Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering culinary masterpiece that combines the freshness of strawberries, the zesty punch of lime, and the protein-packed goodness of quinoa and chicken! This isn't just another salad - it's a vibrant, refreshing dish that will transport your senses to a gourmet paradise in just minutes. Perfect for health-conscious foodies, summer picnics, or when you're craving something light yet incredibly satisfying, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the quinoa. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the cooked chicken. If you haven't already cooked the chicken, you can do so by boiling or baking it until fully cooked. Once cooked, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Next, wash and slice the strawberries. Remove the green tops and slice them into thin pieces. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, shredded chicken, and sliced strawberries. Gently toss the ingredients together to mix them well.
- In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together 1/4 cup of lime juice and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- Pour the lime dressing over the quinoa mixture and add 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro. Toss everything together gently until the salad is well coated with the dressing.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the strawberry lime quinoa chicken salad chilled or at room temperature. This salad makes a great light meal or a refreshing side dish.
Tips
- Quinoa Pro Tip: Always rinse quinoa before cooking to remove its natural bitter coating and ensure a fluffy, light texture.
- Chicken Hack: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly grill chicken breasts for extra flavor depth.
- Strawberry Selection: Choose ripe, bright red strawberries for maximum sweetness and visual appeal.
- Dressing Trick: Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes after dressing to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad tastes even better after chilling in the refrigerator for an hour, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Customization Option: Add toasted nuts or feta cheese for extra crunch and flavor complexity.
- Freshness Matters: Use fresh lime juice instead of bottled for a brighter, more vibrant taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 45mg
