recipes4 min read

Chicken and Wild Rice Salad with Almonds

2026-03-02

#dinner#lunch#meal-prep#high-protein#salad

Chicken and Wild Rice Salad with Almonds

A nutritious and filling salad with wild rice, tender chicken, cranberries, and crunchy almonds.

2026-03-024 min read

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
50 min
Servings
4

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 420
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 52g
Fat: 12g

* Nutritional values are estimates

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups uncooked wild rice
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 lb chicken breast
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup chopped almonds, toasted
  • 2 tbsp scallion greens, minced (instead of red onion)
  • 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp garlic-infused olive oil (or add 2 tbsp minced chives)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine water, wild rice, and butter in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 45 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Cool completely.
  2. While rice cooks, heat a grill pan over medium-high heat with 1 tbsp olive oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
  3. Cook chicken 8 minutes on each side until done. Cool and cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
  4. For the dressing: combine orange juice, sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic-infused oil (or chives), and 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium bowl, whisking until well blended.
  5. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, celery, carrots, cranberries, almonds, and scallion greens.
  6. Add dressing and toss gently to coat. Cover and chill.
  7. Top with chicken cubes when serving.
Tags: dinner, lunch, meal-prep, high-protein, salad
Recipe adapted from: MyRecipes - modified for GI issues (https://www.myrecipes.com)

From Tracy's Health Journey | Not medical advice • Consult your healthcare provider

© 2026 Tracy. All rights reserved.

⏱️
Prep Time
15 min
🔥
Cook Time
50 min
🍽️
Servings
4

Nutrition per Serving

420
calories
28g
protein
52g
carbs
12g
fat

* Nutritional values are estimates

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups uncooked wild rice
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 lb chicken breast
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup chopped almonds, toasted
  • 2 tbsp scallion greens, minced (instead of red onion)
  • 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp garlic-infused olive oil (or add 2 tbsp minced chives)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1Combine water, wild rice, and butter in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 45 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Cool completely.
  2. 2While rice cooks, heat a grill pan over medium-high heat with 1 tbsp olive oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
  3. 3Cook chicken 8 minutes on each side until done. Cool and cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
  4. 4For the dressing: combine orange juice, sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic-infused oil (or chives), and 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium bowl, whisking until well blended.
  5. 5In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, celery, carrots, cranberries, almonds, and scallion greens.
  6. 6Add dressing and toss gently to coat. Cover and chill.
  7. 7Top with chicken cubes when serving.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This hearty salad holds up beautifully in the fridge for 3-4 days, making it ideal for weekly meal prep. The wild rice provides complex carbs and fiber, while chicken delivers lean protein.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Wild rice: Higher in protein and fiber than white rice
  • Cranberries: Antioxidants and urinary tract health
  • Almonds: Healthy fats and vitamin E
  • Lean protein: Supports muscle maintenance

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve chilled over mixed greens
  • Pack in containers for healthy lunches
  • Great for potlucks and picnics
  • Add more veggies like chopped bell peppers

Modifications

  • Make it vegan: Replace chicken with chickpeas
  • Add more crunch: Include diced apple or celery
  • Different nuts: Try pecans or walnuts
  • GI-friendly version: Uses orange juice instead of vinegar, scallion greens instead of red onion, and garlic-infused oil instead of fresh garlic