Southwest Chicken Quinoa Salad

$- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups chicken broth (or water) - 1 lb grilled chicken breast, diced - 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 avocado, diced - ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved - ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped - ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Juice of 2 limes - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste Fresh ingredients make a big difference in flavor. When you use fresh produce, your salad bursts with color and taste. Fresh herbs, like cilantro, add a bright note. Fresh corn adds sweetness, while ripe avocados bring creaminess. Each ingredient plays a role. They work together to create a balanced and tasty dish. You can swap out some ingredients if needed. If you do not have quinoa, try brown rice or couscous. For the chicken, use canned beans or tofu for a vegetarian twist. If you can’t find fresh corn, frozen corn works well too. Lime juice can be replaced with lemon juice for a different zing. These substitutions can keep the salad fun and exciting! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa. Rinsing removes the bitter coating. Then, in a medium saucepan, mix the quinoa with 2 cups of chicken broth or water. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, lower the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 minutes. After that, all the liquid should be absorbed. Remove the pot from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Finally, fluff the quinoa gently with a fork. In a large mixing bowl, add your fluffed quinoa. Next, toss in 1 pound of diced grilled chicken. Add 1 cup of black beans that are drained and rinsed. Include 1 cup of corn kernels, fresh or frozen. Chop and add 1 diced red bell pepper. Dice 1 avocado and add it too. Halve ½ cup of cherry tomatoes and toss them in. To finish, add ¼ cup of finely chopped red onion and ¼ cup of fresh cilantro. Mix everything well to combine. For the dressing, grab a small bowl. Squeeze the juice of 2 limes into the bowl. Pour in 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Then, add 1 teaspoon of cumin and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk all the ingredients together until well blended. Pour the dressing over your salad mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Let the salad sit for about 15 minutes. This allows all the flavors to mix and develop before you serve. To fluff quinoa, first, let it rest after cooking. After cooking for 15 minutes, take it off the heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes. This step helps the grains absorb any remaining liquid. After resting, use a fork to gently fluff the quinoa. This keeps it light and airy, which makes your salad more enjoyable. Letting your salad sit is key for great taste. After mixing all the ingredients, allow it to rest for 15 minutes. This time lets the flavors blend well. The lime juice and spices soak into the chicken and beans. You will taste the difference in every bite! Serving your salad well makes it more appealing. Use large bowls to show off the vibrant colors. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a fresh touch. You can also layer the salad in a jar. This gives a fun grab-and-go option for busy days. A good presentation makes every meal feel special! Pro Tips Cook Quinoa Perfectly: To achieve fluffy quinoa, rinse it thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitterness, and let it sit covered after cooking to steam. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a twist. Just ensure they're diced evenly for consistent texture. Make Ahead: This salad keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days. Prepare it a day in advance for a quick meal prep option. Add Extra Flavor: Enhance the dressing with a splash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick that complements the southwest flavors. {{image_2}} You can change up the proteins in your salad. If you don't want chicken, try shrimp. Cooked shrimp adds a nice twist. You can also use beef or pork. Just grill or sauté them first. For a smoky flavor, use pulled pork. Each option brings a unique taste to your salad. Want a meatless meal? Swap the chicken for chickpeas. They add protein and fiber. You can also use tofu or tempeh. Just grill or sauté them to add flavor. If you want a fresh taste, add more veggies. Try adding extra black beans or corn. This keeps the salad filling and tasty. Boost the flavor with spices. Add more cumin for warmth. A sprinkle of smoked paprika brings a nice smoky taste. If you like heat, toss in cayenne pepper. You can also try fresh herbs, like mint or basil. Each spice or herb can change the salad’s vibe. Experiment to find your perfect blend! To keep your Southwest Chicken Quinoa Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This will lock in moisture and flavor. Place the salad in the fridge if you plan to eat it within three days. Make sure to cover it well. If you see any moisture, use paper towels inside the lid to absorb it. You can freeze this salad, but some ingredients don’t freeze well. The avocado and tomatoes may turn mushy. If you're okay with that, pack the salad in a freezer-safe container. Leave space at the top for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheating this salad is simple. If you stored it in the fridge, just take out what you want. You can warm it in the microwave for about one minute. Be careful not to overheat. If you froze it, let it thaw first. After thawing, you can heat it or enjoy it cold. Just remember to add fresh avocado and any other toppings after reheating for the best taste. This salad lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. The flavors will blend even more over time. However, the avocado may brown slightly. To avoid this, add avocado right before serving. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It tastes great when chilled. Prepare the quinoa and salad mixture a day in advance. Just add the dressing when you are ready to serve. This keeps everything fresh and crunchy. You can add many tasty ingredients to this salad. Some great options include: - Diced jalapeños for heat - Chopped green onions for extra flavor - Cheese like feta or cotija for creaminess - Chopped olives for a briny touch Feel free to mix and match based on your taste! This blog post covered how to make a delicious Southwest Chicken Quinoa Salad. We explored the key ingredients, the steps to prepare, and effective storage tips. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in taste. Variations let you customize the salad to your liking. Remember to store leftovers properly for the best flavor. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe. Each bite will be tasty and nutritious!$

Southwest Chicken Quinoa Salad

A refreshing and nutritious salad with quinoa, grilled chicken, and vibrant vegetables, perfect for a healthy meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Southwestern

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups chicken broth (or water)
1 lb grilled chicken breast, diced
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1 each red bell pepper, diced
1 each avocado, diced
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 each juice of limes
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and chicken broth (or water). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fluffed quinoa with the diced grilled chicken, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and chopped cilantro.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine until everything is well coated.
Let the salad sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

Notes

Serve the salad in large bowls, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a fresh touch. You can also layer the salad in a jar for a visually appealing grab-and-go option.

Keyword chicken, healthy, quinoa, salad, southwestern