Quinoa Vegetable Salad with Chicken

Gluten, soy, dairy, nut free, vegetarian option 

I love this salad, even in the winter time on milder days!  Just so easy to make and nice to have on hand for a quick meal.  A healthy salad that makes a great lunch. It is perfect in the summer, but we also make this in the winter when it is not too cold outside. I make plenty so that I have it for a few days for lunch. Even if you aren’t a huge fan on quinoa in the past may really like this salad!

Gluten, dairy, and soy free, omit the chicken for a vegetarian friendly meal

Ingredients

  • 2 c. cooked quinoa
  • 1 organic cucumber diced (scrub and leave peel on)
  • 1 c. flat leaf parsley finely chopped
  • ½ c. cilantro finely chopped
  • ½ c. cherry tomatoes cut in half
  • ¼ c. red onion diced
  • 3 T. EVOO
  • 3 T. lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled, cut in half, minced
  • ½ t. sea salt
  • 1- pound organic chicken cooked and cut into bite size pieces
  • Optional: replace chicken with 1 cup cooked garbanzo beans or lentils 

Directions

  1. If haven’t done already, cook the quinoa. If the package does not say pre-rinsed, then rinse the quinoa before adding to a pot of water. (I typically make extra quinoa for other uses). Sauté the chicken in avocado oil over medium heat until lightly brown and cooked through. If desired, add seasoning to the chicken.
  2. Whisk together the EVOO, lemon juice, garlic and salt in a bowl and set aside
  3. Blend the rest of the ingredients together in a large bowl
  4. Stir in the EVOO blend and toss to coat everything. If you prefer more dressing, double the dressing portion of this recipe.
  5. Serve cold or at room temp.

A Few Benefits to Eating This Healthy Salad

  • Quinoa is a complete protein and is high in iron and calcium. It is also a great source of fiber and magnesium. A good gluten free choice!
  • Cucumbers are effective in ridding the body of toxins from the digestive system
  • Lemon juice has flavonoids that can cleanse the liver and assist in food digestion
  • Olive oil can lower systemic inflammation; can improve insulin levels and is good for blood sugar control.
  • Raw garlic produces allicin when chopped, an antimicrobial compound
  • Cilantro is known as a chelator, picking up heavy metals and toxins in the body and binding to them for removal.

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