower seeds for extra crunch and protein.

Variation

You can add different proteins to this salad like chickpeas or black beans for a vegetarian option. Try different dressings as well, such as balsamic vinaigrette or tahini dressing for a new flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve.

2. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is gluten-free as long as the quinoa is certified gluten-free.

3. Can I freeze this salad?

It is not recommended to freeze this salad as the vegetables may become mushy when thawed. However, you can freeze the cooked quinoa and chicken separately if needed.

Chicken Quinoa Salad

This high-protein chicken quinoa salad is easy to prepare and packed with fresh ingredients, making it a nutritious meal option for busy days.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: Healthy, Mediterranean

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled Optional ingredient.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa and shredded chicken.
2. Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese. Mix well.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour it over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve the salad cold or at room temperature. It makes a great lunch or dinner option, and you can serve it with additional lemon wedges for extra flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate if meal prepping.