recipes4 min read
Chicken and Wild Rice Salad with Almonds
2026-03-02
#dinner#lunch#meal-prep#high-protein#salad
⏱️
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
- 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.
- 2While rice cooks, heat a grill pan over medium-high heat with 1 tbsp olive oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- 3Cook chicken 8 minutes on each side until done. Cool and cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
- 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.
- 5In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, celery, carrots, cranberries, almonds, and scallion greens.
- 6Add dressing and toss gently to coat. Cover and chill.
- 7Top with chicken cubes when serving.
Recipe adapted from: MyRecipes - modified for GI issues
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