Easy Chicken Quinoa Salad
Are you staring at the leftover chicken in your fridge, wondering how to give it a delicious makeover? Look no further! Transform yesterday’s chicken into today’s lunchtime star with this vibrant Leftover Chicken Quinoa Salad. Packed with the goodness of protein-rich quinoa, fresh greens, and a medley of vegetables, this salad isn’t just a smart way to use up leftoversโit’s a whole new meal that’s both satisfying and healthy.
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Ingredients for Chicken Quinoa Salad
- 1 Cup Quinoa (cooked with 2 cups of water)
- 2 sticks Celery (finely chopped)
- 5 Sundried Tomatoes (finely chopped)
- ยฝ Cucumber (cubed)
- 1 Red Bell Pepper (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper (to season)
- 1 tsp Mixed Herbs
- Leftover Chicken Breast (Cut into strips)
How to make chicken quinoa salad
- Cook the quinoa as per packet instructions or go to How to cook Quinoa.
- Meanwhile chop the vegetables and cut the chicken into strips. Add the vegetables to a large salad bowl and add all the seasoning, oil and vinegar. Mix together.
- Add the cooked quinoa (doesn’t matter if it’s still hot). Mix thoroughly with the salad. Serve with strips of chicken with a drizzle of olive oil.
Serving Suggestions
Homemade houmous and rocket leaves are fantastic choices for adding depth and creaminess to your salad, as well as a peppery kick.
To further enhance your Leftover Chicken Quinoa Salad, consider incorporating some roasted vegetables likeย asparagus or sweet potatoย for a delightful sweetness and a bit of char.
Adding a crunch with someย tortilla strips or nutsย can provide contrasting textures that make every bite interesting.
For a burst of freshness, diced cucumbers or a handful ofย grated carrotsย can be a refreshing addition. And if you’re in the mood for a little sweetness and tang, a sprinkle of dried cranberries can do wonders. These ingredients not only bring variety to your salad but also contribute an array of nutrients that make your meal both balanced and indulgent.
If you like this recipe you may also like:
Easy Chicken Meatloaf (cooked in the air fryer)
Easy Chicken Quinoa Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Quinoa (cooked with 2 cups of water)
- 2 sticks Celery (finely chopped)
- 5 Sundried Tomatoes (finely chopped)
- ยฝ Cucumber (cubed)
- 1 Red Bell Pepper (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper (to season)
- 1 tsp Mixed Herbs
- Leftover Chicken Breast (Cut into strips)
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa as per packet instructions.
- Meanwhile chop the vegetables and cut the chicken into strips. Add the vegetables to a large salad bowl and add all the seasoning, oil and vinegar. Mix together.
- Add the cooked quinoa (doesn't matter if it's still hot). Mix thoroughly with the salad. Serve with strips of chicken with a drizzle of olive oil.