Quinoa Salad with Roasted Chicken Breast

Welcome to the heart of my kitchen, where flavors come alive and every dish tells a story. Today, I’m excited to share a culinary adventure that combines wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors – my go-to recipe of Quinoa Salad with Roasted Chicken.

Ingredients for Quinoa Salad with Roasted Chicken Breast

4 cups of mixed greens

1 cup of cooked quinoa

1 cup of cherry tomatoes

1/3 cup of sliced cucumbers

1 small red onion

2 hard-boiled eggs

2 roasted chicken breasts

1 small avocado

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

2 Tbsp mixed nuts and seed

Dressing of your choice ⇓

Cilantro Lime Dressing

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon Herb Vinaigrette

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme, chopped

Balsamic Honey Mustard Dressing

• 1.5 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Maple Dijon Dressing

• 1.5 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Tahini Yogurt Dressing

• 1 tablespoon tahini
• 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Tahini Orange Dressing

Exploring the Health Benefits of Quinoa

1. High Nutrient Content: Quinoa is a nutritional treasure trove, packing essential nutrients such as protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It’s a particularly excellent source of manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus, contributing to overall well-being.

2. Complete Protein Source: For my fellow health-conscious readers, rejoice! Quinoa is one of the few plant-based foods that provide all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source. This makes our quinoa salad not only delicious but also a satisfying and nourishing option for vegetarians and vegans.

3. Rich in Antioxidants: Quinoa is loaded with antioxidants, including quercetin and kaempferol. These compounds have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, offering a boost to our immune system.

4. Gluten-Free Goodness: For those with gluten sensitivities, quinoa is a gluten-free alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. It’s a versatile grain that opens up a world of possibilities for creating wholesome and delicious meals.

5. Supports Heart Health: The fiber and nutrient content in quinoa contribute to heart health by helping manage cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Incorporating quinoa into your diet is a heart-smart choice that your cardiovascular system will thank you for.

How To Perfectly Cook Quinoa 

1. • Rinse the quinoa (1 cup) under cold running water using a fine-mesh sieve. This helps remove the bitter outer coating called saponin.
   • In a saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water or vegetable broth (2 cups) Add a pinch of salt.
   • Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
   • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer. This allows the quinoa to absorb the liquid.
   • Simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and has absorbed all the liquid. You’ll know it’s done when you see little spiral-like tails on the quinoa grains.
   • Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 8-10 minutes. Then, fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains.
   • Allow the quinoa to cool before adding it to your salad. You can spread it on a baking sheet or transfer it to a bowl to speed up the cooling process.
   • After cooking, you’ll have around 3 cups of cooked quinoa, which you can then use for your delicious quinoa salad.

Tips and Suggestions

Perfect Ratio: Use a 1:2 ratio of quinoa to liquid for optimal results.

Seasoning: Feel free to add herbs or spices to the cooking liquid for additional flavor.

Quality Broth: If using vegetable broth, choose a high-quality, flavorful option to enhance the quinoa’s taste.

Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the quinoa as it cooks to prevent overcooking, which can lead to a mushy texture in the quinoa salad.

Dress It Up: Consider tossing the cooked quinoa with a bit of olive oil or lemon juice before adding it to the salad for added flavor.

Quinoa: The Golden Seed of Nutrition and Flavor

Instructions for Hard-Boiled Eggs

1. • Place the eggs in a single layer in a saucepan or pot.
   • Cover the eggs with cold water, ensuring there’s about an inch of water above the eggs.
   • Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
   • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the eggs simmer for about 9-12 minutes.
   • Immediately transfer the eggs to an ice water bath or run cold water over them to stop the cooking process.
   • Once cooled, tap each egg gently on a hard surface, roll it to crack the shell, and peel under running water for easier peeling.
   • Your hard-boiled eggs are ready to be sliced and added to salads, enjoyed as a snack, or used in various dishes.

Potential Replacement Ingredients for Quinoa Salad

• Greens: Spinach, arugula, kale, or a mix of your favorite leafy greens.
• Quinoa: Couscous, bulgur, farro, or brown rice for an alternative grain base.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Grape tomatoes, diced regular tomatoes, or sun-dried tomatoes for a concentrated flavor.
• Cucumbers: Bell peppers, zucchini, or radishes for a crunchy texture.
• Red Onion: Green onions, shallots, or sweet onions for a milder flavor.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs: Grilled tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian protein source.
• Roasted Chicken: Grilled chicken, shredded turkey, or pan-seared salmon for alternative protein options.
• Avocado: Mango cubes, sliced strawberries, or diced pineapple for a fruity twist.
• Feta Cheese: Goat cheese, blue cheese, or crumbled queso fresco for varied cheese options.
• Mixed Nuts and Seeds: Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or sliced almonds.

Hungry For More Recipes?

Quinoa Bowl with Baked Salmon and Green Beans

Pitta Bread with Chicken and Coleslaw

Hearty Chicken Mushroom Casserole

Quinoa Salad-Simple and Healthy Recipe

Quinoa Salad with Spinach & Feta Cheese