Imagine a dish that combines the hearty protein of tender chicken, the nutty goodness of quinoa, and the warm, aromatic embrace of curry - all in one incredible salad. This Warm Curry Quinoa Chicken Salad isn't just another recipe; it's a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine. Perfect for health-conscious food lovers and spice enthusiasts, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold running water in a fine-mesh strainer. This helps to remove any bitterness from the quinoa.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Dice 1/2 cup of bell peppers and slice 1/4 cup of green onions. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, the diced bell peppers, and sliced green onions.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of curry powder with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Sprinkle the curry powder mixture over the quinoa and chicken mixture. Gently toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated with the curry seasoning.
- If desired, you can warm the salad slightly by transferring it to a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once warmed, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the warm curry quinoa chicken salad in bowls or on plates.
- Garnish with additional sliced green onions or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious warm curry quinoa chicken salad!
Tips
- Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural coating called saponin, which can cause a bitter taste.
- Use freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken for the best flavor and texture.
- For extra depth, toast your curry powder in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding it to the recipe.
- Choose bell peppers in different colors for a more vibrant and visually appealing dish.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the curry powder mix.
- Let the quinoa rest after cooking to ensure it becomes perfectly fluffy and absorbs all the liquid.
- Experiment with different herbs like cilantro or parsley for garnishing to add fresh flavor.
- This salad tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make extra for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 70mg
