Why Make This Recipe
Healthy BBQ Chicken Quinoa Salad is a great choice for anyone looking for a refreshing, nutritious meal. It combines the smokiness of barbecue chicken with the wholesome goodness of quinoa and fresh vegetables. This salad is not only delicious but also packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. Whether you’re prepping for lunch or looking for a light dinner option, this salad is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
How to Make Healthy BBQ Chicken Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup Quinoa (rinsed and cooked)
- 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound total)
- ½ cup Barbecue sauce (your favorite flavor)
- 1 piece Red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 piece Yellow bell pepper (diced)
- ½ small Red onion (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup Fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1 piece Lime (juiced)
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Directions
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Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 15 minutes until the water is absorbed and quinoa is tender. Fluff it with a fork and set aside to cool.
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Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and warm it up. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from the skillet and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
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Slice the Chicken: Once rested, slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Place the chicken in a bowl and pour ½ cup of your favorite barbecue sauce over it. Toss to coat every piece evenly.
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Prepare the Vegetables: Dice the red and yellow bell peppers and finely chop the red onion. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, barbecue chicken, diced bell peppers, and red onion. Toss gently to mix without mashing the quinoa.
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Add Flavor: Add the chopped cilantro and the juice of 1 lime to the mixture. Stir well to incorporate the herbs and citrus, enhancing the salad’s flavor.
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Taste and Adjust: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more lime juice, salt, or pepper according to your preference.
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Rest for Flavor: For the best taste, let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes. This resting time helps the ingredients meld together, making each bite even more delicious.
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Serve: Once rested, serve the salad in bowls or on a large platter. Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges for a fresh touch. Your Healthy BBQ Chicken Quinoa Salad is now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Healthy BBQ Chicken Quinoa Salad
This salad can be served as a main dish or a side dish. It pairs well with grilled vegetables or slices of avocado. It’s a perfect meal for a picnic, potluck, or simply a quick dinner at home.
How to Store Healthy BBQ Chicken Quinoa Salad
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will keep well for up to 3 days. You may want to keep the dressing separate if you plan to store it, as this will help maintain the texture of the quinoa and vegetables.
Tips to Make Healthy BBQ Chicken Quinoa Salad
- Use leftover chicken to save time.
- Experiment with different barbecue sauces for unique flavors.
- Add other vegetables like corn or cucumbers for more crunch.
- Make it vegan by substituting chicken with chickpeas or grilled tofu.
Variation
For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the salad. You can also incorporate other grains like farro or brown rice for a different texture.
FAQs
Can I use different grains instead of quinoa?
Yes, you can use brown rice, farro, or even couscous.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this salad a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients a day in advance. Just mix everything together right before serving for the best taste.
Healthy BBQ Chicken Quinoa Salad
A refreshing and nutritious salad combining barbecue chicken, quinoa, and fresh vegetables, perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup Quinoa (rinsed and cooked)
- 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound total)
- ½ cup Barbecue sauce (your favorite flavor)
- 1 piece Red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 piece Yellow bell pepper (diced)
- ½ small Red onion (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup Fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1 piece Lime (juiced)
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Fluff and set aside to cool.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from skillet and let rest.
- Once rested, slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss with barbecue sauce in a bowl.
- Dice the bell peppers and chop the red onion. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, barbecue chicken, bell peppers, and red onion, tossing gently.
- Add chopped cilantro and lime juice, stirring well to incorporate.
- Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve in bowls or on a platter, garnished with extra cilantro or lime wedges.
Notes
For best results, allow the salad to rest before serving. This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg