Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Salad
The ultimate comfort food, Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Salad is a spicy, protein-packed meal that is perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy dressing, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. Make it tonight for an easy weeknight dinner!
Equipment
- Skillet
- Chef's Knife
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1/2 cup hot sauce I recommend Frank's
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 3/4 pound boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite size pieces
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 3/4 cup shredded carrots
- 3/4 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles plus more for garnish
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 4 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, make the buffalo sauce dressing. In a medium bowl combine the olive oil, hot sauce, and seasoned salt. Whisk to combine. Set aside.
- Heat a medium size skillet over medium high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and cook the chicken for about 5 minutes or until cooked through. Add 1/4 cup or so of the buffalo sauce and cook until the chicken absorbs the sauce. Add the broccoli and cook 3-5 minutes or until the broccoli is tender. Remove from the heat.
- In a large salad bowl, toss together the cooked quinoa, chicken, broccoli, carrots, shredded cabbage, and as much of the dressing as desired. Add the blue cheese and half of the green onions. Toss again and serve warm with extra blue cheese crumbles, the remaining green onions, and avocado.
Notes
- Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days.
- Tip 2: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual portions. Just be sure to leave out the avocado and fresh toppings until you're ready to eat.
- Tip 3: This salad pairs beautifully with a side of whole grain bread or a light soup.
- Tip 4: Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or grilled vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- Tip 5: Adjust the hot sauce to your preferred heat level; feel free to mix in some garlic powder for extra flavor.