This lemon chicken quinoa salad is a fantastic way to use up any leftover chicken. It makes a great midweek lunch, picnic idea or packed lunch for work.
![Lemon Chicken Quinoa Salad served on a plate](https://i0.wp.com/cookingcompass.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Lemon-Chicken-Quinoa-Salad-Finished-Dish.jpg?resize=680%2C907&ssl=1)
Why you should make this
- This salad is a great option if you’re following the Mediterranean Diet or simply want something that is packed with healthy fats, protein and fibre
- It is very quick and easy to make – a very handy recipe for busy days as it requires minimal cooking and uses up leftovers
- It can be prepared ahead of time
- It is gluten free
Variations
There are a number of ways you can switch up this recipe according to your tastes. Here are some ideas to try:
- If you’re vegetarian you could swap the chicken for chickpeas, black beans or tofu
- You could swap the chicken for seafood such as prawns or leftover salmon
- Try adding extra veggies such as grated carrot, spinach, or chopped peppers
- Leftover roasted vegetables would taste great added to this dish
- If you don’t have thyme you could a different soft herb such as fresh parsley, cilantro (coriander) or basil
- You could experiment with different spices such as cumin, coriander or chilli powder
FAQs
What is quinoa?
Quinoa is a gluten-free grain-like seed that is high in protein, fibre and antioxidants. There are many types including black, white, and red. Quinoa has a lot of nutrients including vitamin E, magnesium, folate, zinc and iron.
Is quinoa a carb or a protein?
Quinoa is a seed and the majority of the calories are in the form of carbs, although it does also provide some protein. It is therefore classified as a carbohydrate.
Ingredients
![Ingredients for Lemon Chicken Quinoa Salad](https://i0.wp.com/cookingcompass.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Ingredients-chicken-quinoa-salad.jpg?resize=680%2C907&ssl=1)
Cooked chicken – use up any leftover roast chicken
Cooked quinoa – having some pre-cooked quinoa in the fridge will save you time on this recipe. If you’re cooking it from scratch it’s really easy and takes about 15 minutes: How to Cook Quinoa
Garlic – I like to use a small fresh clove of grated garlic for this recipe but you could use garlic powder instead
Lemon juice – the juice and zest of 1 lemon gives this salad a great fresh zingy flavour
Dijon mustard
Extra virgin olive oil
Smoked paprika – if you don’t have smoked paprika, you could use normal paprika
Fresh thyme – use any other soft herb if you don’t have thyme
Cucumber
Spring onion
Canned sweetcorn
Tomatoes – you can use round tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
How to make lemon chicken quinoa salad
![salad dressing in a bowl next to a small whisk](https://i0.wp.com/cookingcompass.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Chicken-quinoa-salad-dressing.jpg?resize=680%2C510&ssl=1)
![salad ingredients in a bowl](https://i0.wp.com/cookingcompass.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/chicken-quinoa-salad-prep.jpg?resize=680%2C510&ssl=1)
![salad ingredients and dressing tossed together](https://i0.wp.com/cookingcompass.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/chicken-quinoa-salad-mixed.jpg?resize=680%2C510&ssl=1)
![lemon chicken quinoa salad served on a bed of lettuce](https://i0.wp.com/cookingcompass.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/chicken-qunioa-salad-served.jpg?resize=680%2C510&ssl=1)
- Prepare the Dressing – in a small bowl, whisk together the grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, fresh thyme and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.
- Assemble the Salad – in a large bowl, combine the shredded leftover chicken, cooked quinoa, diced cucumber, sliced spring onions, chopped tomato and sweetcorn.
- Dress the Salad – pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss to combine, ensuring all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Serve – you can serve the salad as it is or on top of a bed of mixed lettuce leaves.
Storage Instructions
Eat this salad immediately or store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to two days.
![Lemon chicken quinoa salad](https://i0.wp.com/cookingcompass.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Lemon-Chicken-Quinoa-Salad-FI.jpg?fit=250%2C250&ssl=1)
Lemon Quinoa Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover chicken, chopped or shredded
- 250 g cooked quinoa
- 1 small clove of garlic, crushed
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leave
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 100 g cucumber, chopped
- 2 spring onions, finely chopped
- 2 medium sized tomatoes, chopped
- 100 g canned sweetcorn, drained
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing – in a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, fresh thyme and a pinch of salt. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.
- Assemble the Salad – in a large bowl, combine the shredded leftover chicken, cooked quinoa, diced cucumber, sliced spring onions, chopped tomato and sweetcorn.
- Dress the Salad – pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss to combine, ensuring all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Serve – you can serve the salad as it is or on top of a bed of mixed lettuce leaves.
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