This refreshing Sesame Chicken & Rice Salad combines the earthy crunch of cooked wild rice with tender diced chicken breast and sweet mandarin orange sections. The dish is brought together by a zesty dressing made from red wine vinegar, sesame oil, and a hint of heat from ground red pepper. It offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch, a picnic side, or a healthy dinner option. The ingredients are simple yet complementary, creating a meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Serve chilled for the best experience.
Sesame Chicken & Rice Salad
Description
This refreshing Sesame Chicken & Rice Salad combines the earthy crunch of cooked wild rice with tender diced chicken breast and sweet mandarin orange sections. The dish is brought together by a zesty dressing made from red wine vinegar, sesame oil, and a hint of heat from ground red pepper. It offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch, a picnic side, or a healthy dinner option. The ingredients are simple yet complementary, creating a meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Serve chilled for the best experience.Ingredients
Directions
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Rinse the wild rice in a strainer under cold water for about 1 minute, lifting the rice to ensure it is clean.
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In a medium saucepan, bring the rinsed rice and water to a boil.
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Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and done.
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Drain the cooked rice and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
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Drain the rice again thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
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In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled rice, pea pods, diced chicken, mandarin orange sections, and water chestnuts.
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Cover the bowl and chill the rice mixture for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
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While the salad chills, combine the red wine vinegar, sesame oil, salad oil, ground red pepper, garlic powder, and salt in a screw-top jar.
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Cover the jar and chill the dressing for at least 6 hours or overnight to let the flavors develop.
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Before serving, shake the dressing jar well to emulsify the oils and vinegar.
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Pour the dressing over the chilled rice mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 274kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22.5g35%
- Saturated Fat 4.5g23%
- Cholesterol 35mg12%
- Sodium 180mg8%
- Total Carbohydrate 11g4%
- Dietary Fiber 2.7g11%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 11.5g23%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.