Lunch recipe · from the recipe book
Lemony Chicken, Kale and Quinoa Chopped Salad
Crisp romaine and tender massaged kale tossed with warm herby chicken, nutty quinoa, crunchy almonds and a bright lemon olive oil dressing.

- Skillet
- 40 min · 35 min hands-on
- Serves 4
- Gluten-free
- 31–45 g carbs
- Protein 30 g+
- Fiber 6 g+
- Sodium 600 mg or less
Ingredients
- 1 lb500 gChicken breast, boneless skinlesscut into 1/2-inch pieces
- ⅔ cup120 gQuinoa, dryrinsed
- 1 cup240 gWater
- 6⅓ cups chopped300 gRomaine lettucechopped
- 5¾ cups chopped120 gKalestems removed, finely chopped
- 2 medium120 gCarrotsdiced
- 1 medium180 gApplediced
- ⅓ cup whole50 gAlmondschopped
- ⅓ cup grated30 gGrated Parmesan
- 1½ lemons, juiced70 gLemon juice
- 2 tsp4 gLemon zest
- ¼ cup50 gOlive oil
- 2 cloves6 gGarlicminced
- 2 tsp10 gYellow mustard
- 1½ tsp10 gHoney
- 1 tsp1 gDried thyme
- ½ tsp3 gSalt
- ½ tsp1 gBlack pepper
Steps
- Bring the quinoa and water to a boil in a small pot, cover, and simmer on low for 15 minutes; rest 5 minutes covered, fluff, and spread on a plate to cool.
- Make the dressing while the quinoa cooks: whisk the lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, mustard, honey, half of the salt and half of the black pepper, then whisk in 40 g of the olive oil (keep the remaining 10 g for the skillet).
- Put the kale in a large bowl, add 2 tablespoons of the dressing, and massage with your hands for 1 to 2 minutes until it softens and darkens.
- Season the chicken with the thyme, the remaining salt and the remaining black pepper.
- Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken, stirring now and then, for 6 to 8 minutes until browned and it reaches 165°F (74°C) inside; let it cool slightly.
- Toast the almonds in the same skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant, then tip them out.
- Add the romaine, carrot, apple, cooled quinoa and chicken to the bowl with the kale.
- Pour on the rest of the dressing and toss well, then scatter the almonds and parmesan over the top and serve.
Contains: Milk, Tree nuts.
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Saved in the Every Helping recipe book on October 24, 2026.
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