Buffalo Chicken Broccoli Quinoa Salad: A Delicious and Nutritious Meal Option
This Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Salad combines the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with the nutritional goodness of quinoa and broccoli. Whether you’re a fan of spicy dishes or simply looking for a wholesome meal, this salad is sure to satisfy your cravings. So, let’s dive right in!
Why Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Salad?
Buffalo chicken has long been a favorite in American cuisine, known for its tangy and fiery taste. By incorporating it into a quinoa salad, we create a delightful fusion of flavors that will leave your taste buds tingling with joy. Not only does this salad pack a punch in terms of taste, but it also offers a range of health benefits.
The Health Benefits of Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Salad
Quinoa: A Healthy Base
Quinoa serves as the nutritious base of our salad. It is a gluten-free grain that is rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Quinoa is also a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids necessary for optimal health. By incorporating quinoa into your diet, you can enjoy benefits such as improved digestion, increased energy levels, and enhanced muscle recovery.
Buffalo Chicken: Spicy and Satisfying
Buffalo chicken provides the zesty kick that sets this salad apart. While it’s true that buffalo sauce can be spicy, it also contains capsaicin, a compound known for its potential to boost metabolism and reduce inflammation. By tweaking the recipe below, you can dial up or dial down the heat. Additionally, chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, supporting muscle growth, repairing tissues, and promoting overall satiety.
Broccoli: A Nutritional Powerhouse
Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, which supports immune function, collagen production and helps protect cells from damage. Additionally, broccoli contains vitamin K, which promotes healthy blood clotting and bone health. It also provides a good amount of folate, vitamin A, and potassium.
The Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Salad
Now, let’s get down to the main event – the recipe itself. Follow the steps below to create a mouthwatering Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Salad that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup Buffalo sauce
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 head broccoli florets
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 4 ounces blue cheese crumbles
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, bring the quinoa and water to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 20 minutes until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed. Once cooked, fluff the quinoa with a fork and set it aside to cool.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-size chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and cooked through, usually taking around 5-7 minutes.
- Pour the Buffalo sauce over the cooked chicken, ensuring all the pieces are evenly coated. Continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, celery, broccoli florets, and sliced green onions. Add the Buffalo chicken to the bowl and gently toss the ingredients together until they are well combined.
- Finally, sprinkle the blue cheese crumbles over the salad and give it a light toss to distribute the cheese evenly.
- For optimal flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Once chilled, serve the Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Salad and delight in the explosion of flavors and textures!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values for this scrumptious Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Salad:
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
Conclusion
This salad is a perfect blend of spicy, savory, and refreshing elements, making it a versatile dish suitable for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as a light lunch or a flavorful dinner, this salad guarantees a burst of flavors that will leave you craving for more. So gather the ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in this delicious and nutritious Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Salad today!
Inspired by Beach Ready Now’s Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Salad
so, is there a buffalo sauce recipe? or a specific buffalo sauce you used?