Chicken Caesar Salad with Superfood Quinoa Crunchies

This Mendocino Farms "Modern Caesar Salad" Copycat is literally what healthy, yet delicious dreams are made of. I have been OBSESSED with this salad for years and I've finally perfected the recipe! It's the only time I'll even eat Kale, no joke. It just tastes so dang good. Plus it's much cheaper to make at home than spending $16 on this salad at Mendocino Farms everytime haha.

Serving Size: 2 Large Servings

Ingredients:

• 1 head romaine lettuce, washed and chopped

• 1 huge handful of chopped kale

• 1/2 cup dry tri-colored quinoa, 1 cup water

• 1/4 red onion, sliced

• 1 chicken breast, cooked and chopped (if using Costco's pre-cooked chicken skewers, use 4 skewers)

• 1/2 cup parmesa

• 1/2 avocado, sliced
  

• 1/2 cup Ken's caesar dressing (or your favorite caesar!)

• Seasonings: garlic salt and pepper

Recipe:

1. If you are using Costco pre-cooked chicken skewers, remove the chicken from the skewers and chop into small pieces.

2. However, if you are using raw chicken breast, follow the following instructions:

   1. To cook chicken breast in the oven, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), season the chicken as desired, and place it in a baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), then let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

3. Rinse your quinoa under cold water. Then, boil and steam your quinoa.

   1. If cooking in a rice maker, set to 'brown rice' setting and add 1/2 cup quinoa and 1 cup water.

   2. If cooking on the stove, add in your quinoa and bring water to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender, then fluff with a fork before serving.

4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

5. Add your cooked quinoa to a sprayed pan. Spread out evenly. Season with garlic salt. Cook in the oven for 10 minutes. Then, remove the quinoa and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Cook for another 10 minutes. Remove the quinoa and let cool.

6. Wash and dry your romaine and kale. Once dry, chop and add into your bowl.

7. Chop your red onion and avocado into slices. Add into your bowl on top of the kale and romaine. Add superfood quinoa crunchies, parmesan, and cooked chicken on top. Add salt and pepper on top of avocado.

8. Coat with caesar dressing on top. Serve and enjoy!