Chicken and quinoa salad recipe
Flavorful Chicken & Quinoa Salad with Vibrant Apple & Herb Accents
This healthy and satisfying salad bursts with fresh flavors and textures, making it a perfect lunch or light dinner option. Packed with protein from chicken and quinoa, and bursting with sweetness from apples, this salad is both delicious and slimming -friendly.
Here’s why you’ll love this salad:
Quick and easy: Takes just minutes to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Nutritious and diet-friendly: Packed with protein from chicken and quinoa, plus fiber from apples and spinach, it keeps you feeling full without compromising on taste.
Flavorful and versatile: Fresh herbs and a tangy dressing elevate the salad, while optional swaps allow you to customize it to your preferences.
Perfect for meal prep: Make it ahead of time for a grab-and-go lunch option that stays fresh and delicious.
Ready to ditch the boring salad routine ? Dive into this chicken and quinoa salad today!
About Time
- Prpe Time: 15 mins.
- Cook Time: 20 mins.
- Total Time: 35 mins.
- Yield: 4 Serves.
Ingredients:
- 200g uncooked quinoa (rinsed)
- 4 cooked, skinless, and boneless chicken breasts, shredded
- 4 red apples, cored and chopped bite-sized
- 4 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- Handful of baby spinach
- Bunch of scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped
- Fresh chives and mint, finely chopped (optional)
Dressing:
- 200g fat-free natural fromage frais (or low-fat Greek yogurt)
- 3 tbsp fat-free vinaigrette (low-sugar or homemade)
- 2 tbsp finely chopped pickles (gherkins or your preference)
Instructions:
- Cook Quinoa: Follow package instructions for cooking quinoa. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Salad: While quinoa cooks, shred chicken and add to a large bowl with chopped apples, celery, spinach, and scallions.
- Make Dressing: Whisk together fromage frais, vinaigrette, and chopped pickles in a separate bowl.
- Combine & Serve: Pour dressing over salad ingredients and toss well. Add cooled quinoa and mix again.
- Garnish & Enjoy: Top with chopped eggs and fresh herbs (optional), and serve immediately.
Tips:
- For added protein, consider using rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken.
- Adjust the amount of dressing to your preference.
- Experiment with different herbs like parsley, basil, or dill for a unique flavor twist.
- Swap apples for another crunchy fruit like pears or grapes.
- Add chopped cucumber or bell pepper for extra veggies.
- Make it ahead of time for a quick and easy grab-and-go lunch.
Slimming-Friendly Swaps:
- Use low-fat natural fromage frais or 0% Greek yogurt for the dressing.
- Opt for homemade low-sugar vinaigrette or a store-bought one with minimal added sugar.
- Choose pickles with no added sugar or use fresh herbs for flavor.
- Skip the hard-boiled eggs if you’re counting syns.
- Enjoy this delicious and healthy salad without compromising on flavor or satisfaction!