Why Make This Recipe
Quinoa Salad with Chicken, Almonds, and Avocado is a fantastic dish to enjoy any time of the year. It is not only healthy but also full of flavors and textures. The combination of protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the avocado, and the crunch from the almonds makes it a well-rounded meal. This salad is quick to prepare, perfect for lunch, or as a side dish for dinner.
How to Make Quinoa Salad With Chicken, Almonds, and Avocado
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup almonds, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water and drain. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. Let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced chicken, avocado, almonds, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve Quinoa Salad With Chicken, Almonds, and Avocado
You can serve this salad as a main dish or a side dish. It pairs well with grilled vegetables or a light soup. For added color, you can garnish it with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
How to Store Quinoa Salad With Chicken, Almonds, and Avocado
To store the salad, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3 days. Before serving again, give it a gentle stir and taste to see if it needs more seasoning.
Tips to Make Quinoa Salad With Chicken, Almonds, and Avocado
- Make sure to rinse the quinoa well to remove any bitterness.
- If you want extra flavor, try toasting the almonds in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the salad.
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for more crunch.
Variation
If you like, you can substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option. Adding feta cheese can also give the salad a nice tangy flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just wait to add the avocado until you are ready to serve to keep it fresh.
2. Is quinoa salad healthy?
Yes! Quinoa is a complete protein and packed with fiber, while the other ingredients like avocado and almonds provide healthy fats.
3. Can I use raw chicken in this recipe?
It’s best to use cooked chicken for this salad. You can steam or grill the chicken before dicing it for the salad.
Quinoa Salad with Chicken, Almonds, and Avocado
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa Rinse well before cooking.
- 2 cups water
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast, diced Use pre-cooked chicken for convenience.
- 1 avocado, diced Add before serving to keep it fresh.
- 1/2 cup almonds, sliced Toast for extra flavor if desired.
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cooking Quinoa
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water and drain.
- In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
- Add the quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed.
- Let it cool.
Mixing Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced chicken, avocado, almonds, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
Preparing Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Combining and Serving
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.