Making Mediterranean Grilled Chicken with Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad can be efficient and straightforward. Follow these easy steps:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
– In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
– Add chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge for more flavor).

2. Prepare the Quinoa:
– In a medium pot, bring chicken or vegetable broth to a boil.
– Stir in rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until quinoa is fluffy and liquid is absorbed.
– Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

3. Cook the Chicken:
– Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
– Grill marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
– Once done, remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.

4. Assemble the Salad:
– In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, mint, and feta cheese (if using).
– In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the quinoa salad and toss gently to combine.

5. Serve:
– Plate sliced grilled chicken alongside a generous serving of lemon herb quinoa salad.
– For an extra touch, garnish with herbs or lemon wedges.

These step-by-step instructions will guide you in creating this delightful Mediterranean dish with ease.