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.
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Why This Recipe Works
- 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.
📋 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.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
🔀 Substitutions & 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.
- 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 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
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Prep with a Fork: Start by scrubbing your potatoes clean and poking several holes with a fork. This allows steam to escape and prevents them from bursting during cooking.
- Layer with a Trivet: Place a trivet or steamer basket at the bottom of your Instant Pot and add the correct amount of water. This setup ensures your potatoes cook evenly by suspending them above the liquid.
- Optional Crisping Step: For a crisper skin, finish your baked potatoes under the broiler or use an air fryer lid after pressure cooking. This extra step brings a delightful contrast between a fluffy interior and a crunchy exterior.
💭 FAQs
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 it with a fork and serve.
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.
Allow the chicken and quinoa salad to cool to room temperature after preparation. Transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate within 2 hours of making. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness. If your salad has multiple layers (e.g., dressing, vegetables, and protein), store them separately and assemble just before serving to maintain crispness. If the salad contains avocados or other ingredients prone to browning, consider adding a squeeze of citrus juice (lemon, lime) to maintain freshness. 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.
Feel free to tailor the salad to your taste by adding or substituting vegetables. Ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, corn, and leafy greens such as spinach or arugula can enhance the flavor and texture. Including vegetables like broccoli, edamame, or roasted sweet potatoes can add nutritional value and variety.
Yes, this salad is excellent for meal prepping. You can cook the quinoa and chicken ahead of time, and chop the vegetables and guacamole. Assemble the salad components in separate containers and combine them when ready to serve. This approach helps maintain the freshness of the ingredients and ensures the guacamole stays vibrant.
While a simple lime and cilantro dressing complements the salad well, you can experiment with other dressings to suit your preferences. Options include balsamic vinaigrette, Greek yogurt-based dressings, or a zesty lemon-tahini sauce. Adjust the acidity, sweetness, and creaminess of the dressing to enhance the overall flavor profile of the salad.
Serving Suggestions
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Chicken Quinoa Salad With Guacamole:
- Stuffed Avocado Halves: Serve the quinoa salad inside halved avocados for a beautiful and nutrient-packed presentation. Garnish with extra lime juice and cilantro for freshness.
- Wrapped in Lettuce Cups: Spoon the chicken quinoa salad into crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves for a light and refreshing lettuce wrap option. Drizzle with a little hot sauce for extra flavor.
- As a Protein-Packed Bowl: Serve the salad in a bowl with a side of black beans, corn, and sliced cherry tomatoes. Top with extra guacamole and a sprinkle of feta or cotija cheese.
- With Whole-Grain Crackers or Pita Chips: Use whole-grain crackers or pita chips for scooping up the salad and guacamole, turning it into a shareable appetizer or light snack.
🍜 Related Recipes
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Best Chicken Quinoa Salad With Guacamole
Ingredients
- 1 cup Quinoa Cooked
- 2 cups Chicken Breast Cooked
- ¼ cup Green Onion Diced
- 1 Chopped Tomato
- ¼ Bell Pepper Chopped
- ¼ Cucumber Chopped
- 1 tablespoon Cilantro Chopped
- Slice Lime
- 2 tablespoon 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
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