Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Deliciously Healthy Buffalo Quinoa Chicken Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 63 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Deliciously Healthy Buffalo Quinoa Chicken Salad is a perfect balance of spicy buffalo flavor, protein-packed chicken, and nutritious quinoa. Quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, it features a vibrant mix of corn, red onion, and creamy avocado topped with crumbled blue cheese for richness. Ideal as a wholesome lunch or light dinner, this salad delivers bold taste with wholesome ingredients for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Grains & Protein

  • 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
  • 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken

Vegetables & Add-ins

  • 1 cup corn (sweet and crunchy)
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 1 large avocado (diced)

Dressings & Cheese

  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce

Liquid

  • 2 cups water (for cooking quinoa)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and cook quinoa: Rinse 1 cup of dry quinoa thoroughly under running water to remove any bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Simmer quinoa: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer the quinoa for about 15 minutes until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
  3. Prepare salad base: Remove the quinoa from heat and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken, diced red onion, corn, and crumbled blue cheese.
  4. Mix salad with buffalo sauce: Gently fold the slightly cooled quinoa into the bowl with the other ingredients. Pour in 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce and toss everything generously until the ingredients are well coated with the spicy sauce.
  5. Add avocado and serve: Just before serving, top the salad with the diced avocado to add a creamy texture that balances the heat from the buffalo sauce. Serve immediately for best flavor and freshness.

Notes

  • Rinsing quinoa helps reduce its natural bitterness for a better taste.
  • Allowing quinoa to cool slightly prevents the buffalo sauce from cooking or breaking down.
  • Add avocado right before serving to avoid browning and maintain freshness.
  • This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.
  • Use cooked chicken from leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie for convenience.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://chachaathairestaurant.com/deliciously-healthy-buffalo-quinoa-chicken-salad-recipe/