Chicken, Bacon, Date, and Brussels Sprouts Quinoa Power Salad
Try this Chicken, Bacon, Date, and Brussels Sprouts Quinoa Power Salad recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Chicken, Bacon, Date, and Brussels Sprouts Quinoa Power Salad recipe, or contribute your own.
- salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- extra virgin olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 avocado, chopped
- 3/4 cup gluten-free chicken broth
- garlic salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup quinoa
- 4 slices gluten-free bacon
- 9 oz package shredded brussels sprouts
- 3 jumbo shallots sliced into thin rings then separat
- 6 oz mixed greens
- 5 medjool dates chopped
- 3 oz chã¨vre (goat cheese) crumbled
- 2 tablespoons real maple syrup (not pancake syrup)
- Carbohydrate 42.2927251688086 g
- Cholesterol 34.22 mg
- Fat 17.3704041152579 g
- Fiber 4.79011359967622 g
- Protein 19.0657156254403 g
- Saturated Fat 2.42536762615027 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (274g)
- Sodium 156.178834518231 mg
- Sugar 37.5026115691324 g
- Trans Fat 0.793951881694033 g
- Calories 393 calories
Step-by-step
- Rinse quinoa under cold running water in a fine mesh sieve then add to a small saucepan with chicken broth. Bring to a boil over high heat then place a lid on top, turn heat down to medium-low, then simmer until quinoa is tender and broth is absorbed, 13-15 minutes. Fluff with a fork then set aside to cool - can be done several days ahead of time.
- Add bacon to a large, 12‐+ skillet then place over medium heat. Cook until crisp then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and chop once cool enough to handle. Pour bacon grease, except for enough to thinly coat the bottom of the skillet, into a small dish then set aside (do not discard.) Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic salt and pepper then add to the skillet, turn heat up to medium-high, and saute until cooked through, 3-4 minutes a side. Transfer chicken to the plate then chop once cool enough to handle.
- Add 2 Tablespoons bacon grease into the skillet then add brussels sprouts and turn heat down to medium. Season with garlic salt and pepper then saute until sprouts are golden brown and tender, 7-9 minutes. Transfer to the plate to cool.
- Turn heat back up to medium-high then add the remaining bacon grease plus enough extra virgin olive oil to equal 1/4 cup fat in the skillet. When fat is hot but not smoking, add half the shallot rings then fry until light golden brown (dark brown will taste bitter,) 1-2 minutes, stirring often. Transfer shallots with a slotted spoon to a paper towel lined plate to drain then sprinkle lightly with salt. Repeat with second half of shallots then set aside.
- For the Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette: add all ingredients to a jar with a tight fitting lid or a bowl then shake or whisk to combine. Can be done several days ahead of time.
- Add lettuce to a very large bowl then add cooled quinoa, bacon, chicken, brussels sprouts, avocado, and dates then drizzle with vinaigrette to taste and toss well. Transfer salads to plates then top with chevre and fried shallots, and serve.
What beverage cuts through the rich maple-dijon dressing without overpowering the sweet medjool dates? A crisp, high-acid white wine like Sauvignon Blanc provides the structural backbone needed to balance heavy proteins and dense fats.
Complementary Pairings and Variations
Pair this grain bowl with simple roasted root vegetables or a chilled gazpacho to balance the warm components. Because the quinoa absorbs liquid rapidly, mix the dressing into the greens just moments before serving to maintain structural integrity. For dairy-free modifications, substitute the chèvre with toasted pine nuts or a compliant plant-based cheese crumbles at a one-to-one ratio.
- Fry the shallots in fat that is hot but not smoking, watching closely so they do not darken past light golden brown and turn bitter.
- Rinse the raw quinoa thoroughly under cold running water in a fine mesh sieve before boiling to remove natural saponins.
- Store cooked quinoa and the maple-dijon vinaigrette separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days.
