Chicken Quinoa Salad is a healthy and refreshing meal packed with protein, fiber, and flavor. This recipe is easy to customize with your favorite ingredients and makes a great lunch or dinner option.
Hello, friend! Get ready to discover a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for those looking for a healthier option. This Chicken Quinoa Salad is not your average salad.
It is a delicious and filling dish packed with protein-rich chicken, fiber-rich quinoa, and a variety of fresh vegetables.
The best part?
You can customize it with your favorite ingredients to make it your own. So let’s get chopping and create a salad that is both tasty and good for you!
Utensils You Need:
Gather these tools to whip up this healthy and delicious salad:
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Large bowl
The Recipe
Chicken Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (or rotisserie chicken)
- 1 cucumber, diced
- ½ red onion, diced
- ½ cup chopped cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Dressing of your choice (vinaigrette, lemon-tahini, or honey mustard)
Instructions
- Combine quinoa and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until quinoa is cooked through and water is absorbed.
- Fluff quinoa with a fork and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, shredded chicken, diced cucumber, diced red onion, chopped cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped parsley.
- Toss gently to combine.
- Drizzle with your desired dressing and toss again to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately or chill for later.
Notes
- You can use any type of cooked chicken you like, such as grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the salad, such as bell peppers, corn, or black beans.
- You can also add chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch and flavor.
Alternative Ingredients:
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below:
| Ingredient | Alternative |
| Quinoa | Brown rice or couscous |
| Chicken breasts | Canned tuna or chickpeas |
| Feta cheese | Goat cheese or crumbled blue cheese |
| Cherry tomatoes | Diced tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes |
What to Serve with Chicken Quinoa Salad:
You can pair this delicious Chicken Quinoa Salad with the following:
- Crusty bread or pita for a more filling meal.
- A side of hummus or avocado slices.
- A light soup or broth.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare all the ingredients and store them separately. Combine them just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp and the salad fresh.
Can I use a different type of dressing?
Of course! Feel free to use any dressing you like. A lemon vinaigrette, Greek yogurt dressing, or tahini dressing would all be delicious options.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the chicken or replace it with chickpeas, tofu, or another plant-based protein.
Can I add fruit to this salad?
Yes, chopped apples, grapes, or dried cranberries would add a touch of sweetness to the salad.
How do I store leftover salad?
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
