December 19, 2011

Meet Ann! + Quinoa and Chicken Greek Salad

We’re finally in our house!! And I’m actually feeling better lately. AND I’m planning on actually writing a post BY MYSELF this week to update you on what’s been going on and to share a little Christmas treat. It’s a Christmas miracle, folks.

You’ll love today’s blogger. And today’s recipe. If you haven’t met Ann from Cooking Healthy for Me, then you are in for a treat. I hardly know where to begin. Ann is one of those bloggers who is genuinely excited about recipes and participating in the blogging community — I can practically see her enthusiasm and kindness oozing out of my screen when I interact with her. Not only is she a fantastic blogger, she’s also got a delicious recipe for us, one that I’ve been thinking about ever since she sent me her post. This one is getting made soon. Promise. Thank you, Ann!! — Natalie

Hi everyone! I’m Ann at Cooking Healthy For Me! I am SO excited to be asked to guest post for Natalie while she gets moved in her new house and battles her morning sickness (BTW – Congratulations Natalie – WooHoo!).

Natalie doesn’t know this, but I consider her my “milestone” blogger! I have followed Natalie’s blog for as long as I’ve known what a blog is. One milestone I had with her was I won a cookbook when she did a giveaway. My very first prize!

The second milestone is Natalie is the first blogger I ever emailed. I was very green and Natalie was kind, genuine and made a huge impression!

The third milestone I’m having with Natalie is this is my 200th post! I’m SO excited that it happened here!On to the food!

One thing Natalie asked is that we make foods that are in line with her philosophy of cooking. Wholesome, healthy foods…that taste great – just the way I like it! I think I’ve got just the thing!

My husband had wanted me to make another Greek Salad – and I’ve wanted to cook with Quinoa some more. So….I combined the two! …and I added chicken!

This dish is garlicky, lemony, tangy, delicious and FILLING! Did I mention that it’s also healthy? It’s a conglomeration of deliciousness! I give you – Quinoa & Chicken Greek Salad!

Quinoa & Chicken Greek Salad

Ingredients:

For the Salad:
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ teaspoon olive oil or non-stick cooking spray
1 pint grape tomatoes cut in half
2 ounces Feta cheese, crumbled (about1/2 cup)
½ cup kalamata olives, sliced (about 20 olives)
½ cup fresh spinach, coarsely chopped

For the Dressing:
¼ cup cider vinegar
Juice of one lemon
1.5 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 clove garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
¼ cup parmesan cheese
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup feta cheese crumbled

Directions:

Rinse the quinoa and add it to a saucepan. Add the 2 cups water and bring to a boil. Turn heat down to low and simmer for 15 minutes until the quinoa is tender. Cool.

Heat a non-stick skillet to medium-high heat. When hot, spray with non-stick cooking spray or add olive oil. Sautee chicken breasts 3-4 minutes on each side until no longer pink. Cool and slice. Set aside a few slices for garnish.

In a large bowl, add quinoa, chicken, tomatoes, feta, kalamata olives and spinach. Mix well.

In a mason jar combine the vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, oregano, garlic, salt & pepper. Cover tightly with lid and shake.

Add remaining ingredients (parmesan, olive oil & feta) to the jar, cover tightly and shake. • Add the dressing to the quinoa salad and mix well. Serve room temperature or cold.

**Note** This can be made in advance – cover tightly in the refrigerator. It’s even better the next day!

from Ann at Cooking Healthy for Me

Well there you go! Thank you Natalie for letting me visit and share this salad! Have a GREAT day everyone!

Main Dish Poultry, Salads

22 comments »

22 Responses to “Meet Ann! + Quinoa and Chicken Greek Salad”

1

Ann — December 19, 2011 @ 12:17 pm

Natalie – Thank you SO much for having me at Perry's Plate today! I'm know you'll just love this one – let me know how it turns out for you! Congratulations on getting into the new house – it's a HUGE undertaking! Thanks again – it was great fun!

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2

Kay Heritage — December 19, 2011 @ 12:27 pm

So glad to meet you, Ann! And happy to hear you are feeling better, Natalie. I adore quinoa and this looks scrumptious. Have a wonderful Christmas, you two. :)

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3

Tina — December 19, 2011 @ 12:28 pm

This greek dish does look delicious and it has some great fresh ingredients in it. Ann has a talent for bringing out great flavors in a healthy dish. Glad to see her guest posting here. Well done you two and have a wonderful day! Nice meeting you Natalie.

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4

Julia Munroe Martin — December 19, 2011 @ 12:34 pm

This looks amazing!! Quinoa is one of my favorite things to make and I'm always looking for new recipes, YUMMY!!

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5

♥Sie♥ — December 19, 2011 @ 1:08 pm

oh my Ms.Ann this is another recipe that I wouldn't miss to try..I browsed hehehe..on what quinoa is and ok it is a cereal hehehe..I have always loved going back to your site Ms.Ann because I have heart failures and your site gives me healthy ideas..

thank you Ms.Natalie for making Ms.Ann your guest..and take care of your baby..each baby is a blessing..the most amazing gift we mothers could have ;)

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6

Suzi — December 19, 2011 @ 1:36 pm

Hi Ann, lovely guest post and a lovely healthy dish. Your photos are fab too, I could take that bite right off the fork. Nice to meet you Natalie and congrats. Have a great day both of you.

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7

Dara — December 19, 2011 @ 1:48 pm

Great photos and a great recipe, Ann. Quinoa is the best!

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8

Lauren's Latest — December 19, 2011 @ 3:47 pm

Beautiful dish!

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9

Kristen — December 19, 2011 @ 4:15 pm

Nice to meet you, Natalie. I follow Ann where ever she goes and now I have a new blog to read! Ann, yummy, wonderful salad. I love quinoa and the flavors you have put into this dish.

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10

Magic of Spice — December 19, 2011 @ 4:50 pm

Hi Ann, gorgeous guest post and I love, love this recipe!
Nice to meet you Natalie :)

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11

Lizzy — December 19, 2011 @ 5:45 pm

Natalie, how fun to find one of my favorite bloggers here! Glad things are settling down for you~

Ann, such a beautiful and delicious dish…not that I'd expect anything less :)

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12

Cajunlicious — December 19, 2011 @ 5:47 pm

Beautiful photos! The hubby and I love quinoa so this is going on the to make list!

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13

Cassie/Bake Your Day — December 19, 2011 @ 7:20 pm

Ann, this is great. I totally love the quinoa and the flavors are awesome…as are YOU!

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14

Jennifer — December 19, 2011 @ 7:49 pm

Wow,Ann – this DOES look amazing!! The photos are particularly appetizing. Yummy!

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15

Ann — December 20, 2011 @ 12:44 am

Hi Everyone! Thank you SO much for your amazing comments – and many thanks to you, Natalie, for letting me be your guest – I had a GREAT time!

I am thrilled that y'all liked the dish – it came together quickly and was so tasty! I love that garlicky, lemony tangy taste!

As always, I appreciate YOU, your visits AND your comments! Have a GREAT night!

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16

Kim Bee — December 20, 2011 @ 6:59 am

@Ann- Oh my goodness my dear, this is remarkable. This looks so tasty and the food is so vibrant. I am new to quinoa, only had it once but I love the almost nutty taste to it. You did great with this one. Congrats on your guest post and your 200th. Woot woot, many more to come.
@Natalie- Thanks so much for having Ann guest here for you. Glad to move is going well. Huge congratulations on the little bundle on the way. Such an exciting time. Look forward to hearing all about your move.

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17

Ann — December 20, 2011 @ 7:52 am

What a nice comment, Kim! Thank you! If you're new to quinoa, THIS is the recipe for you! It's garlicky, lemony, tangy and delicious! You'd love it!

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18

Milli Thornton — December 20, 2011 @ 7:39 pm

Ann – Garlicky, lemony, tangy. You already had me with those words. Furthermore, anything featuring feta and Kalamata olives and I'm you're girl! Can't say I'm a quinoa lover – but only for lack of trying it. (I think I tasted it once, long ago.) We have some chicken breasts in the freezer and I'm considering making this sometime after the holidays. Beautiful recipe! As always, your photos are spectacular.

Natalie – Thanks for having Ann as a guest blogger. (I love her for all the reasons you nailed in your intro.) Your blog is just beautiful and I admire what you do, especially with two littlies – plus one on the way! Congrats on your baby news :~)

~ Milli

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19

Ann — December 21, 2011 @ 3:22 am

Awww, Milli! Thanks SO much! I love that you are willing to go out on a limb and try these recipes! Let me know what you think! I appreciate your comments and I had a feeling you would like this one!

Natalie – Milli is an amazing travel blogger and she actually made my entire de-constructed Thanksgiving menu – it was one of the coolest bloggy moments!

Thanks again for having me here….It's been GREAT fun!

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20

Becky at VintageMixer — December 22, 2011 @ 12:52 am

This looks fabulous! Glad to find your blog. We must have similar taste because I love all of your selections :)

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21

Ann — December 23, 2011 @ 3:21 am

Hi Becky! Thanks for such a great comment and compliment! I'm glad you like this dish – it's easy and yummy…my favorite kind of cooking!

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