Chicken and quinoa salad recipe

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:

  1. Cook Quinoa: Follow package instructions for cooking quinoa. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare Salad: While quinoa cooks, shred chicken and add to a large bowl with chopped apples, celery, spinach, and scallions.
  3. Make Dressing: Whisk together fromage frais, vinaigrette, and chopped pickles in a separate bowl.
  4. Combine & Serve: Pour dressing over salad ingredients and toss well. Add cooled quinoa and mix again.
  5. Garnish & Enjoy: Top with chopped eggs and fresh herbs (optional), and serve immediately.

Tips:

  1. For added protein, consider using rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken.
  2. Adjust the amount of dressing to your preference.
  3. Experiment with different herbs like parsley, basil, or dill for a unique flavor twist.
  4. Swap apples for another crunchy fruit like pears or grapes.
  5. Add chopped cucumber or bell pepper for extra veggies.
  6. Make it ahead of time for a quick and easy grab-and-go lunch.

Slimming-Friendly Swaps:

  1. Use low-fat natural fromage frais or 0% Greek yogurt for the dressing.
  2. Opt for homemade low-sugar vinaigrette or a store-bought one with minimal added sugar.
  3. Choose pickles with no added sugar or use fresh herbs for flavor.
  4. Skip the hard-boiled eggs if you’re counting syns.
  5. Enjoy this delicious and healthy salad without compromising on flavor or satisfaction!

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