For a delightful 3-year anniversary dinner that’s both romantic and satisfying, consider preparing a **Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken** served with **Quinoa Salad** and paired with a **Chardonnay** or a refreshing **Lemonade**. Here’s how you can create this beautiful meal:
### Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
#### Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
#### Instructions:
1. **Marinate the Chicken**: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for more flavor).
2. **Grill**: Preheat your grill (or grill pan) over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear.
3. **Serve**: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zest.
### Quinoa Salad
#### Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- ¼ red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
#### Instructions:
1. **Cook the Quinoa**: In a pan, combine quinoa and water or broth. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes, or until quinoa is fluffy and water is absorbed.
2. **Mix the Salad**: In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley.
3. **Dressing**: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad and toss to combine.
4. **Serve**: The quinoa salad can be served cold or at room temperature alongside the grilled chicken.
### Final Touch
Consider setting the table with candles and soft music for an extra romantic ambiance.
### Enjoy!
This meal isn’t just delicious; it also provides a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and whole grains, making it a healthy choice for your celebration. Happy anniversary!