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Ranch Chicken Quinoa Salad

Ranch Chicken Quinoa Salad to Brighten Your Weeknight Dinners

This Ranch Chicken Quinoa Salad is a quick and nutritious dish packed with protein and fiber, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa cook according to package directions
  • 2 cups cooked chicken rotisserie or leftover
  • 1 small red onion chopped
  • 1 cup little tomatoes halved (cherry, grape, etc.)
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1 small mini cucumber sliced
  • 1 avocado sliced (optional for meal prep)
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • ½ cup ranch dressing to taste
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped, optional

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • fine-mesh strainer
  • small bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Rinse quinoa under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Let cool completely.
  2. Shred 2 cups of cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop a small red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the mini cucumber, and chop the red bell pepper. Set aside.
  3. For homemade ranch dressing, mix 1 cup of Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon dried dill, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and a splash of lemon juice in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Once quinoa is cooled, transfer it to a large bowl. Add shredded chicken, chopped vegetables, and fresh baby spinach. Gently fluff with a fork.
  5. Drizzle ranch dressing over the salad mixture, using enough to coat but not drown the ingredients—about ½ cup usually works. Toss gently.
  6. Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or plates. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For optimal freshness, store ingredients separately and combine with ranch dressing right before serving. Omit avocado until serving to prevent browning.

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