Red rice and chicken salad with pomegranate and feta
Add a pop of color and flavor to your meal with our delicious Red Rice and Chicken Salad. This vibrant dish combines tender, shredded, fully fried chicken with nutty red rice. With a tantalizing combination of pomegranate seeds and crumbled feta cheese, each bite offers a delightful textural contrast. Plus, not only is this salad perfect for dinner, but it’s also great for lunch the next day. You can easily pack leftovers and take them with you for a filling and healthy lunch. Enjoy!”
Ingredients
- 250 g Camargue red rice
- Zest and squeeze 2 lemons
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of powdered sugar
- 1 small fully fried chicken, skin removed and meat shredded
- 50g almonds, roasted and chopped
- 1 medium cucumber, deseeded, cut into diagonal, coarse pieces
- 1 bunch of spring onions, chopped
- 100g feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 pomegranate, seeds removed
- small handful of dill, finely chopped
Tip
Tip
Red Camargue rice has a nutty taste
and chewy texture. It gets its color from the
outer bran layers of the shell that remain
intact, rather than being polished like white
Rice. It is available in health food stores,
Grocery stores and large supermarkets.
Preparation steps
- Cook the rice in plenty of salted water for about 30 minutes until it is cooked through.
- In the meantime, make the dressing and prepare the other ingredients.
- Place lemon zest and juice and olive oil in a jam jar with a suitable lid.
- Add spices and sugar and shake well.
- Drain the cooled rice and place it in a large bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the warm rice and mix well.
- Let it sit for a bit and then mix it with the remaining ingredients.
Nutritional Information
kcal | fat | saturates | carbohydrates | Sugar | fiber | protein | Salt |
922 | 48g | 13g | 56g | 8g | 3g | 69g | 4.07g |
Equipment and tools
To prepare this recipe you will need the following equipment and tools:
- Large pot for cooking the rice
- Zester for lemon peel
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk to mix the dressing
- Knife for chopping and cutting ingredients
- Cutting board for preparing ingredients
- Toaster for roasting the almonds
- Bowl for serving the salad
Allergen information
This recipe contains the following allergens:
- Nuts (almonds)
- Milk (feta cheese)
Please be aware of these allergens if you or your guests have allergies or dietary restrictions.
Storage and leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This salad can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Consume leftovers within 2-3 days for best flavor and quality.
Health Benefits of Red Rice and Chicken Salad with Pomegranate and Feta
Red rice is the main ingredient in this nutritious and delicious salad full of health benefits. Combined with chicken, pomegranate, feta cheese and other healthy ingredients, it creates a meal that is good for both your body and your taste buds.
Nutty flavor and chewy texture
Red Camargue rice, also called red rice, has a distinct nutty flavor and a wonderfully chewy texture. Unlike white rice, it retains the outer bran layers of the husk, which gives it its rich color. The unpolished nature of red rice offers additional health benefits.
Rich in fiber
Red rice is an excellent source of fiber. Fiber plays a crucial role in digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements, preventing constipation and maintaining a healthy gut. Including red rice in your diet can improve digestion and reduce the risk of indigestion.
Packed with antioxidants
Pomegranate, one of the main ingredients in this salad, is known for its high antioxidant content. Antioxidants help protect the body from damage caused by harmful free radicals, which can contribute to chronic disease and aging. Eating foods rich in antioxidants, such as pomegranate, can help boost your overall health and well-being.
Rich in protein
Chicken is a great source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. Protein is also important for the production of enzymes and hormones and for maintaining healthy skin, hair and nails. By incorporating shredded chicken into this salad, you’re adding a significant amount of protein to your meal.
Heart-healthy fats
Extra virgin olive oil, used in the dressing of this salad, is a heart-healthy fat. It is rich in monounsaturated fats, which help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. The almonds in this recipe also contribute to the heart-healthy aspect of this dish as they are a good source of unsaturated fats.
Calcium and probiotics
Feta cheese sprinkled over salad provides a dose of calcium, a mineral essential for strong bones and teeth. In addition, it contains probiotics, beneficial bacteria that support intestinal health and improve digestion. Combined with the fiber from red rice and cucumber, this salad is an excellent choice for promoting a healthy digestive system.
Immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory
The dill in this recipe not only provides a refreshing taste, but also has immune-boosting properties. Dill is a good source of vitamins A and C, which are important for a strong immune system. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body and contribute to overall well-being.
Incorporating this Red Rice Chicken Salad with Pomegranate and Feta into your diet will not only provide you with a delicious meal but also provide numerous health benefits. From supporting digestion and heart health to boosting the immune system, this salad is a nutrient-dense and filling choice for a healthy lifestyle.