I absolutely LOVE quinoa! It is so nice to take a break from the same brown rice, barley and pasta and add something new every once in a while.
I used to eat Quinoa alot and hadn't bought any in a long time. It is the easiest food to prepare and is really much quicker than rice or barley to cook as well.
If you have never prepared it before it may seem a bit scary, but really its so simple. Rinse the quinoa in a colander before using. There may be some dark pieces you can simply pick out. Place the 1 cup quinoa in a pot with 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil then reduce to simmer. Cover and cook 15 minutes till all the water is gone.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO DRAIN anything!
I just love that part!
It should be soft and translucent with a germ like ring visible along the outside. 1 cup of quinoa is about 4 cups cooked. Here's what it should look like after its cooked.
Quinoa is so versatile. You can add almost anything you like and it will be delicious! Here are my favorite picks for this yummy salad.
Scallions, already prepared from my freezing cooking day, cooked chicken breast, dried cherries, and my Toasted Tamari Almond Snack, chopped! I will be featuring MANY more quinoa recipes to share with you how versatile it really is!!
Nutrition Info
Servings:1* Calories: 355* Fat: 18g* Fiber: 3g* Carbs: 26g* Protein: 21g* Points+: 8* Old Points:8*
Quinoa Chicken Cherry Salad
[sc:Ziplist]
Ingredients
- ½ c. cooked Quinoa
- 2 oz. cooked chicken breast
- 1 scallion chopped
- ½ tbsp. toasted almonds
- 1 tbsp. dried cherries
- ½ tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 tsp. garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. fresh parsley
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Mix the oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper and pour onto the quinoa, combine well.
- Add toppings!
About Brenda
Brenda Bennett is a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, certified Sugar Detox Coach, certified Keto Coach and certified Life Coach. She has been Sugar Free & Refined carb free for 17 years and has written 2 cookbooks, Sugar-Free Mom, and Naturally Keto and her 3rd book The 30-Day Sugar Elimination Diet, is a four part program to help you detox from sugar, eliminate cravings, balance blood sugar and lose weight all while eating a delicious, nutrient dense whole foods. Meal plan offers two tracks to follow, low carb or keto. She is the founder of the Sugar Free Fresh Start course and Sugar Free Tribe weight loss membership. Learn more.
Sandy Kay
It would be so helpful if the nutritional values were included.
Brenda
Sandy, they are included above, all my recipes have nutritional info.
Michelle Sexton
I seriously love this salad! I've made it several days in a row!!! I also added cucumbers for more fiber and used fresh cherries instead of dried, since that was what I had in the fridge. 🙂
Becki
Jennifer...we used to hate Quinoa too. I would buy it because it was approved for Passover use. But it was always bitter. Found out if I rinsed it a million times before cooking it is AWESOME!
Debbi
I can't wait to try this recipe tomorrow. In the directions it says to add the garlic, but I don't see garlic in the recipe. Would love to know how much garlic?
Thank you so much!
deb
Brenda
Thanks so much for catching that! All set, 1 tsp or more if you like it!
Karen
This sounds so yummy, and easy to make! I'm pinning it. Thank you.
Amy
I really like quinoa now that I know how to prepare it correctly. This looks delicious!
Christina
I love quinoa and have been looking for some yummy recipes to use it with. Thanks, this one looks great!
Laura @ Gluten Free Pantry
I love quinoa too! I have never added cranberries and chicken to quinoa-sounds like a fantastic combination of flavors and tastes. I have to try this recipe soon!
Brenda
Actually I used dried cherries Laura because unlike dried cranberries i have found some without any added sugars. But cranberries are still delish!
Lisa
You had me at quinoa and cherries.
Steph.
YAY! Thank you, we will definitely be making THIS!!! Love quinoa. 🙂
Amanda Munhollon
Sounds great will have to give this a try!
Becky
We LOVE Quinoa and can't wait to try this! Looks healthy and easy, great for a lunch on a busy workday since you can prepare it ahead of time.
Jennifer
We have a bit of a love hate relationship with Quinoa in my house. I love that it is so good for you and my family hates the way it tastes. I am going to try your salad tonight I'll let you know how it goes.