Craving a light yet satisfying meal? This Lemon Herb Quinoa Chicken Salad offers a fresh twist on healthy chicken salad recipes, perfect for any time of day. You’ll love how simple and flavorful this dish is to prepare.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Cooked Chicken Breast: Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut, or leftover cooked chicken.
- Cooked Quinoa: Brown rice or couscous work well if you don’t have quinoa.
- Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt or a plant-based mayo are great alternatives for a lighter touch.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, but fresh is best.
- Fresh Herbs: Any combination of dill, parsley, or chives will enhance the flavor.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
- ½ cup celery, finely diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (assuming pre-cooked chicken and quinoa)
- Servings: 4
- Tools Needed: Large mixing bowl, whisk, measuring cups and spoons.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Ensure your chicken and quinoa are cooked and cooled. Dice your celery and red onion finely. Chop your fresh herbs.
2. Combine Salad Components
In a large bowl, gently mix the shredded or diced chicken, cooled quinoa, diced celery, diced red onion, parsley, and dill (if using). Ensure everything is evenly distributed.
3. Whisk the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. Taste and add salt as needed to your preference.
4. Dress the Salad
Pour the dressing over the chicken and quinoa mixture. Fold gently until all ingredients are thoroughly coated. Avoid over-mixing to keep the chicken tender.
5. Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled on lettuce cups, with crackers, or as a sandwich filling.
Variation Ideas
- Add chopped bell peppers or cucumber for extra crunch.
- Mix in a handful of chopped walnuts or slivered almonds for nutty texture.
- Include a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Stir in a tablespoon of capers for a briny touch.
Storage Instructions
Store your Lemon Herb Quinoa Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. This salad is best enjoyed cold and does not typically need reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can you make this chicken salad ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this healthy chicken salad recipe up to a day in advance. The flavors will deepen overnight.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? As long as your quinoa and other ingredients are certified gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- How can you make this recipe dairy-free? Use a dairy-free mayonnaise substitute to make this a dairy-free dish.
- What kind of chicken is best for chicken salad? Cooked chicken breast is ideal for its lean texture. You can boil, bake, or grill it.
- Can you add grapes or apples to this salad? Absolutely! Diced grapes or apples would add a lovely sweetness and crunch.
- How do you prevent the salad from becoming watery? Ensure your chicken and quinoa are well-drained and cooled completely before mixing, and avoid over-dressing.