10-Minute Acne & Diabetes-Friendly Grilled Chicken Quinoa Salad Recipe

Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:
1. 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2. 1 cup quinoa
3. 2 cups water
4. 1 medium zucchini, sliced
5. 1 red bell pepper, chopped
6. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
7. 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
8. 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
9. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
10. Salt and pepper to taste
11. 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
12. 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
13. 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)

Instructions:
1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
2. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked through. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
3. In a large bowl, combine the sliced zucchini, chopped red bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper, tossing to coat. Grill the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are slightly charred and tender.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, apple cider vinegar, oregano, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
5. In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, grilled vegetables, sliced chicken, and fresh basil. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently to combine. Garnish with pine nuts if using.
6. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator before serving.

Servings: 4

Kcal: Approximately 350 kcal per serving

Benefits:
1. **Low Glycemic Index and Low Carbohydrate**: This recipe is designed with diabetes and acne in mind, focusing on low glycemic index ingredients like quinoa, which is a complex carbohydrate that helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels. The use of non-starchy vegetables and lean protein from chicken ensures a low carbohydrate content, which is beneficial for both conditions.
2. **Rich in Nutrients and Antioxidants**: Vegetables like zucchini, red bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are crucial for maintaining healthy skin and reducing inflammation. These antioxidants can help in managing acne by preventing oxidative stress.
3. **Healthy Fats**: Olive oil and pine nuts provide healthy fats, which are essential for heart health and can help in managing diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity. For acne sufferers, these healthy fats can support skin health without contributing to oil production.
4. **Protein Source**: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, important for blood sugar management as it has minimal impact on blood glucose levels. Protein is also vital for repairing skin tissues and can help in the healing process of acne-affected skin.
5. **Anti-inflammatory Properties**: Ingredients like fresh basil and apple cider vinegar have anti-inflammatory properties, beneficial for both diabetes and acne. Reducing inflammation can help in controlling acne breakouts and improving insulin resistance.
6. **No Dairy or Refined Sugars**: This recipe avoids the use of dairy and refined sugars, which are known to exacerbate acne and can have a negative impact on blood sugar levels.