QUINOA SALAD WITH CHICKEN, ALMONDS AND AVOCADO

Quinoa Salad With Chicken, Almonds and Avocado image

Tricolor quinoa combines the tenderness of white quinoa with the pop of the red and black grains. All soak up a Dijon-sherry vinaigrette in this blend of chewy tangy cranberries, crunchy salty almonds, creamy avocado and refreshing parsley. This salad -tasty warm, at room temperature or cold - is a great way to use up leftover or rotisserie chicken. It's perfectly satisfying without the chicken, too, if you're vegetarian.

Provided by Genevieve Ko

Categories grains and rice, salads and dressings, appetizer, main course, side dish

Time 20m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

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Ingredients

2 cups tricolor quinoa (12 ounces), rinsed well and drained
1/4 cup finely diced shallot or onion
3 tablespoons sherry vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and black pepper
2 cups leftover chicken meat, torn from a rotisserie bird
3/4 cup dried cranberries
2 cups fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1/2 cup roasted salted almonds, chopped
1 avocado, pitted, peeled and thinly sliced

Steps:

Bring a large saucepan of generously salted water to a boil. Add quinoa and boil, stirring occasionally, until tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, whisk the shallot, vinegar, mustard, oil and a generous pinch of salt and pepper in a very large bowl. When quinoa is done, drain very well, then add to the dressing, along with the chicken, cranberries and parsley. Fold until evenly mixed and cooled, then season to taste with salt and pepper.
Divide the salad among dishes and top with the chopped almonds and avocado.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 590, UnsaturatedFat 23 grams, Carbohydrate 57 grams, Fat 29 grams, Fiber 10 grams, Protein 28 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 563 milligrams, Sugar 11 grams, TransFat 0 grams