Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds ground chicken
1/2 cup quinoa, uncooked
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, or omitted for a vegan option)
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups cooked quinoa
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
2 cups baby spinach
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
julienne of 1 lemon (for serving)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, quinoa, Parmesan (if using), parsley, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined, but avoid overworking the mixture.
Form the mixture into 12 meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through and lightly golden.
While the meatballs cook, prepare the quinoa base: in a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and spinach. Set aside.
To make the garlic-lemon vinaigrette: In a small bowl, mix together lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic until well combined. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed.
Once the meatballs are done, add them to the quinoa mixture and drizzle with the garlic-lemon vinaigrette.
Serve the bowl topped with lemon slices and optional feta cheese for a creamy finish.
Notes
The recipe is highly customizable. You can substitute quinoa with brown rice, couscous, or cauliflower rice.
To make it vegan, omit the Parmesan and feta cheese and use a vegan alternative if desired.
The meatballs can be made in advance and reheated in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.
Add your favorite hot sauce to the vinaigrette for an extra kick.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: High Protein Meals
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Balanced
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
