Chicken Wild Rice Salad

Servings: 8 Difficulty: Intermediate
A creamy, textured salad combining tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and crisp water chestnuts with a tangy tarragon dressing.
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This Chicken Wild Rice Salad is a comforting yet refreshing dish that balances earthy flavors with creamy richness. The base of cooked wild rice provides a chewy, nutty texture, while diced chicken adds substantial protein. Crisp water chestnuts and halved green grapes introduce delightful bursts of crunch and sweetness, cutting through the richness of the mayonnaise-based dressing. Infused with fresh tarragon, lemon juice, and a hint of pepper, the flavor profile is aromatic and bright. This versatile salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a hearty side dish for dinner. It tastes even better after chilling, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Chicken Wild Rice Salad

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 8 Calories: 954.2

Description

This Chicken Wild Rice Salad is a comforting yet refreshing dish that balances earthy flavors with creamy richness. The base of cooked wild rice provides a chewy, nutty texture, while diced chicken adds substantial protein. Crisp water chestnuts and halved green grapes introduce delightful bursts of crunch and sweetness, cutting through the richness of the mayonnaise-based dressing. Infused with fresh tarragon, lemon juice, and a hint of pepper, the flavor profile is aromatic and bright. This versatile salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a hearty side dish for dinner. It tastes even better after chilling, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, lemon juice, and crumbled tarragon until smooth and well-combined. Set the dressing aside.
  2. Ensure the wild rice and chicken are cooked and cooled to room temperature.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed chicken, cooked wild rice, drained water chestnuts, finely sliced green onion, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour the prepared mayonnaise dressing over the chicken and rice mixture. Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  5. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 to 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. Just before serving, gently fold in the halved seedless green grapes and salted cashews to maintain their texture.
  7. Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with additional grape clusters for presentation.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8


Amount Per Serving
Calories 954.2kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 52.4g81%
Saturated Fat 10.7g54%
Cholesterol 166.2mg56%
Sodium 318.3mg14%
Total Carbohydrate 54.0g18%
Dietary Fiber 1.1g5%
Sugars 2.0g
Protein 54.8g110%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: chicken, wild rice, salad, tarragon, grapes, cashews, water chestnuts, mayonnaise, picnic, side dish, potluck, creamy, protein, lunch, chilled salad
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