Strawberry BBQ Chicken Spinach and Quinoa Salad: A Taste of Portland Sunshine
Hello, friend! Avery Collins here, from my little kitchen in Portland, where even on the rainiest days, we find ways to bring sunshine to our plates. Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s become a staple in my house, especially during the warmer months: Strawberry BBQ Chicken Spinach and Quinoa Salad. It’s vibrant, it’s healthy, and it’s bursting with flavors that will make your taste buds sing. Think sweet, smoky, savory, and fresh all in one delightful bite. This isn’t just a salad; it’s a celebration of seasonal ingredients and a testament to the joy of cooking for yourself.
My journey into healthy eating started out of necessity, not passion. Years ago, I was stressed, overworked, and relying too much on takeout. My body finally rebelled, and I knew I needed to make a change. Cooking became my way back to health, both physical and mental. This salad is a reflection of that journey – simple, nourishing, and full of love.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Strawberry BBQ Chicken Spinach and Quinoa Salad
Seriously, get ready to fall in love! This salad isn’t just good for you; it’s incredibly delicious. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel energized and satisfied. Here’s why I think you’ll adore it:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet strawberries, smoky BBQ chicken, creamy avocado, tangy goat cheese, and salty bacon creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Nutrient-Packed: This salad is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the spinach, quinoa, strawberries, and avocado. It’s a powerhouse of goodness!
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. More on variations later!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it for lunch throughout the week. The quinoa and chicken hold up well, and the flavors meld together beautifully.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or a casual weeknight dinner, this salad is always a hit.
I love how versatile this salad is! It’s perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover grilled chicken or that rogue avocado that’s perfectly ripe. It’s a great alternative to a chicken club salad.
Ingredients: Your Shopping List for Salad Bliss
Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand; feel free to get creative and substitute as needed!
- 1 cup quinoa, well rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 4 strips turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup roasted strawberry BBQ sauce
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Cilantro to taste, chopped
How to Make Strawberry BBQ Chicken Spinach and Quinoa Salad: Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to bring this delicious salad to life. Don’t be intimidated; it’s easier than it looks!
- Cook the Quinoa: Bring the water and quinoa to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender and has absorbed all the water, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- Prep the Ingredients: While the quinoa is cooking, slice the strawberries, dice the avocado, and slice the green onions. Crumble the cooked turkey bacon and goat cheese.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, baby spinach, shredded chicken, strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, turkey bacon, green onions, and cilantro.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle the strawberry BBQ sauce over the salad and gently toss to combine. Serve immediately and enjoy!
And there you have it! A vibrant, flavorful salad that’s perfect for any occasion. This salad with grilled chicken is simply divine!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Salad Every Time
Want to take your salad game to the next level? Here are a few of my favorite tips:
- Rinse the Quinoa: This helps remove the saponins, which can give the quinoa a bitter taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Quinoa: Overcooked quinoa can be mushy. Cook it until it’s tender but still has a slight bite.
- Use Ripe but Firm Strawberries: This will ensure that they hold their shape and don’t get too mushy in the salad.
- Wait to Add the Avocado: If you’re making the salad ahead of time, wait to add the avocado until just before serving to prevent it from browning.
- Toast the Quinoa: For a nuttier flavor, toast the uncooked quinoa in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before cooking.
These tips will help you create a salad that’s both delicious and visually appealing. The chicken strawberry salad is one that will be requested again and again.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We all make mistakes in the kitchen, but here are a few common ones to watch out for when making this salad:
- Using Underripe or Overripe Strawberries: Underripe strawberries will be tart and flavorless, while overripe strawberries will be mushy.
- Adding Too Much Dressing: A little bit of strawberry BBQ sauce goes a long way. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
- Not Rinsing the Quinoa: As mentioned earlier, rinsing the quinoa is crucial to remove the bitter saponins.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Dry, overcooked chicken will ruin the texture of the salad. Use leftover grilled chicken or poach it gently for best results.
Learning from our mistakes is part of the cooking process! Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. This strawberry bbq chicken salad is very forgiving.
Variations: Make It Your Own!
The beauty of this salad is that it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Add Different Greens: Instead of spinach, try using mixed greens, kale, or arugula.
- Swap the Cheese: Feta cheese, blue cheese, or even a vegan cheese alternative would be delicious in this salad.
- Use Different Nuts or Seeds: Add some crunch with toasted almonds, pecans, or pumpkin seeds.
- Add More Vegetables: Cucumber, bell peppers, or red onion would be great additions. This salad is almost like a quinoa salad with peppers if you make this addition.
- Make it Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and bacon for a vegetarian version. Add chickpeas or lentils for extra protein.
- Change the Dressing: Use a balsamic vinaigrette, poppy seed dressing, or even a simple lemon-herb vinaigrette instead of the strawberry BBQ sauce.
Get creative and have fun with it! There are endless possibilities when it comes to customizing this salad. If you are looking for something new to try, this is it!
Storage Instructions
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Here are a few tips for storing it properly:
- Store the Dressing Separately: This will prevent the salad from getting soggy.
- Use an Airtight Container: This will help keep the salad fresh.
- Add the Avocado Just Before Serving: As mentioned earlier, avocado tends to brown when exposed to air.
The quinoa salad with vegetables and cheese stays fresh for a few days. This salad is couscous lunch-worthy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get about this salad:
- Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can! Just store the dressing separately and add the avocado just before serving.
- Is this salad gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use gluten-free BBQ sauce.
- Can I use frozen strawberries? Fresh strawberries are best, but you can use frozen strawberries if needed. Just thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before adding them to the salad.
- Can I grill the strawberries? Yes, grilled strawberries add a wonderful smoky sweetness to the salad! Simply grill them for a few minutes per side until they are slightly softened and caramelized.
If you have any other questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below! I’m always happy to help. You can even try grilled strawberries on their own.
Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal
This Strawberry BBQ Chicken Spinach and Quinoa Salad is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas for serving it as part of a complete meal:
- Serve it with Grilled Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious dressing.
- Add a Side of Fruit: A bowl of fresh berries or a slice of watermelon would complement the salad perfectly.
- Pair it with a Light Soup: A chilled cucumber soup or a simple tomato soup would be a refreshing addition. This is not unlike couscous cucumber salad.
- Serve it as a BBQ Side Dish: This salad is a great alternative to traditional potato salad or coleslaw at a BBQ.
No matter how you choose to serve it, I hope you enjoy this salad as much as I do! It’s a little taste of Portland sunshine, no matter where you are. This the salad for you!
Strawberry BBQ Chicken Spinach and Quinoa Salad with Bacon, Avocado and Goat Cheese
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa (well rinsed)
- 1.5 cups water
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 cup strawberries
- 1 cup avocado
- 0.25 cup goat cheese (crumbled)
- 4 strips turkey bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 0.25 cup roasted strawberry BBQ sauce
- 2 green onions
- to taste cilantro
Instructions
- Bring the water and quinoa to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the quinoa is tender and has absorbed the water, about 15 minutes, remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes, covered.
- Meanwhile, slice the strawberries, dice the avocado and slice the green onions.
- Mix everything and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
