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Homemade Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Salad photo

Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Salad

A warm, tangy buffalo chicken quinoa salad loaded with veggies, blue cheese, and avocado.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce I recommend Frank's
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 3/4 pound boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 3/4 cup shredded carrots
  • 3/4 cup shredded cabbage
  • 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles plus more for garnish
  • 1 avocado sliced
  • 4 green onions green onions chopped

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Medium bowl
  • Skillet
  • Large Salad Bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Cook the quinoa according to package directions, then fluff and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Make the buffalo dressing by whisking together the olive oil, hot sauce, and seasoned salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  4. Add the bite-size chicken pieces and cook about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through.
  5. Pour about 1/4 cup of the prepared buffalo dressing over the chicken and cook until the chicken absorbs the sauce.
  6. Add the broccoli to the skillet and cook 3–5 minutes more, until the broccoli is tender; remove from heat.
  7. In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, sauced chicken with broccoli, shredded carrots, and shredded cabbage.
  8. Toss the salad with as much of the remaining buffalo dressing as desired.
  9. Stir in the blue cheese crumbles and half of the chopped green onions, toss again, and serve warm topped with extra blue cheese, the remaining green onions, and sliced avocado.

Notes

  • Use Frank's hot sauce for a classic buffalo flavor.
  • Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
  • Adjust dressing amount to taste.
  • Serve warm for best texture.