This Quinoa Salad is a quick and easy, healthy dinner idea, with a little mojito taste! Great for Summer time grilling!
I had some totally witty opening line about going to Miami tomorrow.
And how I was getting in the mood by eating tropical themed foods.
Then I realized that you guys would totally not buy that, because I already live in Florida.
It’s kind of like being on a tropical vacation every day, so I don’t really need to get in the mood.
And now you hate me for rubbing that in
Remember these banana vanilla orange smoothies though? You’re all invited to my tropical apartment.
We ARE going to Miami tomorrow for “Blog Her Food.” If you’re a food blogger, you know what this is. If you’re not, it’s a big food blogging conference where we all get to go hang out and have fun together.
I’m pretty excited!
Mr. FFF and I are going to stay a few extra days and make it a little vacay. So, if I’m MIA, you know why.
You know the best part of this story-that-actually-isn’t-a-story-I-just-felt-like-calling-it-that?
I haven’t even started to pack. UGH. My life. I always do things that I don’t need to do.
Liiiiike bake 42 billion gluten free cupcakes, eat all the cupcakes, and then fall into a cupcake coma and forget to pack.
I can’t confirm or deny that is a real scenario though. I’m leaning towards “it is” though
Please tell me ya’ll also put the procrastinate in procrastinators too? Whatever that means.
Moving on.
Quinoa Salad/bowls/I-don’t-really-know-what-to-call-it-except-yum. Right.
This dinner is brought to you by long Wednesdays where I really just want a mojito for dinner, but Mr. FFF say’s that’s not an acceptable dinner, and I will probably have some in Miami, so MAYBE I should eat some real food.
That man and his logical-ness. Can’t handle it.
But, you guys, these Quinoa salad/bowl things are going to blow your taste buds right out of the water (Which I’m not really sure that they should be there anyway, so you’re welcome.)
The smokey, grill-y chicken and the sweet..umm..pinapple-y? Pineapple is balanced with the perfect CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH from some macadamia nuts. Ya’ll know how I feel about the crunch. I <3 it.
Plus, there’s the easiest marinade in the world – honey, lime juice, and mint. SO PHRESH. SO TANGY.
I’ll stop.
Even if you hate me and my life adventures in Palm Tree land remember these 2 facts:
- I grew up in Canada, I did my time in igloos. (I might be lying about igloos)
- Make these for dinner and you’ll totally think you’re sitting on a beach in the sunshine state.
TIME TO PACK….Maybe.
PROCRASTINATORS UNITE….tomorrow.
Quinoa Salad With Pineapple Mojito Chicken {Gluten Free, Low Fat, High Protein}
Ingredients
- For the marinade:
- Juice of 2 large limes
- 1 Tbsp Fresh mint Roughly chopped
- 1 Tbsp Honey
- Pinch of salt
- 2 lb Small Chicken breasts 1/2 a
- For the quinoa salad:
- 1 tsp Coconut oil
- 1/2 Cup uncooked quinoa
- 1 Cup water
- 2/3 Cup White onion chopped (about 1/2 a small onion)
- 4 Pineapple rings
- 3 Tbsp Packed Cilantro roughly chopped
- 2 Tsp Fresh mint finely diced
- 2 Tbsp Coconut flakes toasted *
- 2 Tbsp pineapple juice
- 1/2 an avocado sliced
- 2 Tbsp toasted macadamia nuts *
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the lime juice, mint, honey and a pinch of salt. Add the chicken in a cover with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours - overnight.
- To make the quinoa:
- Heat 1 tsp of coconut oil on med/high heat in a medium pan. Toast the uncooked quinoa until lightly golden and nutty smelly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour the toasted quinoa into a large pot and combine with water. Bring to a boil on high heat, and then cover and turn to low heat, until the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
- Heat your grill up to medium/high heat and cook grill your chicken until it is no longer pink throughout, about 4-6 minutes a side depending on how hot your grill is. Cover the chicken and set aside to let it rest.
- Turn the heat up on your grill to high heat, and cook the sliced onions and pineapple rings until they have a nice char, about 1-2 minutes per side. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chopped cilantro, mint, coconut flakes, and pineapple juice. Season to taste with salt and toss until well mixed.
- Divide the quinoa between two bowls and top with avocado, grilled onions and pineapple, toasted macadamia nuts and a chicken breast.
- DEVOUR
Recipe Notes
If you're not sure how to to toast coconut flakes and macadamia nuts, I put them in a 400 degree oven on a tinfoil lined pan. Coconut flakes only take 2-3 minutes to go lightly golden, macadamia nuts take closer to 10 minutes. Be sure to watch closely so you don't burn them.Want more Quinoa?
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
I am in love with quinoa and am always looking for new ways to use it, so this recipe is right up my alley! This flavor combination looks amazing, especially with pineapple added in. Pinned!
Taylor Kiser says
Thanks so much Gayle! If you’re a quinoa fan, this is for you!
Cate O'Malley says
I love bowl recipes because it makes weeknight dinners a breeze – you had me at avocado.
Taylor Kiser says
Right?! So easy! Thanks Cate! 🙂
Anne-Marie @ This Mama Cooks! On a Diet says
Love the quinoa bowls. I’m laughing at them, because my husband and I would eat them up! And our children would sit there and scream, “Ew!” They hate pineapple and quinoa and the boy hates chicken. Fine, more for us!
Have a wonderful time at BlogHer Food!
Taylor Kiser says
Haha, exactly! More for you! I like the way you think 🙂
Thank you!!
Christie - Food Done Light says
I’m right with you about procrastinating. I haven’t packed yet either. I really need to get on it. This looks like the perfect dinner when you need a quick meal especially when you still need to pack! Time is running out. Looking forward to meeting everyone.
Taylor Kiser says
Haha exactly my thoughts!! Looking forward to meeting you!!
kristy @ the wicked noodle says
I love quinoa bowls, these look unique & delicious! Have a great time in Miami!
Taylor Kiser says
Thank you so much Kristy! I shall!
Christine from Cook the Story says
The fixings of a perfectly healthy lunch or dinner. PURE love!
Taylor Kiser says
Thank you lovely lady! 🙂
Layla @ Brunch Time Baker says
This bowl looks so good. I can’t even imagine how great the flavor combination tastes on the palate!
Taylor Kiser says
Thanks so much Layla!
Sherri Jo says
This is the perfect meal for me 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
Yay! Thanks Sherri!
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
SO creative!! I love pineapple with chicken. Pinned!
Taylor Kiser says
Thanks lovely lady!! 🙂
Shashi @ RunninSrilankan says
Cupcakes???? Hold up girl – I am on my way to help you eat those “42 billion cupcakes” – you should not be eating that many alone BEFORE a food blogger convention – you don’t wanna be filled up on cupcakes and skip out on the goodies they will have there!
Speaking of goodies – good gawsh – toasted quinoa and grilled pinapple and onions…I cannot even…no words…just drool!!!
I so wanted to go to BlogHer Food – but my daughter has finals 🙁 Are you gonna make it to Techmunch or Bloggy Boot Camp in Atlanta? Please say yes!
Have a wonderful and safe trip and thank you again sweet lady for your encouraging email and ALL your tips! Looking forward to several recap posts of what I will be missing… 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
Haha Truth! I’ll stop at 40 billion and save you 2 billion…deal? 😉
That is SO lame you won’t be at BHF, I would have loved to meet you!! I am not planning on any of those, but I will look into them, as I seriously would love to have some Shashi time! 🙂
OF COURSE! I like helping! And thank you!! 🙂 xoxo
Alyssa {Cake, Crust, and Sugar Dust} says
This would make such a fresh, healthy dinner! Love things like this when the weather is warming up in Wisconsin (totally jealous of your Florida sunshine)…have so much fun at Blog Her!
Taylor Kiser says
Oh, WI! My hubbies fam is there…it’s cold!! I’m coming there this Summer!
Thanks lady!
Meagan @ A Zesty Bite says
Love this bowl of goodness. See you in Miami.
Taylor Kiser says
Yay! See you soon – thanks girl!
Leah Davis says
Yum!! Look at all that summery, healthy, tropical deliciousness 🙂 I feel your procrastination pain and I’m not sure if this is good or bad, but my husband likes to be early. Not on time, but early. So, 95% of the time, he is waiting on me while I am standing in my closet trying to decide what to bring. I’ve tried!! Maybe he will be a good influence over the years? Anyway – this recipe sounds great and have a fabulous time at the conference!!
Taylor Kiser says
Haha, I used to be that way! Then I met my husband, and he is SO chill, that now I just suck at being ready for things. I hope yours goes in the opposite way! And thank you!
Rok Jurca (ROKCO) says
I realy didn’t know how to describe the filing i had while reading this recipe. Tropical blast maybe or maybe crunchy nutty tasty… i don’t know. It realy looks awesome. So many flavors and the presentation is wooow. Bravo.
Taylor Kiser says
Haha I love all your descriptions!! Thank you so much! 🙂
Polly @ Tasty Food Project says
First off all, I thought that igloo joke was hilarious! I have a cousin that lives in Toronto and she jokes about how some people have misperceptions about Canada.
Anyway, I love how this recipe includes grilled pineapples! Pineapples always reminds me of summer, which I’m really looking forward to. Thanks for sharing this!
Taylor Kiser says
Haha! I am SO glad you got that it was a joke! 🙂
Right? Grilled pineapple is my favorite ever! Thanks Polly! 😀
Danae @ Recipe Runner says
I’m so jealous of you and all the other food bloggers going to Miami this weekend! Can’t wait to see everyone’s pictures. These bowls look fabulous! Fresh, tropical, and full of crunch (a favorite of mine as well), perfect for summer!
Taylor Kiser says
Thank you Danae! I am very excited – wish you were coming!!
Meg @ The Housewife in Training Files says
I needdddd this bowl in my life! Also I need/should have signed up for the BlogHer conference! Not jealous or anything, but apparently the Mr. didn’t think it was necessary as we have this thing called a wedding in 2 months. Boo on him. BUT have soooo much fun!
Taylor Kiser says
Boo on men! Thanks girlfriend!!!
Erin L says
All of the quinoa recipes look AMAZING!!! Love the quinoa with pineapple (minus the chicken though) but everything looks great! This popped up on my google account and thought yum! So exciting to see someone else who shares recipes, fitness, AND faith!!
Taylor Kiser says
Thank you so much! I’m excited to meet someone else who shares the same interests also! 🙂
Erin L says
Absolutely! It’s always nice to find someone else who is vocal about their faith and the recipes you’ve posted, well I’m just going to have to try them! (ps any advice for a new blogger?)
Taylor Kiser says
Thank you!! Send me an email and then I’ll respond when I get back from Miami with tips! xoxo
Mijita says
Not a question, just a comment: I have noticed that on other blogs you always end each comment with “Pinned!” you must have a really huge pinterest board haha!
Taylor Kiser says
Haha yep! Blogging is all about building community and sharing others works 🙂
Marlys (This and That) says
This sound awesome.. and I was just in Florida and have also done my time in Canada with igloos :)… but need to keep moving more south.. I am just across the border now. Pinning this.
Taylor Kiser says
Thank you so much! 🙂
CakePants says
Oh my gosh, this looks AMAZING. So many flavors that I adore, all combined in one meal? I’m sold! I love macadamia nuts, but rarely buy them because I don’t have many recipes that call for them, so I just end up scarfing them down by the handful. Can’t wait to try this though!
Taylor Kiser says
I feel the same about macadamias! love them, but don’t buy them often and then just face plant into a bag! I hope you love this! And thanks!
Laura @ Laura's Culinary Adventures says
This looks so fresh and delicious! I adore tropical fruits, so I’m a little envious that you live in Florida 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
Thanks Laura! I have a spare room! 😉
Kim @ Hungry Healthy Girl says
I’m loving the looks of this salad and it seems so easy, if you’re already grilling out. I’ve been obsessed with pineapple lately, so I can’t wait to give this a try. Hope you’re having fun at Blog Her Food!
Taylor Kiser says
Exactly! It’s easy, and grilled pineapple is THE BEST! Let me know if you try it please! And, thanks – it was SO much fun!
Linda Warren says
This recipe sounds tropical and delicious. Love that it is gluten free and has one of my favorite ingredients in it – quinoa! Wish I could have joined all at the conference since I also live in Florida but couldn’t make it due to prior commitments. Thanks for sharing on Showcase Your Talent Thursday.
Taylor Kiser says
Oh man, such a bummer that you couldn’t make it out! Thanks for the recipe love and for hosting the party though! 🙂
torreyayo says
This looks and sounds delicious. But….I must ask…did you season the chicken before marinating?? Whenever I try a recipe for the first time I like to stick to the script as much as possible before tweaking to my taste. However, I’m always reluctant to NOT season meat. 🙂 Sometimes it works out just fine taste-wise….other times it turns out bland.
Taylor Kiser says
I added a little bit of salt to the marinade, and then I always just season the final dish to taste with salt (I tend to like a lot of salt!) I’ll have to write that in the recipe! 😀
Laura MacKenzie-Ward says
I made this the other night – it was absolutely gorgeous!!!! Loved every bite 🙂 I just wondered if you knew what the calorie count was for this meal?
Taylor Kiser says
Hi Laura! YAY! I am so glad you loved it! Unfortunately, I don’t. I recently started adding nutrition info to my recipes, but this was before that time! Please feel free to put it into my fitness pal, or another calorie counter! I would, but I am actually on vacation and don’t have much computer time – so sorry!