Description
A vibrant, nutrient-packed bowl featuring Thai-inspired flavors with grilled chicken, colorful vegetables, quinoa, and a creamy peanut dressing. This balanced meal is perfect for healthy lunches or light dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Salad:
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 2 cups shredded purple cabbage
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cucumber, diced
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ¼ cup chopped roasted peanuts
- For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup natural peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 2–3 tbsp water (to thin)
- Optional Garnishes:
- Lime wedges
- Red pepper flakes
- Extra chopped peanuts
Instructions
- Cook Quinoa: Bring water/broth to boil. Add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with fork.
- Prepare Chicken: Rub chicken with olive oil, garlic powder and ginger. Grill or pan-sear 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice.
- Make Dressing: Whisk all dressing ingredients except water until smooth. Gradually add water until desired consistency is reached.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide quinoa among bowls. Top with chicken, cabbage, bell pepper, carrots, cucumber, cilantro and green onions.
- Serve: Drizzle with peanut dressing and garnish with chopped peanuts. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
- For meal prep: Store components separately for up to 4 days
- Vegetarian option: Substitute chicken with baked tofu or chickpeas
- Spice it up: Add 1 tsp sriracha to the dressing
- Can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time
- For extra crunch: Add wonton strips or crispy shallots
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop/Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 65mg