A hearty, wholesome salad recipe that includes nutrient-rich quinoa and purple cabbage, tender rooster, and plenty of zesty citrus taste. Recent, vibrant, protein-packed, and naturally gluten-free, this citrus rooster quinoa salad makes an ideal mild dinner or make-ahead lunch.
I initially printed this recipe in 2014, and I’ve since up to date it to be higher than ever, and added new images and further success suggestions.
I’m identified for my baking recipes, however from time to time I put together a meal that’s simply too scrumptious to not share alongside all of the desserts. And as we speak’s flavorful, satisfying salad is one among them!
If you happen to love hearty salads that really fill you up, this citrus rooster quinoa salad deserves a spot in your common rotation. It’s contemporary, colourful, and stuffed with texture: tender rooster, nutty quinoa, crunchy cabbage, creamy avocado, and juicy oranges. Pile it on a mattress of greens and also you’ve bought a healthful all-in-one meal that’s certain to fulfill.
This isn’t a kind of “principally lettuce” salads. Each chunk is full of satisfying components, making it excellent for wholesome lunches, mild dinners, or meal prep for the week.
The flavour mixture is easy however extremely good: savory garlic-paprika rooster, candy citrus, and a contemporary honey-lime-cilantro dressing. The whole lot soaks into the quinoa, so the leftovers style even higher the subsequent day.
If you happen to take pleasure in grain bowls and protein-packed salads, it is a recipe you’ll come again to many times.
Why You’ll Love This Citrus Rooster Quinoa Salad
- Recent, wholesome, vibrant flavors
- Nutrient-rich, protein-packed, and satisfying
- A texture lover’s dream salad
- Naturally gluten-free
- Nice for meal prep
- Customizable
One reader, Annette, commented: “This was extremely scrumptious. I used to be skeptical at first with the oranges within the salad, nonetheless—WOW—the flavors, textures, and style had been improbable. I had it for my dinner tonight and it’s filling, I can’t await lunch tomorrow to have it once more (leftovers). ★★★★★”
One other reader, Alex, commented: “I found this recipe final summer season and have been anxiously awaiting hotter climate so I may add it again to our dinner rotation! So scrumptious. Tastes even higher chilly the subsequent day. Can simply sub grapefruit or clementines for the oranges/juice. ★★★★★”
A Few Key Elements
- Quinoa: The hearty base of the salad. Quinoa provides nutty taste, plant protein, and a fluffy texture that absorbs the citrus dressing superbly.
- Rooster: Fast-cooked on the range with olive oil, smoked paprika, and garlic for savory depth. Grilled or blackened rooster would even be nice on this salad!
- Oranges: Candy citrus brightens the complete salad and provides a bit of juiciness.
- Avocado: Creamy avocado balances the citrus acidity and makes the salad additional satisfying.
- Cilantro: Ties the citrus dressing collectively!
- Honey Lime Dressing: A easy mixture of lime juice, honey, dijon mustard (only a bit to emulsify), olive oil, and orange juice that evenly coats all the pieces.
What Is Quinoa?
Nutrient-dense quinoa usually will get labeled a “superfood,” and for good cause. It’s naturally gluten-free and thought of an entire grain, although it’s technically a seed. It’s one of many few plant meals that incorporates all 9 important amino acids, making it a whole protein. It’s additionally full of fiber, minerals, and antioxidants.
In different phrases, it’s a small ingredient with some massive dietary advantages!
Plus, its fluffy texture and gentle, nutty taste make it a simple addition to salads like this one.
I really like quinoa as a result of it’s extremely versatile. Attempt it in these quinoa crunch bars subsequent!
The right way to Make This Quinoa Salad
Prepare dinner the quinoa: Put together quinoa in line with bundle directions. Make sure to rinse it first earlier than cooking, to take away its pure coating, known as saponin, which might style bitter. Let it (principally) cool earlier than assembling the salad.
Prepare dinner the rooster: Prepare dinner the rooster in a skillet with seasonings till cooked by means of.
Assemble the salad: Mix the quinoa, rooster, cabbage, oranges, and avocado in a big bowl.
Make the dressing: Whisk collectively the dressing components, pour over the salad, and toss to mix. Add feta and pepitas, if utilizing.
Simple Variations
This quinoa salad recipe may be very versatile! Attempt one among these variations:
- Add greens: Serve the salad over child spinach, arugula, spring combine, or chopped kale.
- Make it vegetarian: Swap the rooster for chickpeas, tofu, or black beans.
- Make it pescatarian: Swap the rooster for salmon or shrimp.
- Swap the citrus: Use grapefruit, blood oranges, or mandarins.
- Add crunch: Toss in sliced almonds, pumpkin seeds (pepitas), or pistachios.
If you happen to love the flavors of this citrus quinoa rooster salad, you may also take pleasure in this creamy cilantro lime rooster.
Sure! That is a kind of uncommon salads that tastes even higher after it sits. Because the salad chills, the quinoa absorbs the citrus dressing and the flavors deepen. It’s a superb meal-prep recipe and retains properly within the fridge for as much as 5 days. For the most effective texture, you possibly can add the avocado simply earlier than serving.
Completely! Quinoa supplies protein, fiber, and minerals, whereas the rooster provides further protein and the citrus dressing retains the salad mild.
Brown rice, farro, pearl barley, or couscous can work rather than quinoa.
- Prepare dinner the quinoa: Put together quinoa in line with bundle instructions. Switch to a big bowl and let cool barely.
- Prepare dinner the rooster: Warmth olive oil in a big skillet over medium warmth. Add the rooster, smoked paprika, and salt. Prepare dinner, stirring often, for five minutes. Add the minced garlic. Proceed cooking till the rooster is cooked by means of and reaches an inside temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 2–3 extra minutes.
- Assemble the salad: Add the cooked rooster, shredded cabbage, oranges, and avocado to the bowl of quinoa. Toss gently to mix.
- Make the dressing: Whisk all dressing components collectively till mixed. Style, and add salt and pepper if desired. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle with feta and pepitas, if utilizing. Serve instantly as-is, or serve over contemporary greens reminiscent of spinach or arugula.
- Cowl and retailer leftovers within the fridge for as much as 5 days.
- Make Forward Directions: It is a excellent recipe to make forward of time as a result of the flavors style even higher by day 2. Merely put together the salad, cowl tightly, and refrigerate in a single day.
- Particular Instruments (affiliate hyperlinks): Glass Mixing Bowl | Whisk
- Cilantro: If you happen to don’t take care of cilantro, depart it out or change with chopped contemporary basil or parsley.
- Replace in 2026: I made just a few small updates to spice up the flavour, plus added just a few elective extras. If you happen to’d prefer to make the salad as initially written in 2014, merely skip the cabbage, feta, and pepitas, and omit the mustard within the dressing.
Description
A hearty, wholesome salad recipe with creamy avocado, nutty quinoa, rooster, contemporary cilantro, and plenty of vibrant citrus flavors. The right mild dinner or make-ahead lunch!
