Chicken and Quinoa Salad
Chicken and Quinoa Salad is a protein-rich main course salad made with tender steamed chicken breast, fluffy quinoa, garlic, oregano and a zesty citrus dressing. The Thermomix TM7 cooks the quinoa and chicken to precise doneness while emulsifying the dressing, giving you a fresh, satisfying salad with minimal effort and washing up.
About this recipe
Chicken and Quinoa Salad with the Thermomix TM7 is the answer for anyone searching for healthy chicken recipes that deliver real flavour without hours in the kitchen. This protein-packed main course salad brings together air-chilled boneless chicken breasts, nutty quinoa, garlic, dried oregano, chili flakes and fresh citrus juice in one harmonious bowl. The all-in-one kitchen machine shines here: the Varoma gently steams the chicken to succulent tenderness while the quinoa simmers beneath, absorbing every aromatic note. A quick blast in the mixing bowl turns garlic, chili, oregano and juice into a vibrant, silky dressing that clings to every grain. Ideal as a quick weeknight dinner or a make-ahead lunchbox hero, this salad tastes even better the next day once the flavours have mingled. If you love meal prep recipes that stay fresh and satisfying, this Thermomix TM7 chicken and quinoa combination will quickly become a regular in your weekly menu.
Preparation tips
- Let the steamed chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute, keeping the breast beautifully moist rather than watery on top of your quinoa.
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly in a fine sieve before cooking to remove its natural bitter coating, which makes the grains taste noticeably cleaner and nuttier in the finished salad.
- Dress the quinoa while it is still slightly warm so it absorbs the citrus and oregano flavours; add the chicken and fresh herbs only just before serving for the best texture.
Recipe variations
- Make it vegetarian by replacing the chicken breast with steamed chickpeas and grilled halloumi; the quinoa, garlic and citrus dressing work exactly the same and the salad stays protein-rich.
- For a Mediterranean summer version, add diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives and crumbled feta to the chicken and quinoa base, and finish with extra lemon juice and oregano.
Thermomix TM7 Benefits
- Precise weighing in the TM7 bowl measures the quinoa and water ratio to the gram, guaranteeing fluffy, never soggy grains every time. [Precision Control]
- The Thermomix grinds the dried oregano and peppercorns fresh, releasing far more aroma than store-bought pre-ground seasoning in this salad. [Multi-Function]
- With the Varoma attached, the TM7 steams the chicken breasts gently while the quinoa cooks below, saving time and one pan. [Time Savings]
- The Thermomix chops the garlic cloves uniformly fine in seconds, so the dressing distributes its flavour evenly without harsh raw bits. [Multi-Function]
- Gentle heating by the TM7 warms the citrus dressing just enough to mellow the chili flakes into a rounded, silky emulsion. [Multi-Function]
Ingredients
- orange
- garlic cloves
- dried oregano
- salt
- black peppercorns
- dried red chili flakes
- orange juice
- honey
- chicken breasts, air-chilled, boneless and skinless
- extra virgin olive oil