I had one of those nights this past week when I asked myself: What do I want to make for dinner? See this is unusual for me because I am a PLANNER. I plan everything, especially dinners. Because if I didn’t, by the time dinner rolled around everyone would get a bowl of cheerios because I am so tired and beat up from my day with the kids that I could never use any brain power to come up with dinner. However on this day, the kids took good naps so I was able to come up with something on the fly that was delicious and healthy.
I had a bunch of stuff leftover in the fridge: Costco Rotisserie Chicken, corn on the cob, leeks from our garden, a 1/2 avocado turning brown, some tomatoes, and a bag of baby spinach that really needed to be used. Seriously, I made the best dinner out of all of it! I am calling it my Summer Quinoa Chicken Salad with Roasted Corn, Tomatoes & Leeks. Have you tried Quinoa? It is yummy, healthy, and a great alternative to rice. I usually buy it at Trader Joe’s. This “on the fly/use stuff out of our fridge” dinner will definitely be a repeat in this house. I am so glad I wrote down what I threw together and took a picture!
Summer Quinoa Chicken Salad with Roasted Corn, Tomatoes & Leeks
Ingredients
1 pint of cherry/sugar plum/grape tomatoes (cut in half)
(*I had red and yellow sugar plum tomatoes which made it look real puurrrdy!!)
1 bunch of scallions or small leeks cut lengthwise (we had small leeks from our garden)
3 corn on the cob, kernels cut off
2 chicken breast, cooked and shredded (I used leftover Rotisserie Chicken)
1 cup Quinoa
1-6 oz bag baby spinach
1 avocado chopped
Dressing:
2 Tbls white wine
1 Tbls lime juice
2 Tbls olive oil
1 Tbls Dijon mustard
Directions:
- Heat oven to 425. Toss leeks, corn and tomatoes with olive oil and salt and pepper on baking sheet. Roast leeks, corn, tomatoes for 15 min. Toss and roast for 10 more minutes. Remove from oven, set aside.
- Cook quinoa according to box directions. My Trader Joe’s kind cooks 1 cup in about 15 minutes. You boil 1 cup of quinoa in 2 cups of water. Remove from stove and put in large bowl.
- In small dish, whisk together dressing. Set aside.
- Add shredded chicken, roasted corn, tomatoes and leeks to quinoa in large bowl.
- Next add baby spinach and chopped avocado.
- Pour dressing over all and toss. Serve and enjoy!
That does look pretty!
Um, stupid question, but where do I find quinoa in the store?
Not a stupid question! I buy it at Trader Joe’s and it is with the rice, couscous, etc… Not sure where you shop but try that area!
Um…..yum!!! I am going to have to try this. I hope you continue to share yummy recipes. I LOVE easy and healthy recipes:)
I’m glad Shell asked about the quinoa because I had no idea what they were. That salad looks very pretty! (here from SITS, btw!)
ScrappinMichele’s last blog Where Has My Life Gone?
Look at you go! It looks delicious. I’m so proud! Did the kids eat it???
Lots of yummy love,
Alex aka Ma, What’s For Dinner
http://www.mawhats4dinner.com
Ma What’s For Dinner’s last blog Let’s Celebrate – Lobster Anyone?
Ty ate some- he loves roasted tomatoes! I didn’t even try with Sadie. I am focusing on no battles at the moment! Some day I hope she will eat this stuff with me! I have FAITH!!!
yum!!!! looks delish!!! You can come cook for us any time– cause I am not a planner by any means.. but do love planners who cook FOR me.
You can always check back here! I usually have good easy recipes!! Wish I lived closer and I could bring some over!
Okay, now come over here and make some of that for me! Because I need help.
Mama Kat’s last blog How To Make Real Life Friends With Your Favorite Blogger
You are West Coast – we could work something out!
I have never tried Quinoa, but now that I know what it is and where to get it, I will.
Now. Did you save me any?
Are you coming to SF Bloggy Boot Camp- I can bring you some!
That looks amazing. I love that you include photos; I never want to make anything unless I see it.
Unfortunately, it’s looking like a Cheerios night for us:)
Cheerio nights are okay too! We do have those!