Quinoa Chicken Salad

healthy mamma's Note:

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!

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

Salad

• 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

Dressing

• 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

Directions:

1. *Rinse quinoa in a seive under cold water very well to remove natural, soapy film residue.
2. 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.
3. 2. In a cast iron skillet, over medium heat, add pine nuts (NO OIL) and shake constantly until golden brown, about 3 minutes.
4. 3. Add chicken, onions, radishes, cucumber, parsley, and toasted pine nuts., toss gently to combine.
5. 4. To prepare dressing, combine vinegar, and remaing ingredients stirring with a whisk. Drizzle over salad, toss to combine.

Reviews

[2heartstc_7872361]

This was a wonderful, light, refreshing salad. My husband is not a fan of quinoa but really liked this. I introduced my teaching partner to quinoa with this salad, and we both agreed it was very good. The only thing I changed was the amount of cumin. To me, cumin can be an overpowering spice, so I only used 1/8 tsp. I am thinking of making this with either scallops or shrimp for another twist. Great recipe!

[Nana's Place]

Wow! I love this recipe! I made it for a large crowd so doubled it and added some bell pepper. Otherwise I kept to the directions. Healthy Mama - you are right! It is so very fresh! Everyone loved it - even those who were tasting quinoa for the very first time. This recipe is a keeper!

[pixielee43_11494785]

Absolutely wonderful, would give you 50 stars if I could. I love anything with Quinoa, and in fact have posted a couple of bread recipes. Made a couple of changes though. Just wanted a side dish for dinner so dropped the chicken and added some cranberries, other than that followed the recipe as written. I am going to make again with the chicken as I think it would make a wonderful light lunch on a hot NM summer .day. Will leave in the cranberries as the touch of sweetness adds a lot, or so I think. Thanks so much for sharing and if you have anymore recipes with Quinoa please post.