Delight your senses with this vibrant Chicken and Rice Salad with Pesto Yogurt Dressing. This dish is a beautiful blend of flavors, textures, and colors, offering an expressive mix of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy, herby pesto yogurt dressing. Enjoy it as a light lunch or side dish, this recipe is sure to impress with its rich taste and wholesome ingredients.
Photos of Chicken-and-Rice Salad with Pesto Yogurt Dressing Recipe
All of the ingredients for this recipe should be readily available in your local supermarket. However, you might want to pay particular attention to the pesto. It's an Italian sauce that's made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, and hard cheese blended with olive oil. You can usually find it in the pasta sauce aisle. Additionally, ensure to pick a high-quality plain yogurt for the best taste.
Ingredients for Chicken and Rice Salad with Pesto Yogurt Dressing
Long-grain rice: This type of rice is perfect for salads because it stays fluffy and separate when cooked.
Plain yogurt: It adds a tangy and creamy base for the pesto dressing.
Pesto: A flavorful Italian sauce that adds a punch of garlic and basil to the dressing.
Salt: Balances out the flavors.
Fresh-ground black pepper: Adds a slight heat and depth of flavor.
Roasted chicken: It's the protein of the dish, you can roast your own or use store-bought for convenience.
One reader, Jaymie Fishman says:
This chicken and rice salad with pesto yogurt dressing is a game-changer! The flavors are so fresh and vibrant. The pesto yogurt dressing adds a delightful zing, and the tender chicken complements the rice perfectly. It's a refreshing and satisfying dish that's become a family favorite. Highly recommended!
Key Techniques for Making Chicken and Rice Salad with Pesto Yogurt Dressing
How to cook the rice: Boil the rice in a medium pot of salted water until just done, then drain, rinse with cold water, and drain thoroughly.
How to make the pesto yogurt dressing: In a large serving bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, pesto, salt, and pepper until well combined.
How to incorporate the chicken and rice: Add the roasted chicken and cooked rice to the pesto yogurt dressing, then toss to combine thoroughly.
How to serve with wine: Consider pairing the dish with a sauvignon blanc-based wine, such as a herbal, grassy, citrusy Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé from the Loire region.
How To Make Chicken-and-Rice Salad with Pesto Yogurt Dressing
Make good use of leftover chicken with this simple rice salad that’s tossed in a creamy pesto dressing for a filling meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1½cupslong-grain rice
- ¾cupplain yogurt
- ½cuppesto,store-bought or homemade
- ½tspsalt
- ¼tspfresh-ground black pepper
- 1roasted chicken
Instructions
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Bring a medium pot of boiling, salted water to a boil.
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Stir in the rice and boil for 10 to 12 minutes until just done. Drain.
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Rinse with cold water and drain thoroughly.
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In a large serving bowl, whisk together the yogurt, pesto, salt, and pepper.
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Add the chicken and the rice and toss to combine. Serve with pesto.
Nutrition
- Calories: 1039.77kcal
- Fat: 57.83g
- Saturated Fat: 15.45g
- Trans Fat: 0.29g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 19.27g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 9.86g
- Carbohydrates: 60.40g
- Fiber: 1.52g
- Sugar: 2.23g
- Protein: 64.06g
- Cholesterol: 233.65mg
- Sodium: 865.32mg
- Calcium: 165.72mg
- Potassium: 720.45mg
- Iron: 4.16mg
- Vitamin A: 135.45µg
- Vitamin C: 5.03mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting the Pesto Yogurt Dressing
When preparing the roasted chicken, it's best to let it cool completely before adding it to the salad. This prevents the heat from wilting the fresh ingredients and allows the flavors to meld together better. Additionally, for an extra burst of flavor, you can marinate the chicken in a bit of pesto before roasting.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Salad Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, cook rice, and roast chicken in advance to save time when assembling the salad.
Use store-bought: Consider using store-bought rotisserie chicken and pre-made pesto to cut down on prep time.
One-pot cooking: Cook the rice and chicken together in a single pot to minimize clean-up and save time.
Batch cooking: Make a larger quantity of rice and chicken to use for multiple meals throughout the week.
Efficient multitasking: While the rice is cooking, prepare the pesto yogurt dressing and shred the roasted chicken to streamline the process.
Substitute Ingredients For Chicken-and-Rice Salad with Pesto Yogurt Dressing Recipe
long-grain rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa is a nutritious alternative to rice, providing a nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture. It's also a great source of protein and fiber.
plain yogurt - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt has a thicker and creamier consistency compared to regular yogurt, which can enhance the texture of the dressing and provide a tangier flavor.
pesto - Substitute with sun-dried tomato pesto: Sun-dried tomato pesto offers a rich and tangy flavor, adding a unique twist to the dressing while still providing the herbal and garlicky notes of traditional pesto.
roasted chicken - Substitute with grilled tofu: Grilled tofu can be used as a protein substitute, offering a similar texture and the ability to absorb flavors, making it a versatile option for the salad.
How to Beautifully Present This Pesto Yogurt Dressed Salad
Elevate the plating: As culinary professionals with 3 Michelin stars, the presentation of the chicken and rice salad with pesto yogurt dressing should be visually stunning. Use edible flowers and microgreens to add color and vibrancy to the dish. The goal is to create a visually appealing plate that showcases the freshness and quality of the ingredients.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate. The rice should be molded into a neat mound using a ring mold for a clean presentation. Arrange the chicken slices in an artful manner, and drizzle the pesto yogurt dressing strategically to create an elegant and refined look.
Incorporate texture: Add a textural element to the dish by sprinkling toasted pine nuts or crispy shallots over the salad. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide a delightful crunch and depth of flavor.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to create a sense of balance and sophistication. Allow the white space on the plate to frame the dish, drawing attention to the vibrant colors and enticing arrangement of the chicken and rice salad.
Consider the plate shape and size: Choose a porcelain plate with a wide rim to frame the dish and provide a clean backdrop for the vibrant colors of the salad. The size of the plate should be carefully selected to ensure that the portion appears generous while maintaining an elegant presentation.
Garnish with finesse: Use a delicate drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil as a finishing touch to enhance the flavors and add a touch of luxury to the dish. The addition of a few whole basil leaves or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper can further elevate the overall presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Chicken and Rice Salad
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used to chop, blend, puree, and mix ingredients. It's great for making pesto and other sauces, as well as for shredding or slicing vegetables.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the rice, chicken, and dressing together. It provides a spacious and convenient vessel for tossing and blending the ingredients.
Storing and Freezing Chicken and Rice Salad for Later
This chicken and rice salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The yogurt dressing may separate slightly, but it can be easily stirred back together before serving.
If you want to prepare this salad ahead of time, it's best to store the cooked rice, roasted chicken, and yogurt dressing separately in the refrigerator. Combine the ingredients just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
To freeze this salad, follow these steps:
- Divide the cooked rice and roasted chicken into separate freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
- Prepare the yogurt dressing, but do not mix it with the other ingredients. Instead, store it in a separate freezer-safe container or ice cube trays for smaller portions.
- Freeze the components for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to serve, thaw the rice, chicken, and yogurt dressing in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the rice and chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
- Stir the yogurt dressing to recombine any separated ingredients.
- Mix the rice, chicken, and yogurt dressing together and serve.
Note that the texture of the rice may change slightly after freezing and thawing, but the overall flavor of the dish should remain delicious.
How To Reheat Leftover Chicken and Rice Salad
- To reheat leftover chicken and rice salad with pesto yogurt dressing, start by transferring the desired portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to prevent the rice from drying out during the reheating process.
- Microwave the salad on high power for 1-2 minutes, depending on the quantity and your microwave's wattage. Stir the salad halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heat distribution and to prevent hot spots.
- If you prefer a more crispy texture for your chicken, you can reheat it separately in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. Then, add the reheated chicken to the microwaved rice and pesto yogurt dressing.
- For a stovetop method, place the leftover salad in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to the pan to help steam the rice and prevent it from sticking. Stir the salad occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
- If the pesto yogurt dressing seems too thick after reheating, you can thin it out by stirring in a small amount of plain yogurt or water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Taste the reheated salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a pinch of salt and pepper to brighten up the flavors after reheating.
- Serve the reheated chicken and rice salad with pesto yogurt dressing immediately, garnished with fresh herbs like basil or parsley, if desired. Enjoy your delicious, warm, and satisfying meal!
Interesting Fact About Chicken and Rice Salad with Pesto Yogurt Dressing
The recipe for chicken and rice salad with pesto yogurt dressing is a great source of protein, as chicken is a lean meat with high protein content. Additionally, the pesto in the dressing contains pine nuts, which are a good source of healthy fats and antioxidants. The yogurt in the dressing provides probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health. This dish can be a nutritious and satisfying meal, especially when paired with a variety of vegetables.
Budget-Friendly Chicken and Rice Salad Recipe
This chicken and rice salad with pesto yogurt dressing recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are simple and readily available, and the dish can be made in large quantities to feed a family. The use of leftover roasted chicken also adds to the cost-effectiveness. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $15-$20.
Is This Chicken and Rice Salad Recipe Healthy?
The chicken and rice salad with pesto yogurt dressing recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. The use of plain yogurt in the dressing provides a good source of probiotics and calcium, while the pesto adds a flavorful punch of heart-healthy olive oil and nutrient-rich basil. The chicken provides lean protein, and the rice contributes complex carbohydrates for energy. However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to boost its nutritional value.
- Opt for brown rice instead of white rice to increase the fiber content and provide more vitamins and minerals
- Use low-fat or non-fat plain Greek yogurt to reduce the overall fat content while increasing the protein
- Include additional vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers, to add more fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- Consider using a homemade pesto with less oil and more herbs to reduce the calorie density
- Experiment with adding other healthy ingredients, such as nuts, seeds, or legumes, to enhance the texture and nutritional profile of the dish
Editor's Take on This Delightful Chicken and Rice Salad
The chicken and rice salad with pesto yogurt dressing recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The creamy pesto yogurt dressing adds a refreshing and herby note to the dish, complementing the tender roasted chicken and fluffy rice. The suggested wine pairing of a sauvignon blanc-based wine, such as a Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé, is a thoughtful addition, enhancing the overall dining experience. This recipe offers a perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication, making it an ideal choice for a light and satisfying meal.
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Why trust this Chicken-and-Rice Salad with Pesto Yogurt Dressing Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for a satisfying meal. The roasted chicken provides a hearty and savory base, while the pesto yogurt dressing adds a refreshing and tangy twist. The use of long-grain rice ensures a light and fluffy texture, complementing the dish perfectly. With the harmonious blend of pesto and yogurt, this recipe promises a delightful fusion of Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Trust in the simplicity and balance of this recipe for a delicious and wholesome dining experience.
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