Chicken Avocado Cream And Quinoa Salad In A Jar Food

CHICKEN, AVOCADO CREAM AND QUINOA SALAD-IN-A-JAR

Steps:

• Make the quinoa: Bring the quinoa and 1 1/4 cups water to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low and gently simmer until the quinoa is tender (the little tails will pop out) and most of the water is absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain off any excess water. Stir in the cilantro, scallions, oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Serve warm or at room temperature. (The quinoa can be cooled, covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Microwave just enough to take the chill off, about 2 minutes, stirring about halfway through.)
• Make the avocado cream: Process or blend the avocado, sour cream, Parmesan, lime juice, 1 to 2 tablespoons water, cayenne and 3/4 teaspoon salt in a food processor or blender until smooth and creamy.
• If the corn still has a chill, microwave it for about 1 minute.
• Assemble the salads: Using four 16-ounce wide-mouthed glass jars with lids, divide the quinoa evenly among the jars, then add the following in separate layers: the corn, chicken, salsa, avocado cream and pepitas. Pack the crushed tortilla chips (about 1/4 cup per salad) and lime wedges in separate small containers for transporting.
• Just before serving, transfer the jarred ingredients to a large bowl, add the tortilla chips and a squeeze of lime juice and toss.

QUINOA BOWL WITH CHICKEN AND AVOCADO CREAM

Steps:

• Make the quinoa: Bring the quinoa and 2 1/2 cups water to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low and gently simmer until the quinoa is tender (the little tails will pop out) and most of the water is absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes Drain off any excess water. Stir in the chopped cilantro, scallions, oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Serve warm or at room temperature. (The quinoa can be cooked, cooled and refrigerated, covered, for up to 2 days. Microwave just enough to take the chill off, about 2 minutes, stirring about halfway through.)
• Make the avocado cream: While the quinoa cooks, process or blend the avocado, sour cream, Parmesan, lime juice, 1 tablespoon water, cayenne and 3/4 teaspoon salt in a food processor or blender until smooth and creamy.
• If the corn still has a chill, microwave it for about 1 minute.
• Build the bowls: Divide the quinoa evenly among 4 bowls. Top each with neat piles and/or rows of chicken, tortilla chips, corn, salsa and pepitas. Top with some sauce, a sprig of cilantro and a lime quarter.

QUINOA SALAD WITH CHICKEN, ALMONDS AND AVOCADO

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.

PERUVIAN CHICKEN, AVOCADO & QUINOA SALAD

Steps:

• Half-fill a medium pan with water and bring to the boil. Rinse the quinoa in a fine sieve, then add to the water, stir well and simmer for 12 mins or until just tender.
• While the quinoa is cooking, put the sweetcorn in a dry frying pan over a medium-high heat. Cook for 5 mins, turning every now and then, until defrosted and lightly toasted. Set aside.
• Rinse the cooked quinoa in a sieve under cold water, then press hard with a serving spoon to remove excess water.
• Tip the quinoa into a bowl and toss with the olive oil, sweetcorn, tomatoes, coriander, spring onions, lime zest and chilli. Season well with black pepper.
• Halve and stone the avocado. Scoop out the flesh with a large metal spoon, cut into slices and combine with the lime juice. Add the chicken pieces and avocado to the salad and toss gently together before serving.

QUINOA SALAD WITH AVOCADO MAYO

Steps:

• Put the quinoa in a pan of boiling water and simmer for about 18 mins until the grains burst. Tip into a sieve and rinse under cold water.
• Meanwhile, scoop the avocado into a bowl and add the garlic, mustard and 2 tbsp lemon juice, then blitz with a hand blender or in a food processor until smooth. Add 1-2 tbsp cold water if it's too thick.
• Stir the lemon zest into the quinoa, along with the corn, salad vegetables, mint and pumpkin seeds, then flavour with a little more lemon juice. Tip onto plates or into containers. Top with the chicken, if using, and spoon over the avocado mayo.