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Sesame Chicken & Rice Salad

Sesame Chicken & Rice Salad recipe image
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.
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4
Calories: 274
Dietary: Gluten-free, High-Protein
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
  • 3/4 cup Wild rice
  • 1 1/2 cup Water
  • 2 cup Fresh pea pods or one
  • 6 ounce Package frozen pea pods
  • 3/4 pound Skinless, boneless chicken breasts or tenders, cooked and diced
  • 11 ounce Mandarin orange sections, drained
  • 1/2 cup Sliced water chestnuts, halved
  • 1/4 cup Red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon Salad oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground red pepper
  • 3/16 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
Directions
  1. 1
    Rinse the wild rice in a strainer under cold water for about 1 minute, lifting the rice to ensure it is clean.
  2. 2
    In a medium saucepan, bring the rinsed rice and water to a boil.
  3. 3
    Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and done.
  4. 4
    Drain the cooked rice and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  5. 5
    Drain the rice again thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
  6. 6
    In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled rice, pea pods, diced chicken, mandarin orange sections, and water chestnuts.
  7. 7
    Cover the bowl and chill the rice mixture for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
  8. 8
    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.
  9. 9
    Cover the jar and chill the dressing for at least 6 hours or overnight to let the flavors develop.
  10. 10
    Before serving, shake the dressing jar well to emulsify the oils and vinegar.
  11. 11
    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.

Keywords: sesame chicken, wild rice salad, chicken salad, asian salad, picnic food, lunch ideas, healthy dinner, mandarin oranges, water chestnuts, sesame dressing, cold salad, make ahead meal, rice bowl, vegetable salad, chicken breast, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, ground red pepper, easy recipe, family friendly
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/sesame-chicken-rice-salad/