Grilled Summer Salad and Mediterranean Summer Salad

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• Mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or lettuce), about 4 cups
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1/4 cup of dried cranberries or raisins
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup of chickpeas or grilled halloumi cheese
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Quinoa: Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water. Cook in a pot with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until quinoa is fluffy. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
2. Grill the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a dash of olive oil. Grill on medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side or until cooked through and golden brown. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing to maintain juiciness.
3. Assemble the Grilled Summer Salad: In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, grilled chicken sliced into strips, cherry tomatoes, avocado, cucumber, red onion, mixed greens, and bell peppers. To enhance the vibrant flavors, add the optional dried cranberries or raisins.
4. Prepare the Grilled Summer Salad Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and balsamic vinegar. Drizzle over the salad and toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more lemon juice for acidity or olive oil for richness.
5. Mix the Mediterranean Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, and mixed greens. Add the sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper, richer flavor.
6. Add the Cheese and Pine Nuts to Mediterranean Salad: Fold in crumbled feta cheese and toasted pine nuts. The combination of creamy feta and crunchy pine nuts offers a delightful texture contrast.
7. Dress the Mediterranean Salad: Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano. Pour over the salad and toss well to ensure all ingredients are coated. Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together.
8. Finish and Serve Mediterranean Salad: Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately. For a finishing touch, sprinkle additional oregano or fresh basil over the top.