Basic + Awesome Chicken Quinoa Salad Recipe

Introduction

Looking for a wholesome, nutritious, and flavorful meal that’s both basic and awesome? Look no further than chicken quinoa salad. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. In this article, we’ll explore five mouthwatering chicken quinoa salad recipes that are sure to delight your senses and keep you coming back for more.

1. Classic Chicken Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chicken breast, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well combined.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

2. Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chicken breast, cucumber, olives, red onion, feta cheese, and mint leaves.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
4. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.

3. Asian-Inspired Chicken Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup edamame, shelled
• 1/4 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chicken breast, shredded carrots, edamame, red cabbage, green onions, and sesame seeds.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, ginger, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well combined.
4. Serve chilled, garnished with additional sesame seeds if desired.

4. Tex-Mex Chicken Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
• 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup corn kernels
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup avocado, diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chicken breast, black beans, corn kernels, red bell pepper, avocado, and cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.

5. Caprese Chicken Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, sliced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chicken breast, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves.
2. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired.

Conclusion

Chicken quinoa salad is a basic yet versatile dish that can be customized to suit any taste preferences. Whether you prefer Mediterranean flavors, Asian-inspired dishes, or Tex-Mex flair, there’s a chicken quinoa salad recipe for you. Experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to create your own basic + awesome meal that will satisfy your cravings and nourish your body.