Best 13 Quinoa Chicken Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our versatile Quinoa Chicken Salad, a delightful dish that caters to diverse dietary needs. Bursting with protein from succulent chicken and quinoa, this salad offers a gluten-free, low-carb option for health-conscious individuals. With the flexibility to serve it as a refreshing main course or a vibrant side dish, this recipe promises a satisfying culinary experience. Accompanying this star recipe are two additional variations: a tangy Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad, bursting with citrusy brightness, and a creamy Avocado Ranch Quinoa Salad, adding a rich, velvety texture to the mix. These diverse recipes provide options for every palate and dietary preference, ensuring a delightful and nutritious meal.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CHICKEN QUINOA SALAD



Chicken Quinoa Salad image

We pile our favorite gyro fixin's into nutritious quinoa bowls. Our local gyro guy has a cool but spicy sauce that transforms his sandwiches. It's a must here, too. -Leah Lyon, Ada, Oklahoma

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1-1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons water, divided
3/4 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 tablespoons reduced-fat plain yogurt
1 tablespoon reduced-fat mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Sriracha chili sauce
1/4 cup crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese
1 medium cucumber, seeded and diced
3/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
2 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon Greek seasoning
1 package (6 ounces) ready-to-use grilled chicken breast strips
1 medium tomato, finely chopped

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, bring 1-1/2 cups water to a boil. Add quinoa. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until liquid is absorbed, 12-15 minutes. , For dressing, place remaining water, yogurt, mayonnaise, chili sauce and cheese in a small food processor or blender. Cover; process until blended., In a fine-mesh strainer, rinse cooked quinoa with cold water; drain well. In a bowl, toss quinoa with cucumber, parsley, green onions, oil, lemon juice and Greek seasoning. Top with chicken, tomato and dressing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 341 calories, Fat 19g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 30mg cholesterol, Sodium 590mg sodium, Carbohydrate 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

CHICKEN, SESAME AND QUINOA SALAD



Chicken, Sesame and Quinoa Salad image

This delicious, colorful salad is a great way to introduce whole grains to your kids!

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/2 cup quinoa
4 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon grated ginger
3 scallions, whites and greens sliced
1 clove garlic, grated
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
2 1/2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1 1/2 cups shredded white meat rotisserie chicken, skin and bones removed (about 5 ounces)
1 1/2 cups shredded white meat rotisserie chicken, skin and bones removed (about 5 ounces)
1 1/2 cups finely shredded cabbage (such as napa, red, green or a combination)
1 cup thinly sliced (size of a matchstick) carrots (about 2 carrots)
1 cup sugar snap peas, sliced on the bias
1 teaspoon black sesame seeds

Steps:

  • Cook the quinoa according to package directions, set aside to cool.
  • Heat the vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the ginger, scallions and garlic. Immediately turn off the heat and stir. Let cool slightly for a few minutes, then whisk in the lemon juice, soy sauce and sesame oil.
  • Put the cooked quinoa, chicken, cabbage, carrots and peas in a mixing bowl. Add the dressing and toss. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Keep refrigerated in an air-tight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 250 calorie, Fat 10 grams, SaturatedFat 1 grams, Cholesterol 25 milligrams, Sodium 470 milligrams, Carbohydrate 25 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 14 grams

CHICKEN QUINOA SALAD



Chicken Quinoa Salad image

I threw this recipe together based off a pasta salad I liked. I wanted something with quinoa to make it a little healthier. Very delicious!

Provided by Mendy

Categories     Salad     Grains     Quinoa Salad Recipes

Time 40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil, or to taste
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups chicken broth
15 fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
12 grape tomatoes, quartered
¼ cup finely chopped fresh basil
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Steps:

  • Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat; cook and stir quinoa until slightly toasted and water has evaporated from quinoa, 2 to 3 minutes. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil for 5 minutes. Cover saucepan, reduce heat to low, and simmer until quinoa is tender and has absorbed the broth, about 15 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat and let sit for 5 minutes; fluff with a fork.
  • Mix quinoa, asparagus, chicken, tomatoes, basil, Parmesan cheese, and garlic together in a bowl. Drizzle 1/4 cup olive oil over salad and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes; stir until evenly coated.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 313.1 calories, Carbohydrate 22 g, Cholesterol 37.9 mg, Fat 16.5 g, Fiber 3.3 g, Protein 19.4 g, SaturatedFat 3.2 g, Sodium 473.1 mg, Sugar 0.8 g

WARM QUINOA AND CHICKEN SALAD



Warm Quinoa and Chicken Salad image

Quick-cooking quinoa is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein, iron, and fiber. It is also the foundation for a main-course salad with chicken and springy vegetables. This one-pan recipe comes from our book "One Pot."

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Chicken     Chicken Breast Recipes

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for serving
4 scallions, white and green parts separated and thinly sliced lengthwise
1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, halved
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, plus 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 1/3 cups water
1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup fresh or frozen peas
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium-high. Add scallion whites; cook, stirring constantly, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add quinoa, chicken, lemon zest, and the water; bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook 11 minutes. Add asparagus and peas, cover, and cook until liquid is absorbed and vegetables are tender, 4 to 5 minutes more.
  • Remove from heat, and let stand 10 minutes. Shred chicken and fluff quinoa. Add lemon juice and parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with scallion greens and drizzle with oil.

MEXICAN CHICKEN QUINOA SALAD



Mexican Chicken Quinoa Salad image

A quick and easy way to make a delicious healthy meal!

Provided by Deemcgee

Categories     Salad     Grains     Quinoa Salad Recipes

Time 45m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 cup water
½ cup quinoa
1 package taco seasoning mix, divided
2 chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
1 teaspoon butter
1 avocado, peeled and chopped
½ red onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 cup chopped spinach
1 carrot, chopped
½ red bell pepper, chopped
½ yellow bell pepper, chopped
⅓ cucumber, chopped
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
½ cup salsa

Steps:

  • Bring water, quinoa, and 1/2 of the taco seasoning mix to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender and water has been absorbed, about 15 minutes.
  • Mix chicken and remaining taco seasoning mix together in a bowl; let sit for chicken to season, about 10 minutes.
  • Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat; cook and stir chicken until no longer pink in the center, 5 to 10 minutes. Place chicken and quinoa in a bowl and place in freezer until cooled, about 5 minutes.
  • Combine avocado, red onion, celery, spinach, carrot, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, cucumber, and jalapeno peppers in a large bowl; add chicken-quinoa mixture and salsa and mix well.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 299.7 calories, Carbohydrate 32.5 g, Cholesterol 35 mg, Fat 11.3 g, Fiber 7.3 g, Protein 17.6 g, SaturatedFat 2.3 g, Sodium 911.9 mg, Sugar 6 g

CHILE-RUBBED CHICKEN BREAST WITH KALE, QUINOA AND BRUSSELS SPROUTS SALAD



Chile-Rubbed Chicken Breast with Kale, Quinoa and Brussels Sprouts Salad image

Provided by Marcela Valladolid

Categories     main-dish

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 cup dried quinoa
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon ground chipotle powder
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
2 small garlic cloves, grated on a rasp, separated
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon minced shallot (from about 1/2 small)
2 large bunches kale, center stems removed and leaves thinly sliced crosswise (about 1 1/2 pounds total)
12 ounces Brussels sprouts, trimmed and cored, finely grated or shredded with a knife
1/2 cup toasted almonds, chopped (about 2 ounces)
1 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (about 4 ounces)

Steps:

  • Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the quinoa, season with salt and cover. Reduce the heat to a simmer over medium-low, and cook until the quinoa has absorbed the water, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat.
  • Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, the chipotle powder, oregano and 1 grated garlic clove. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper and rub the chipotle mixture evenly over the meat.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook, turning once, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from the heat, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes before slicing.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, Dijon, shallots and remaining grated garlic until combined. While whisking, slowly drizzle in the remaining 1/2 cup olive oil until thick and emulsified. Season the dressing with salt and pepper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked quinoa, kale, Brussels sprouts and almonds together until combined. Add the dressing and cheese and toss lightly until coated; season with salt and pepper.
  • Divide the mixture among 4 serving plates and top each with a sliced chicken breast. Serve immediately.

QUINOA SALAD WITH WINTER VEGGIES AND BUFFALO CHICKEN SAUSAGE



Quinoa Salad with Winter Veggies and Buffalo Chicken Sausage image

This hearty grain salad with browned sausage, carrots, and butternut squash is tossed with quinoa for a delicious all-in-one meal.

Provided by Dietz & Watson

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Dietz & Watson

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 13

¾ cup uncooked quinoa
1 ¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons olive oil
6 links Dietz & Watson Buffalo Chicken Sausage, cut into chunks
1 medium onion, diced
2 cups butternut squash, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 cup shredded carrot
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Steps:

  • Put the quinoa and chicken broth in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until the liquid is absorbed, 12 to 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  • While quinoa cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer sausage to a plate.
  • Add another tablespoon oil to pan, then add the onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the squash and carrots and cook about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-firm.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, remaining oil, cumin, salt and black pepper. Add quinoa, sausage, squash-carrot and onion mixture and mix. Chill in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes or up to two days. When ready to serve, stir in the parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 222.8 calories, Carbohydrate 18.5 g, Cholesterol 30.6 mg, Fat 11.5 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 13.4 g, SaturatedFat 3.2 g, Sodium 547.1 mg, Sugar 2.8 g

QUINOA SALAD WITH CHICKEN AND BLACK BEANS



Quinoa Salad With Chicken and Black Beans image

Quinoa is native to South America; in this recipe it is paired with other native produce - corn and black beans. Recipe is from Canadian Living.

Provided by Deantini

Categories     Beans

Time 35m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
375 g boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 pinch cayenne pepper
3 green onions, sliced
2 plum tomatoes, diced
1/2 sweet red pepper, diced
2 cups canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernel
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice

Steps:

  • In saucepan, heat half of the oil over medium heat; cook garlic and paprika, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Stir in quinoa and add water; bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until no liquid remains and quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in large skillet, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat; saute chicken, cumin, ground coriander, salt, pepper and cayenne until browned, about 5 minutes.
  • Add green onions, tomatoes, red pepper, black beans and corn; cook over medium heat, stirring, until red pepper is tender-crisp and chicken is no longer pink inside, about 5 minutes.
  • Transfer to large bowl. Add quinoa, cilantro and lime juice; toss to combine.

QUINOA CHICKEN SALAD



Quinoa Chicken Salad image

This is amazing! If I had to choose just one word to describe it, it would be fresh, fresh, fresh! So perfect for a simple summer meal. It doesn't get any healthier than this either, so basically, it's the perfect dish in my humble opinion! Dont' forget to rinse your quinoa before you cook it to remove the natural "soapy" film! Quinoa contains more protein than any other grain; an average of 16.2 percent, compared with 7.5 percent for rice, 9.9 percent for millet, and 14 percent for wheat. Some varieties of quinoa are more than 20 percent protein. Quinoa's protein is of an unusually high quality. It is a complete protein, with an essential amino acid balance close to the ideal ... similar to milk!

Provided by healthy mamma

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 35m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 cup quinoa
1 1/2 cups cubed cooked chicken
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onion
1/2 cup diced radish
1/2 cup chopped seeded peeled cucumber
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgian olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1 garlic clove, minced

Steps:

  • *Rinse quinoa in a seive under cold water very well to remove natural, soapy film residue.
  • 1. To prepare salad, bring broth to a boil in a medium sauce pan, gradually stir in quinoa. Cook 18-20 minutes. Remove from heat, transfer to a bowl to cool slightly.
  • 2. In a cast iron skillet, over medium heat, add pine nuts (NO OIL) and shake constantly until golden brown, about 3 minutes.
  • 3. Add chicken, onions, radishes, cucumber, parsley, and toasted pine nuts., toss gently to combine.
  • 4. To prepare dressing, combine vinegar, and remaing ingredients stirring with a whisk. Drizzle over salad, toss to combine.

SWEET CURRIED CHICKEN AND QUINOA SALAD



Sweet Curried Chicken and Quinoa Salad image

Delicious as a cool summer supper salad, but yummy all year 'round.

Provided by Gin Acosta

Categories     Chicken Salads

Number Of Ingredients 12

3/4 c water
1/3 c mayonnaise (or more to taste)
1/3 c lite sour cream (or more to taste)
1 tsp sugar (or more to taste)
3 tsp curry powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp salt (or more to taste)
1 1/2 c thinly sliced celery
1/3 c minced green onions
1/3 c golden raisins ( or more to your liking)
baby spinach leaves
5 c baked and cut up chicken breast

Steps:

  • 1. Bring water to a boil in saucepan over high heat. Stir in quinoa, reduce heat to med-low, cover and simmer 15-18 minutes or until most liquid is absorbed. Place in a fine mesh sieve and run under cold water to cool quickly. Shake off excess liquid. Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, curry, cumin and salt. Stir until well blended. Stir in celery, onions and raisins. Add chicken, almonds and quinoa. Toss and let stand 10 minutes to absorb flavors and allow quinoa to turn yellow slightly. Serve on bed of fresh spinach leaves. Serves 6

LTF DTOX: MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN QUINOA SALAD



LTF DTox: Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Salad image

D.TOX-friendly quinoa veggie salad with chicken. Serve warm or cold over a bed of baby spinach.

Provided by Stacey

Categories     Salad     Grains     Quinoa Salad Recipes

Time 40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cups water
1 clove garlic, diced
1 cup uncooked quinoa
2 large cooked chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 large green bell pepper, diced
1 large red onion, diced
½ cup chopped Kalamata olives
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
¼ cup chopped fresh chives
½ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
¼ cup olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Steps:

  • Combine water and garlic in a pot over high heat. Bring to a boil. Stir in quinoa; reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until quinoa is tender and water has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Scrape quinoa into a large bowl. Stir in chicken, green bell pepper, red onion, olives, parsley, chives, and salt.
  • Mix lemon juice, olive oil, and vinegar together in a separate bowl. Drizzle dressing over the quinoa mixture; stir until salad is evenly mixed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 373.1 calories, Carbohydrate 24.8 g, Cholesterol 55 mg, Fat 19.2 g, Fiber 3.2 g, Protein 25 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 430.7 mg, Sugar 2.5 g

COLD CHICKEN QUINOA AVOCADO SALAD



Cold Chicken Quinoa Avocado Salad image

This is a summer-favorite of my family. It has a great fresh flavor and is so easy for a weeknight meal. The avocado is a fun alternative to a mayo dressing. Serve alone, on top of lettuce, or in a whole wheat pita.

Provided by Sroch

Categories     Salad     Vegetable Salad Recipes     Avocado Salad Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup water
½ cup red quinoa
2 avocados, peeled and mashed
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 pound cubed cooked chicken, chilled
2 tomatoes, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons chopped scallions

Steps:

  • Bring water and quinoa to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender and water has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool quinoa to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
  • Mix mashed avocado, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper together in a bowl until dressing is smooth.
  • Combine quinoa, chicken, tomatoes, and scallions in a bowl; add avocado dressing and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 311.1 calories, Carbohydrate 17.7 g, Cholesterol 56.8 mg, Fat 16.5 g, Fiber 6.5 g, Protein 24.6 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 83.6 mg, Sugar 1.8 g

CHICKEN & QUINOA SALAD



Chicken & Quinoa Salad image

This salad is high in protein and simple to make. I use chicken that has been grilled, but any leftover chicken would work. I might also try it with some baked tofu in place of the chicken.

Provided by Chandra M

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 30m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups water or 2 cups vegetable broth
1 1/3 cups quinoa, rinsed well and drained
1 cup slivered almonds
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (about 2 medium breasts)
1 1/2 cups grapes, quartered
sea salt, to taste
fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Bring water and a pinch of salt to a boil in a medium saucepan.
  • Add the quinoa, stir, cover, reduce heat to simmer for 15 minutes or until all water is absorbed.
  • Remove from heat & remove lid to cool.
  • In a skillet over medium heat, toast the almonds until light brown.
  • In a large bowl, mix the oil, vinegar, salt & pepper.
  • Stir in the quinoa to coat.
  • Add the chicken and grapes and toss to combine.
  • Serve sprinkled with the toasted almonds.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 308.3, Fat 15.8, SaturatedFat 1.6, Sodium 5.3, Carbohydrate 35, Fiber 5.2, Sugar 6.5, Protein 9.4

Tips:

  • Cook the quinoa perfectly: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitterness. Use a 1:2 ratio of quinoa to water or broth, and bring to a boil. Then, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked through and fluffy.
  • Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the salad will taste. Use fresh, crisp vegetables, and a good-quality chicken breast. If you can, use organic ingredients whenever possible.
  • Don't overdress the salad: A little bit of dressing goes a long way. Start with a small amount and add more to taste. If you add too much dressing, the salad will become soggy.
  • Let the salad chill before serving: This will allow the flavors to meld and the salad to become more refreshing.

Conclusion:

Quinoa chicken salad is a healthy, refreshing, and flavorful salad that is perfect for lunch or dinner. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With a few simple tips, you can make the perfect quinoa chicken salad every time.

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