Imagine a dish that combines the hearty protein of chicken, the sweet crunch of pear, and the nutty goodness of quinoa in one irresistible bite. This Chicken and Pear Quinoa Salad isn't just another boring lunch option—it's a flavor explosion that will transform your meal time from mundane to extraordinary. Perfect for health-conscious foodies and flavor seekers alike, this recipe promises a delightful balance of textures and tastes that will have you coming back for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 ripe pear, diced
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa has absorbed all the water and appears fluffy with small white spirals visible.
- Remove the quinoa from heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool slightly.
- While the quinoa is cooling, dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized cubes and prepare the pear by washing, removing the core, and cutting into small, even pieces.
- Roughly chop the walnuts and crumble the feta cheese to prepare for mixing.
- Add the diced chicken, pear, chopped walnuts, and crumbled feta to the cooled quinoa in the mixing bowl.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing carefully to distribute the seasoning.
- Cover and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a light lunch or refreshing dinner option.
Tips
- Always rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural bitter coating.
- Let quinoa cool slightly before adding other ingredients to prevent wilting and maintain texture.
- Use ripe but firm pears to ensure a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.
- For extra flavor, consider toasting the walnuts lightly before adding them to the salad.
- If you prefer a warm salad, you can serve this immediately after mixing instead of chilling.
- Experiment with different vinaigrettes to customize the flavor profile.
- For meal prep, this salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 75mg
