American Harvest Chicken and Quinoa Salad Bowl
A crisp, refreshing salad bowl featuring tender chicken breast, juicy sweet apple slices, and toasted walnuts over a fluffy bed of quinoa and mixed greens. Tossed in a light, heart-healthy apple cider vinaigrette.
Prep
15 min
Cook
15 min
Total
30 min
Makes
1 serving
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Maria + Lila
Maria created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthComfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
Everyday strength
Support the basics consistently
A nourishing meal supports the protein, energy and overall nutrition that help you keep showing up for daily movement.
Notice: energy for movement
Well-nourished skin
Support from the whole plate
Regular meals with enough protein, plants and fats support overall nourishment. Think consistency, not one miracle ingredient.
Notice: consistency + hydration
Digestive comfort
A portion that works for you
Fiber and plants can support digestion, but more is not always better overnight. Start with a comfortable portion and build gradually.
Notice: comfort + portion
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
15 min
Cook
15 min
Total
30 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Large skillet · Whisk · Knife and cutting board
Time saver
Meal Prep Friendly: You can cook the chicken and quinoa up to 3 days in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 8 steps complete
Next: If your chicken breast is not already…
- 01
If your chicken breast is not already…
If your chicken breast is not already cooked, heat a small skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breast with a pinch of black pepper, place it in the skillet, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink in the middle. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
Look for: it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink in the middle
Tap card to mark done - 02
Whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil
In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and dijon mustard until the dressing is fully emulsified and slightly thickened.
Look for: the dressing is fully emulsified and slightly thickened
Tap card to mark done - 03
Wash and dry the red apple
Wash and dry the red apple, remove the core, and slice one-half of the apple into thin, bite-sized wedges.
Tap card to mark done - 04
Finely slice the celery stalk into thin…
Finely slice the celery stalk into thin crescents.
Tap card to mark done - 05
Combine the mixed salad greens
In a large serving bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cooked quinoa, celery slices, and apple wedges.
Tap card to mark done - 06
Arrange the sliced chicken breast on top…
Arrange the sliced chicken breast on top of the salad.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
Tap card to mark done - 07
Scatter the chopped walnut halves over the…
Scatter the chopped walnut halves over the bowl as a crunchy garnish.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
Tap card to mark done - 08
Drizzle the apple cider vinaigrette evenly over…
Drizzle the apple cider vinaigrette evenly over the salad right before serving, and toss gently to combine.
Tap card to mark done
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