Ingredients:
- 1 cup (170g) uncooked white or tri-color quinoa
- 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp (3g) fine sea salt
- 3 cups (450g) shredded rotisserie chicken, skin removed
- 1 cup (150g) English cucumber, finely diced
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup (75g) feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup (40g) red onion, finely minced
- 1/4 cup (15g) fresh Italian parsley, chopped
- 1/3 cup (80ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp (45ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp (15ml) honey
- 1 clove (5g) garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp (3g) dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp (3g) salt
- 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper
Instructions:
- Place quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water for 30 seconds to remove bitter saponins.
- Combine rinsed quinoa, chicken broth, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and spread on a baking sheet to cool rapidly.
- Dice the cucumber, halve the tomatoes, and mince the red onion.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, shredded rotisserie chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and chopped parsley.
- In a small jar or bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Shake vigorously or whisk until the mixture is thick and uniform (emulsified).
- Pour the dressing over the salad components.
- Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese last to avoid breaking the curds.
- Taste and add an extra squeeze of lemon if more brightness is needed.