Entree salads are extra appealing as the weather gets warmer. Even though this salad is light and fresh, quinoa and sauteed chicken give it enough substance to stand on its own.
Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 lb
, cut into strips
(or buy pre-cut chicken breast tenders)
Oil, cooking
- 1 Tbsp
Honey Dijon Chicken Salad:
Quinoa, uncooked
- 2/3 cup
Stock, any type
- 1 1/3 cup
Celery
- 2 stalks
, sliced
Tomatoes, cherry or grape
- 1 cup
, halved
Spinach, baby
- 8 oz
Prep
Quinoa - (Skip if quinoa was made ahead for Tuesday.) Combine quinoa with stock in a saucepan. Add some salt. Bring to a boil covered. Lower heat, keep covered, and cook until liquid is absorbed, 8 to 10 minutes. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
Make vinaigrette - If prepping right before cooking, get oven heating before continuing with prep. Whisk together mustard, honey, and vinegar. Add first portion of olive oil while whisking. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
Celery - Slice celery. (Can be done up to 4 days ahead)
Bread / Tomatoes - Prep as directed. Store separately. (Can be done up to 2 days ahead)
Spread bread cubes out on a sheet pan. Drizzle with second portion of olive oil and season with some salt and pepper.
Toast until bread is golden and crisp, shaking pan halfway through cooking, 8 to 10 minutes.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add cooking oil and then chicken to heated oil. Sear chicken on all sides until nearly cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes. In the last minute of cooking add 1 Tbsp / 15 mL of vinaigrette (for 4 servings; adjust if customizing) and continue to cook until vinaigrette coats chicken.
If you’d like the quinoa warm, reheat in the microwave (you can also serve it at room temperature).
Assemble salad by topping spinach with quinoa, celery, tomatoes, croutons, and chicken. Add vinaigrette until dressed to your liking. Enjoy!