Chicken Quinoa Salad With Guacamole
This tasty Chicken Quinoa Salad is a great way to enjoy a healthy and filling meal. It is packed with protein and fiber, and is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Enjoy this tasty lunch idea at home or in the workplace.
Contents
Why You’ll Love Quinoa Chicken Salad
- Balanced & Nutritious: This Chicken Quinoa Salad offers a protein-packed, fiber-rich meal without compromising on taste.
- Guacamole Goodness: With homemade guacamole, it adds a creamy, delicious twist to your regular salad.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect for lunch, dinner or as a side dish, it’s an all-occasion recipe.
Recipe Ingredients
- Cooked and Cooled Quinoa: A nutritious grain that adds a light, fluffy texture and subtly nutty flavor.
- Chopped Cooked Chicken: The protein-packed star of the salad, adding a hearty, satisfying element. Learn How To Cook Chicken Breast In The Instant Pot here.
- Diced Green Onion: Adds a mild, sweet onion flavor and a bit of crunch.
- Chopped Tomato: Brings a burst of juicy freshness and color to the salad.
- Chopped Bell Pepper: Provides a crisp, slightly sweet crunch that balances the soft textures.
- Chopped Cucumber: Adds a refreshing, hydrating crunch to the salad.
- Cilantro: Infuses the salad with a fresh, earthy flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
- Slice of Lime: Gives a zesty, citrusy kick that brightens the flavors of the salad.
- Guacamole: Creamy, rich, and full of healthy fats, it acts as a flavorful dressing tying all the elements together. You can make Homemade Guacamole using this recipe.
How To Make Chicken Quinoa Salad?
Step One: To make this quinoa salad, simply cook the quinoa in boiling water for 15 minutes. Alternatively, try making Instant Pot Quinoa using our popular quinoa recipe.
Step Two: Once the quinoa is cooked, add in the chopped chicken, diced tomatoes, green onions, peppers, cucumber and cilantro. Toss to combine, and place into your lunch box or serve on a plate.
Step Three: Finally, add the guacamole and a slice of lime to add extra flavor to this salad.
Step Four: Garnish with Cilantro. This dish is best served cold or at room temperature. Enjoy.
If you are looking for a healthy and delicious lunch idea, then this quinoa salad is a great option! It is packed with nutrients and is very easy to make. Enjoy this tasty and filling salad at home or in the workplace
Change It Up With These Variations
- Oil: Add a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil to this delicious meal for some extra healthy fat
- Add Flavor: Feel free to add your favorite salad dressing, dijon mustard or a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra taste.
- Add Cheese: Feel free to add a little salty feta cheese or goat cheese to add a cheesy flair to your salad.
- Fresh Herbs: Add some fresh parsley or fresh cilantro to the the top of this salad.
Substitutions
- Tomatoes: Feel free to switch regular tomatoes for cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes.
- Lemon Juice: Add a little lemon juice to the guacamole instead of fresh lime.
How To Store Quinoa Chicken Salad
- Cooling: Allow the chicken and quinoa salad to cool to room temperature after preparation.
- Refrigeration: Transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate within 2 hours of making. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
- Layer Separation: If your salad has multiple layers (e.g., dressing, vegetables, and protein), store them separately and assemble just before serving to maintain crispness.
- Citrus Juice: If the salad contains avocados or other ingredients prone to browning, consider adding a squeeze of citrus juice (lemon, lime) to maintain freshness.
- Protein Separation: If the salad includes grilled or cooked chicken, store it separately from the salad to prevent the chicken from becoming soggy. Add it to the salad just before serving.
What To Serve With Quinoa Chicken Salad?
- Multigrain Bread or Rolls: Serve slices of multigrain bread or rolls on the side to complement the salad. The hearty texture and nutty flavor of multigrain bread enhance the meal and provide additional carbohydrates for a satisfying and balanced plate.
- Grilled Vegetables: Lightly grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus add a smoky flavor that complements the fresh ingredients in the salad. The warm vegetables contrast nicely with the cool, crisp salad.
- Breadsticks or Pita: A slice of crusty bread or warm pita is perfect for soaking up any extra dressing and adds a satisfying crunch alongside the quinoa chicken salad.
- Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh fruit like melon, berries, or orange slices provides a sweet contrast to the savory flavors of the salad, enhancing the overall meal with a burst of freshness.
FAQ’S
What Is Quinoa?
Quinoa is a superfood that is high in protein and fiber, and is also a good source of iron. It is a grain that is native to South America, and has been cultivated for thousands of years. Quinoa is a perfect food for those on a gluten-free diet, as it is naturally gluten-free.
How Do I Cook Quinoa?
Cooking quinoa is easy! Simply rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer, and then add it to a pot of boiling water. Boil for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked through. Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff with a fork and serve.
Can I Make Quinoa Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, this quinoa salad can be made ahead of time. Simply cook the quinoa and chop the vegetables the night before. This hearty quinoa salad is a great meal prep dish you can take to work or school.
Best Chicken Quinoa Salad With Guacamole
Ingredients
- 1 cup Quinoa Cooked
- 2 cups Chicken Breast Cooked
- 1/4 cup Green Onion Diced
- 1 Chopped Tomato
- 1/4 Bell Pepper Chopped
- 1/4 Cucumber Chopped
- 1 tbsp Cilantro Chopped
- Slice Lime
- 2 tbsp Guacamole
Instructions
- To make this quinoa salad, simply cook the quinoa in boiling water for 15 minutes.
- Once the quinoa cooked, add in the chopped chicken, diced tomatoes, green onions, peppers, cucumber and cilantro. Toss to combine, and place into your lunch box or serve on a plate.
- Finally, add the guacamole and a slice of lime to add extra flavour to this salad. Garnish with Cilantro. This dish is best served cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition
Easy Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
You can try any one of these tasty chicken breast recipes, they will all go well with this salad dish!
Instant Pot Cream Cheese Chicken
Instant Pot Poached Chicken
Instant Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken
Air Fryer Crusted Almond Chicken
