Are you tired of boring, bland salads that leave you hungry and unsatisfied? Get ready to revolutionize your meal prep with this mouthwatering Roasted Chicken Quinoa Salad that promises to tantalize your taste buds and fuel your body with nutritious goodness! In just 45 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's packed with protein, vibrant vegetables, and a zesty lemon dressing that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups cooked roasted chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold running water in a fine-mesh sieve. This helps to remove any bitterness from the quinoa.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the roasted chicken. If you do not have pre-cooked roasted chicken, you can roast chicken breasts in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until fully cooked. Shred the chicken using two forks once it has cooled slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley.
- Once the quinoa has finished cooking, fluff it with a fork and allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the mixing bowl with the vegetables.
- Add the shredded roasted chicken to the bowl with the quinoa and vegetables.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad mixture and toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve the roasted chicken quinoa salad warm or chilled. Enjoy your healthy and delicious meal!
Tips
- Quinoa Perfection: Always rinse your quinoa thoroughly to remove the natural saponin coating, which can create a bitter taste. Use a fine-mesh strainer for best results.
- Chicken Hack: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken from a previous meal.
- Fresh is Best: Choose ripe, colorful cherry tomatoes and crisp cucumber for maximum flavor and texture.
- Dressing Pro Tip: Whisk your dressing ingredients thoroughly and taste before adding to ensure the perfect balance of tangy and savory.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance for quick, delicious meals throughout the week.
- Customization Station: Feel free to add additional herbs like mint or basil, or throw in some crumbled feta cheese for extra richness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 65mg
