No Bake Chicken Salad
Description
This refreshing quinoa salad is a delightful twist on traditional chicken salad, offering a fresh, no-bake option perfect for warm days. It combines fluffy quinoa with crisp green beans, sweet dried cherries, and crunchy toasted walnuts. The dressing brings it all together with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette infused with garlic and parsley. The addition of diced apples provides a juicy crunch and natural sweetness that balances the savory elements. Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch, this dish is easy to assemble and allows the flavors to meld as it chills. Its a wholesome, satisfying meal that feels both rustic and elegant.Ingredients
Directions
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In a medium saucepan, bring the water (or broth) and salt to a boil.
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Stir in the rinsed quinoa, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender.
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Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and spread on a baking sheet or large plate to cool completely.
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While quinoa cools, blanch the chopped green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and black pepper to create the vinaigrette.
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In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, blanched green beans, dried cherries, toasted walnuts, and diced apples.
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Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
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Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4 servings
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 624.4kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 44.9g70%
- Saturated Fat 4.9g25%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 3697.8mg155%
- Total Carbohydrate 47.8g16%
- Dietary Fiber 9.6g39%
- Sugars 11.4g
- Protein 13.7g28%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
quinoa, salad, apples, cherries, walnuts, balsamic, vinaigrette, green beans, vegan, no bake, healthy, lunch, picnic, side dish, autumn, garlic, parsley, toasted, dried fruit, vegetarian
