Looking for a refreshing and nutritious dish that will tantalize your taste buds? Look no further than this delectable Pesto Chicken Quinoa Salad! Bursting with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, this Italian-inspired salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a powerhouse of protein and nutrients. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this recipe is designed to impress both your family and friends. With just 35 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll be savoring every bite in no time. Ready to elevate your meal game? Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and chicken broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender.
- Remove quinoa from heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and allow to cool to room temperature.
- While quinoa is cooling, prepare the chicken by ensuring it is shredded into bite-sized pieces. If using raw chicken, cook and shred beforehand.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, shredded chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, and pesto. Gently mix to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir all ingredients until well combined and the pesto coats everything evenly.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together, or serve immediately at room temperature.
- Optional: Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves or extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Always rinse your quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can give it a bitter taste.
- Use Homemade Pesto: For an extra burst of flavor, consider making your own pesto using fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It’s easier than you think!
- Cook Chicken in Advance: If you're short on time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to make this recipe even quicker, or cook and shred chicken ahead of time for meal prep.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add in other vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or spinach for added color and nutrition.
- Chill for Flavor: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld together, making every bite even more delicious.
- Garnish for Presentation: Don’t forget to garnish your salad with fresh basil or extra Parmesan cheese for that restaurant-quality touch!
- Make It a Meal Prep: This salad keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days, making it a perfect option for meal prep. Just store the dressing separately until you're ready to eat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 75mg
