Prepare to revolutionize your salad game with the most Instagram-worthy dish that'll make your taste buds dance and your health-conscious friends green with envy! This Chicken Quinoa Strawberry Salad is not just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that combines protein-packed quinoa, succulent chicken, and sweet, juicy strawberries in a symphony of flavors that will transform your lunch from boring to extraordinary. Whether you're a busy professional, a fitness enthusiast, or simply someone who craves a delicious and nutritious meal, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Remove quinoa from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool completely.
- While quinoa is cooling, prepare the chicken by shredding it into bite-sized pieces. If using uncooked chicken, season and cook thoroughly before shredding.
- Wash and slice fresh strawberries into thin, even pieces. Dice red onion finely to ensure even distribution in the salad.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to create a light vinaigrette dressing.
- Add shredded chicken, sliced strawberries, diced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese to the cooled quinoa.
- Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Chill the salad for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve cold and garnish with additional fresh strawberry slices or herbs if desired.
Tips
- Quinoa Perfection: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural bitter coating and ensure a fluffy, light texture.
- Chicken Prep Hack: For extra flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken or seasoning your chicken with herbs like thyme or rosemary before shredding.
- Strawberry Selection: Choose ripe, deep red strawberries for maximum sweetness and vibrant color in your salad.
- Dressing Tip: Whisk your vinaigrette thoroughly to ensure the olive oil and balsamic vinegar are perfectly emulsified.
- Temperature Matters: Allowing the quinoa to cool completely prevents wilting of fresh ingredients and helps the salad maintain its crisp texture.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, making it perfect for meal prep or picnics.
- Customization Options: Feel free to add toasted nuts like almonds or swap feta for goat cheese to make the recipe your own.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 70mg
