Looking for a fresh, vibrant, and protein-packed salad that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious? This Spinach Salad with Quinoa, Chicken, and Fresh Berries is the perfect blend of flavor and health. Tender grilled chicken, fluffy quinoa, sweet juicy berries, and crisp spinach come together in a colorful dish that’s ideal for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. It’s a simple yet impressive recipe that celebrates seasonal ingredients and delivers a burst of taste in every bite.
Spinach Salad with Quinoa, Chicken & Fresh Berries: A Nutrient-Packed Delight
Looking for a salad that’s not just light and refreshing, but also filling and nourishing? This Spinach Salad with Quinoa, Chicken & Fresh Berries checks all the boxes. It’s a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings together sweet, savory, and tangy notes—all in one healthy bowl. Whether you’re focused on clean eating, meal prepping, or just looking for a wholesome meal idea, this salad is a perfect fit.
🥬 A Balance of Flavors and Textures
What makes this salad stand out is its perfect harmony of ingredients. The tender grilled chicken offers lean protein, quinoa adds a nutty and hearty base, and the spinach brings a fresh, slightly earthy flavor. Add in juicy strawberries and blueberries, and you get natural sweetness that beautifully contrasts the savory components.
💪 Full of Nutritional Goodness
This salad isn’t just tasty—it’s a powerhouse of nutrients. Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and antioxidants. Quinoa provides complete plant-based protein and fiber, making it both filling and digestion-friendly. The berries are loaded with antioxidants, while chicken adds satisfying protein to keep you energized and full longer.
⏱️ Quick, Easy, and Meal-Prep Friendly
Busy day? No problem. This salad comes together in under 30 minutes and stores well for meal prepping. You can batch-cook the quinoa and chicken in advance, then toss everything together when you’re ready to eat. It’s an excellent go-to for work lunches, light dinners, or even as a colorful addition to a picnic or potluck.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Spinach Berry Quinoa Salad
The magic of this salad lies in the freshness and balance of its ingredients. Each component is chosen to offer a combination of flavor, texture, and nutrition that turns a simple salad into a satisfying and crave-worthy meal. Here’s everything you’ll need:
🥬 Fresh Baby Spinach
Spinach forms the leafy green base of this salad. Opt for baby spinach for a tender bite and mild flavor. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals and pairs perfectly with both sweet and savory ingredients.
🍓 Assorted Fresh Berries
Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries bring natural sweetness, juicy texture, and a burst of color. Not only do they add vibrant flavor, but they’re also loaded with antioxidants and immune-boosting nutrients.
🍗 Grilled Chicken Breast
Lean and flavorful, grilled chicken breast provides the protein needed to make this salad a filling and complete meal. Slice it thin for even distribution and easy bites.
🍚 Cooked Quinoa
Quinoa adds a satisfying, slightly nutty texture and is a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. Be sure to cook it ahead and let it cool before mixing into your salad.
🧀 Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
To customize your salad, consider adding:
- Crumbled goat cheese or feta for creaminess and tang
- Chopped nuts like pecans or slivered almonds for crunch
- Sliced avocado for healthy fats and creaminess
- Dried cranberries for added sweetness and chew
🥣 Simple Homemade Dressing
A light vinaigrette brings everything together. A mix of olive oil, balsamic vinegar or lemon juice, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper makes the perfect sweet-savory drizzle.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make This Delicious Salad
This spinach salad with quinoa, chicken, and fresh berries is incredibly simple to put together, making it perfect for quick lunches or weeknight dinners. Just follow these steps to create a flavorful and nutritious dish in under 30 minutes.
1. Cook the Quinoa
- Rinse 1/2 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness.
- Boil with 1 cup of water and a pinch of salt.
- Simmer for 15 minutes, or until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Let it cool before adding to the salad for best texture.
Pro Tip: You can cook quinoa in advance and refrigerate it to save time.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken
- Season 1–2 chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a splash of olive oil.
- Grill or pan-sear on medium-high heat for about 6–7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips or cubes.
Optional: Marinate the chicken in lemon juice and herbs for extra flavor.
3. Wash and Prepare the Produce
- Rinse fresh spinach thoroughly and pat dry.
- Clean berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) and slice strawberries if large.
- Optional Add-ins: Dice avocado, crumble goat cheese, or toast some nuts.
4. Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine a generous handful of spinach with a serving of cooked quinoa.
- Top with sliced chicken, fresh berries, and any optional ingredients.
- Drizzle with your preferred dressing—balsamic vinaigrette or a honey-lemon mix work beautifully.
- Toss gently to coat everything evenly without bruising the greens.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve immediately for peak freshness.
- If prepping ahead, store components separately and assemble just before eating to maintain texture.
Why This Spinach Salad Is a Healthy Powerhouse
This isn’t just a delicious salad—it’s a smart, nutrient-dense choice that fuels your body with everything it needs. Each ingredient plays a vital role in making this salad a balanced meal that supports energy, immunity, and overall wellness.
🌿 Spinach: The Green Superfood
Spinach is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium, and vitamin K. It’s also an excellent source of antioxidants and plant compounds that help reduce inflammation and support heart health. Low in calories and high in fiber, spinach is perfect for digestion and weight management.
🍚 Quinoa: Complete Plant-Based Protein
Unlike many grains, quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids your body needs. It’s also high in fiber, which helps stabilize blood sugar levels and keeps you feeling full longer. Plus, it’s gluten-free and easy to digest.
🍗 Chicken: Lean and Satisfying
Grilled chicken breast adds a lean source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair, metabolism, and sustained energy. It helps make this salad more filling and satisfying, especially for those on a low-carb or high-protein diet.
🍓 Berries: Antioxidant-Rich and Naturally Sweet
Fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and anthocyanins, which combat free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic disease. Their natural sweetness also helps cut back on the need for sugary dressings or additives.
🧴 Healthy Fats and Extras
Optional ingredients like avocado, nuts, or a homemade olive oil-based vinaigrette add heart-healthy fats that support brain function, reduce inflammation, and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K from the salad greens.
Tips, Variations & Serving Suggestions
This salad is incredibly versatile, making it easy to tweak based on what you have on hand or your dietary needs. Whether you’re meal-prepping, entertaining, or just craving a fresh meal, these tips and ideas will help you get the most out of every bite.
✅ Helpful Tips for the Best Results
- Cool quinoa before mixing to prevent wilting the spinach.
- Slice chicken thinly for even distribution and easier eating.
- Layer ingredients instead of tossing if prepping ahead to keep textures fresh.
- Dress just before serving to avoid soggy greens.
🔄 Easy Variations to Try
- Make it vegetarian: Swap chicken for chickpeas, tofu, or roasted sweet potatoes.
- Try a different grain: Replace quinoa with farro, couscous, or wild rice for a heartier version.
- Use different greens: Mix in arugula, kale, or romaine for texture and flavor variety.
- Change up the berries: Use blackberries, pomegranate seeds, or dried cranberries.
🍴 Creative Serving Suggestions
- Perfect lunchbox meal: Store dressing separately and assemble right before eating.
- Serve as a side salad: Great with grilled salmon, steak, or even a hearty soup.
- Elegant starter: Plate smaller portions with a drizzle of balsamic reduction for a fancy dinner.
- Add crunch: Sprinkle with toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or homemade croutons for texture.
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