Summer Recipe: Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa Salad


**Ingredients:**


**For the Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken:**

- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

- 1/4 cup olive oil

- 2 tablespoons lemon juice

- 2 teaspoons lemon zest

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

- Salt and pepper to taste


**For the Quinoa Salad:**

- 1 cup quinoa

- 2 cups water or gluten-free chicken broth

- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

- 1 cucumber, diced

- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

- Salt and pepper to taste


**Instructions:**


**1. Marinate the Chicken:**

  - In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

  - Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to 2 hours.


**2. Prepare the Quinoa Salad:**

  - Rinse the quinoa under cold water.

  - In a medium saucepan, bring the water or chicken broth to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let it cool.

  - In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and feta cheese (if using).

  - In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss to combine.


**3. Grill the Chicken:**

  - Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

  - Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side or until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks.

  - Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.


**4. Serve:**

  - Serve the grilled lemon herb chicken alongside the quinoa salad. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.


**Tips:**

- For added flavor, you can grill some lemon slices and serve them alongside the chicken.

- Feel free to add other fresh vegetables to the quinoa salad, such as bell peppers or avocado.


This grilled lemon herb chicken with quinoa salad is a light, flavorful, and gluten-free meal perfect for a summer day. Enjoy!