BBQ Chicken Quinoa Salad

 A BBQ Chicken Quinoa Salad is a healthy, flavorful dish that combines the smoky richness of BBQ chicken with the nutty texture of quinoa and fresh vegetables. It's a satisfying and nutrient-packed meal, perfect for lunch or dinner. Here's a recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

1 cup quinoa (rinsed)

2 cups water or chicken broth (for cooking quinoa)

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (grilled or baked)

1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)

1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or grilled)

1 red bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

1 avocado, diced (optional)

1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

For the Dressing:

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 teaspoon honey (optional for sweetness)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Quinoa:

1. Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, bring the 2 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Cook the Chicken:

1. Grill or Bake the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any desired spices. Grill or bake the chicken until fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes per side on the grill or 20-25 minutes in the oven at 375°F). Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and toss it with 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce until coated.

Prepare the Vegetables:

1. Chop the Veggies: Dice the red bell pepper, slice the red onion, and chop the cilantro. If you're using fresh corn, you can grill or cook the kernels until lightly charred, or you can use canned or frozen corn.

Make the Dressing:

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

Assemble the Salad:

1. Combine the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, BBQ chicken, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, black beans, and cilantro. Toss gently to combine.

2. Add Optional Toppings: If desired, add diced avocado and shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor.

Serve:

1. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for a few hours for the flavors to meld.

Tips:

Make it Spicy: Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the dressing or sprinkle some chili flakes for a kick of heat.

Meal Prep: This salad stores well in the fridge for 2-3 days, so it's great for preparing in advance.

Add Greens: Serve the salad on a bed of mixed greens or spinach for extra greens.

This BBQ Chicken Quinoa Salad is a fantastic combination of protein, fiber, and fresh veggies with the smoky sweetness of BBQ chicken. It's perfect for a light yet filling meal!