This Garden Turkey & Rice Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that balances hearty grains with lean protein. The combination of fluffy brown rice, tender turkey breast, and crunchy celery and carrots creates a delightful texture contrast. Tossed in a light, fat-free Italian dressing brightened with fresh lemon juice, it offers a burst of Mediterranean-inspired flavor without being heavy. Perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic side dish, or a light dinner, this salad comes together in no time. It’s an excellent way to use leftover cooked turkey and rice, making it a versatile option for meal prep. Serve chilled for maximum refreshment on warm days.
Garden Turkey & Rice Salad
Description
This Garden Turkey & Rice Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that balances hearty grains with lean protein. The combination of fluffy brown rice, tender turkey breast, and crunchy celery and carrots creates a delightful texture contrast. Tossed in a light, fat-free Italian dressing brightened with fresh lemon juice, it offers a burst of Mediterranean-inspired flavor without being heavy. Perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic side dish, or a light dinner, this salad comes together in no time. It&# 226;ÂÂs an excellent way to use leftover cooked turkey and rice, making it a versatile option for meal prep. Serve chilled for maximum refreshment on warm days.Ingredients
Directions
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Cut the cooked turkey breast into bite-sized pieces.
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Coarsely chop the celery and slice the carrots.
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Slice the green onions and chop the fresh parsley.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown rice, turkey pieces, celery, carrots, wheat germ, green onions, parsley, and black pepper.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the fat-free Italian salad dressing and lemon juice until well blended.
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Pour the dressing mixture over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
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Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad until ready to serve to allow flavors to meld.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 330.4kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 2.8g5%
- Saturated Fat 0.7g4%
- Cholesterol 55.2mg19%
- Sodium 62.4mg3%
- Total Carbohydrate 36.8g13%
- Dietary Fiber 2.9g12%
- Sugars 0.6g
- Protein 27.4g55%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For best flavor, let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you don't have toasted wheat germ, you can substitute with toasted sunflower seeds or chopped nuts for added crunch.
Leftover rotisserie turkey works perfectly for this recipe to save time.
Adjust the amount of lemon juice to taste if you prefer a tangier dressing.
