Carrot, Tomato & Chicken Quinoa Salad

Elevate your dining experience with this vibrant and nutritious Quinoa Chicken Salad. Packed with wholesome ingredients, including fluffy white quinoa, succulent barbecued chicken, a medley of colorful carrots, juicy heirloom tomatoes, and an assortment of fresh herbs and nuts, this salad is a celebration of flavors and textures. Topped with a zesty Lemon, Tahini & Yoghurt Dressing, this dish promises to be a delightful and satisfying meal that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

PREP 20 MINS

COOK 30 MINS

SERVES 4-6

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup white quinoa
• 1 small barbecued chicken
• 2 purple carrots
• 1 orange carrot
• 375g mixed baby tomatoes (heirloom), quartered or halved
• 3 green onions (shallots), trimmed and thinly sliced
• ½ cup small mint leaves, roughly chopped
• 1 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, roughly chopped
• ½ cup shelled pistachio nuts, roughly chopped
• Lemon wedges, to serve

Lemon, Tahini & Yoghurt Dressing:

• ½ cup natural Greek-style yoghurt
• 1 tbs tahini
• ¼ cup lemon juice

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Place quinoa in a sieve and rinse in cold water.
2. Combine quinoa and 2 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until quinoa is cooked and water is absorbed. Place quinoa into a large bowl. Let it cool slightly.
3. Meanwhile, shred chicken flesh, discarding skin and bones.
4. Peel carrots. Using a julienne peeler or knife, shred carrots into long thin strips. Plunge carrots into a bowl of iced water. Stand for 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
5. Add shredded chicken, carrots, tomatoes, green onions, mint, parsley, and pistachios to the quinoa. Toss to combine.
6. To make the dressing, combine all dressing ingredients in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until well combined.
7. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, gently toss to coat, and serve with lemon wedges.

TIPS:

• Rinse the quinoa thoroughly to remove any bitterness before cooking. This ensures a clean and neutral base for your salad.
• Utilize pre-cooked barbecued chicken for convenience, or roast your own chicken with your preferred seasonings for a personal touch.
• The Lemon, Tahini & Yoghurt Dressing adds a creamy and tangy element to the salad. Adjust the lemon and tahini quantities to find your desired balance of flavors.
• For an extra layer of flavor, consider toasting the pistachio nuts in a dry pan before chopping them. This enhances their natural nuttiness and adds a pleasant crunch to the salad.
• Feel free to customize the salad by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or avocado, to enhance its nutritional profile and taste.

Dive into a plate of freshness and nourishment with our Carrot, Tomato & Chicken Quinoa Salad. This delightful dish is a fusion of vibrant colors, wholesome ingredients, and a burst of flavors that will awaken your taste buds. The combination of nourishing quinoa, tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a creamy dressing results in a wholesome and delectable meal that’s perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner. With its blend of colors and tastes, this salad is a culinary masterpiece that embodies health and indulgence in every bite.