I had firsts.
Then seconds.
Then thirds.
And *maybe* fourths.
(Perhaps it’s the half marathon training and the fact that my body is just CRAVING calories! Not only am I still full-time nursing, I’ve decided to train for the San Antonio Rock n Roll Half Marathon that will take place in November. I think I’m burning close to 3,000 calories per day. Hence *maybe* the fourth serving of this delicious quinoa salad.)
(But truth be told, I’d likely have eaten 4 bowls of this if I was not nursing and not training for this half marathon.)
Here is a brief look at how this meal comes together…
The mix-ins.
The chicken and quinoa.
Toss all together and then pour in the homemade creamy maple vinaigrette dressing. Enjoy!
Chicken and Quinoa Waldorf Salad with Creamy Maple Vinaigrette
Light and fluffy quinoa, tossed with yummy fall inspired ingredients and a scrumptious dressing.
Servings - 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups white quinoa
- 2 cups chopped apples
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
Creamy Maple Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup apple juice
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup mayonaisse
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa with cold water.
- Cook the quinoa in 2 parts water: 1 part quinoa ratio. Bring water to a boil, then add quinoa and reduce heat and cover. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until little ring separates from the grain.
- Chop apples, walnuts and shred the cooked chicken.
- Prepare dressing. Whisk all dressing ingredients in a mixing bowl.
- Toss together the cooked quinoa, chopped apples, walnuts, raisins and shredded chicken. Pour dressing over the top. Season with a little salt and pepper.
- Serve Chicken and Quinoa Waldorf Salad with Creamy Maple Vinaigrette with veggies or salad.
Jocelyn Stott says
This looks really delicious! I think if I made it, I would leave out the mayo b/c I can’t stand the stuff, but other than that, it’s a go!
Amanda says
MMMM!! Sounds good, might have to try this, thanks for sharing!
Alea says
Perfect timing! I have leftover quinoa and couldn’t think of a creative use for it. This will be on my menu soon.
Danielle says
Should the Quinoa be warm or chilled?? Thanks, sounds delicious!
Betty says
This looks so good. Will have to give it a try. Thanks for the recipe.
Laura T. says
It’s always great to see quinoa recipes. As a quasi-vegetarian, I’m always looking for protein substitutes, and as a high-fiber, high-protein ingredient, quinoa does just that.
We actually wrote a related post on quinoa featuring a few other recipe ideas you might be interested in (I’ve included the link above).
Debbi Does Dinner Healthy says
I just saved this, it looks wonderful! I LOVE waldorf salad and it would be great with the maple dressing! Thanks for a new, healthy idea!
Susie H. says
Oh my goodness, this was delicious! Thanks for posting this recipe.
Bronnie says
This is delicious! Thank you so much for the recipe.
Melanie says
Oh, my, goodness. Eating this for lunch just now. Thank you SO much.
AK says
Jocelyn Stott, have you ever tried replacing mayo with yogurt? Works wonders, I do it every time! It’s healthier too.
Heidi says
This is one of my favorite new foods, so good! Thanks for the recipe!
Emily says
It sounds great! and it is actually $5.30. cant wait to try it!
jen says
We love this salad in our family. My kids can’t have mayo so I sub vanilla yogurt. It’s delicious!