Chicken Quinoa Salad

I crave Mexican food pretty much everyday. Unfortunately, the husband doesn't share my obsession. This salad was the perfect compromise; enough Mexican flavors for me without being too much for him. He's usually doesn't like bird food {salads} for dinner, but this one got his seal of approval.

I work late a few nights a week and need quick and easy meals. I was able to get this started before I left for work and just assemble when I got home. 

Quick, easy, and yummy!

 

Chicken Quinoa Salad 

Crock Pot Chicken *This chicken would be great for tacos too

Adapted from here

1½ lbs. boneless & skinless chicken breasts

16 oz. jar of salsa

1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)

1 can corn kernels (drained and rinsed)

¼ tsp. cayenne pepper (add more if you like food spicier and less if you don't)

2-3 cloves of garlic minced (I was lazy and used 2 tsp. of minced garlic from a jar)

1/2 tsp. each of salt and pepper

• Place chicken in crock pot and top with black beans, corn, garlic, seasonings, and salsa. Give a quick stir.
•  Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours. 
• Shred chicken with two forks

Quinoa

1½  cups chicken broth

1 cup quinoa

• Rinse quinoa well*
• Combine quinoa and broth** and bring to a boil uncovered.
• Once it’s boiling reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed.

*This is a really important step. The seeds are coated with saponins, which can cause a bitter unpleasant taste. Once you rinse this goes away. Most quinoa is rinsed before packaging, but it’s always safe to rinse again.

**Use any kind of broth you have or prefer. I always cook quinoa in broth instead of water. Broth adds more flavor and adding flavor wherever you can is good :) 

Assemble the salad

• Start with lettuce of choice and layer with quinoa and then chicken. 
• Top with whatever garnishes you like: cheese, salsa, green onions, sour cream (I substitute plain greek yogurt)
• Serve and enjoy!

I made the quinoa while I was getting everything in the crock pot. Once it was done I put it in the fridge so I didn't have to cook when I got home. I actually served the quinoa cold, but you could definitely heat it up before assembling.

If you've never had quinoa before give it a try! While it resembles a grain, it's not, it's a complete protein and naturally gluten free. If you don't feel adventurous or if you just don't like quinoa rice would be a good substitute.

Hope you enjoy!