Fall-inspired chicken quinoa salad with rotisserie chicken, crunchy veggies, cranberries, and pumpkin seeds. Tossed in a simple yet flavorful balsamic dressing. It’s perfect as a meal on its own or as aside.

Chicken Quinoa Salad with Balsamic Dressing - ultimate fall salad with chicken, quinoa, crunchy veggies, cranberries, and pumpkin seeds | littlebroken.com @littlebroken this recipe

I love a good salad, especially one that is packed with protein, veggies, and doubles up as a meal or a side. This quinoa salad with chicken and balsamic dressing is the perfect fall salad.

It has some of my ALL time favorite fall flavors: cranberry and pumpkin seeds that are combined with crunchy veggies and tossed in the most perfect balsamic dressing.

It’s made with rotisserie chicken so there is hardly any cooking involved. Enjoy it as a meal on its own or as a side to a hearty bowl of Broccoli Cheddar Soup.

Chicken Quinoa Salad with Balsamic Dressing - ultimate fall salad with chicken, quinoa, crunchy veggies, cranberries, and pumpkin seeds | littlebroken.com @littlebroken
Chicken Quinoa Salad with Balsamic Dressing - ultimate fall salad with chicken, quinoa, crunchy veggies, cranberries, and pumpkin seeds | littlebroken.com @littlebroken
Chicken Quinoa Salad with Balsamic Dressing - ultimate fall salad with chicken, quinoa, crunchy veggies, cranberries, and pumpkin seeds | littlebroken.com @littlebroken

Love Quinoa Salads? 

If you’re like us and can’t get enough of quinoa, try these salads with quinoa:

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Chicken Quinoa Salad with Balsamic Dressing - ultimate fall salad with chicken, quinoa, crunchy veggies, cranberries, and pumpkin seeds | littlebroken.com @littlebroken

Quinoa Chicken Salad with Balsamic Dressing

★★★★★ 5 from 1 reviews
  • Author: Katya
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 35 mins
  • Yield: 4-6 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Chop
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

Fall inspired chicken quinoa salad with rotisserie chicken, crunchy veggies, cranberries, and pumpkin seeds. Tossed in a simple yet flavorful balsamic dressing. It’s perfect as a meal on its own or as a side.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3/4 cup raw quinoa (white or rainbow)
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 2 cups diced (on the small side) rotisserie chicken
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup grated carrots
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 4 Tbsp. toasted pumpkin seeds

Balsamic Dressing

  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp. honey
  • 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • kosher salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Add quinoa and water to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook partially covered until liquid is absorbed and tender, about 20 minutes.
  2. To assemble the salad, in a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa (no need to chill it), chicken, celery, carrots, cranberries, red onion, and pumpkin seeds. Pour the salad dressing and mix thoroughly until combined. Taste for salt and pepper.
  3. Cover, and chill the salad in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes. Best served same day.

Balsamic Dressing

  1. Whisk all ingredients in a small bowl until combined. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 411
  • Sugar: 10.4 g
  • Sodium: 77.2 mg
  • Fat: 24.7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26.8 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 55.2 mg

Keywords: grains, leftover chicken, healthy, fall