Spiced Chicken & Tomato Quinoa Salad
with Lime Crema & Cilantro Sauce
- Milk
When it comes to pork chops, we’re always looking for two things: a deeply browned crust and juicy, tender meat. Enter these Mexican-spiced pan-seared beauties. Two more things to love about this meal? Sauces–two of them!: a bright, tangy cilantro number that complements the rich meat, and a cooling lime crema. Add a fresh quinoa-tomato salad with crunchy pepitas and scallions and what more could you want? Oh, one more thing: This fab dinner idea cooks in just 30 minutes. :)
Ingredients
1 unit
Veggie Stock Concentrate
1.5 tablespoon
Sour Cream
(Contains: Milk)
½ cup
Quinoa
1 unit
Tomato
1 unit
Lime
10 ounce
Chicken Cutlets
2 unit
Scallions
1 tablespoon
Mexican Spice Blend
¼ ounce
Cilantro
½ ounce
Pepitas
Not included in your delivery
teaspoon (tsp)
Salt
4 tablespoon (tbsp)
Olive Oil
2 teaspoon (tsp)
Cooking Oil
teaspoon (tsp)
Black Pepper
Nutrition Values
Utensils
Cooking Steps
• In a small pot, bring ¾ cup salted water (1½ cups for 4 servings) to a boil. Stir in quinoa and stock concentrate; cover and reduce to a low simmer. Cook until quinoa is tender and liquid has absorbed, 15-20 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool for at least 5 minutes (you’ll finish the quinoa in Step 5).
• While quinoa cooks, wash and dry produce. • Zest and quarter lime. Finely chop cilantro. Trim and thinly slice scallions, separating whites from greens; mince whites. Dice tomato into ½-inch pieces.
• Pat pork dry with paper towels and season all over with half the Mexican Spice Blend (all for 4 servings), a big pinch of salt, and pepper. • Heat a large drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add pork and cook until browned and cooked through, 4-6 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board to rest for 5 minutes.
Swap in chicken or organic chicken for pork; cook until browned and cooked through, 3-5 minutes per side.
• While pork cooks, in a small bowl, combine sour cream, half the lime zest, and salt. Add water 1 tsp at a time until mixture reaches a drizzling consistency. • In a separate small bowl, combine cilantro, scallion whites, 1 tsp olive oil (2 tsp for 4 servings), juice from one lime wedge (two wedges for 4), and as much remaining lime zest as you like. Season generously with salt and pepper. Taste and add more lime juice if desired.
• Stir tomato, scallion greens, pepitas, 1 TBSP olive oil (2 TBSP for 4 servings), juice from two lime wedges (four lime wedges for 4), and a pinch of salt and pepper into bowl with quinoa.
• Slice pork crosswise. • Divide pork and tomato quinoa salad between plates. Drizzle pork with lime crema and cilantro sauce. Serve with any remaining lime wedges on the side.
Slice chicken or organic chicken crosswise.
Chicken is fully cooked when internal temperature reaches 165°.
Customer reviews
Review summary
Updated on Feb 2026- Flavor: Many enjoyed the fresh, zesty flavors, especially the lime and cilantro. Some found it too acidic; adjust lime to taste 🍋.
- Ease of prep: Several noted longer prep time than expected. Consider prepping ingredients in advance for a smoother cooking experience.
- Suggestions: Add more spice for bolder flavor. Try incorporating garlic or avocado for extra depth and creaminess.
- Portions: Some found the portions light; consider doubling the quinoa or adding extra vegetables for a heartier meal.
- Quinoa tips: Many had trouble with quinoa cooking instructions. Use more water and extend cooking time for better results.
Reviews from our home cooks
The flavors seemed mismatched and overall, this was underwhelming. Organic chicken was great! Lime on quinoa was unnecessary... I personally enjoy the African rather than central American flavors on the quinoa.
Delicious but teeny tiny portion- we ate it in about 2 minutes or less and had to supplement with additional quinoa that I had in the pantry.
Pretty good! I thought the couscous wanted a little something and the onion was a bit much, but solid dish and the chicken was delicious.
Overall decent flavor and textures. Would have liked a bit more intensity to the spices or some heat.
One of us thought it was great; the other thought it was okay but unexciting. Portions were on the light side for sure.
Deeeeelicious! Amazing nutrient profile as well! A dish full of complete proteins! This will become a regular recipe in my kitchen.
Loved the flavors. We are always on the hunt for Calorie Smart and Carb Smart meals that are flavorful (not bland).
I really enjoyed the lime in this recipe. Gave it a very fresh flavor.
Cooking instructions for quinoa were misleading. Needed a lot more water and time.
Don't usually eat quinoa but this changed my POV on it
