Southwest Turkey & Rice Salad 🥗
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Description:
This Southwest Turkey & Rice Salad is the epitome of a perfect summertime main-course salad. With its cool and refreshing flavors, it’s an ideal dish for hot summer days. The best part? You can prepare it up to a day ahead of time, so you won’t have to toil away in the kitchen during the peak heat hours. Whether you’re hosting a buffet, planning a picnic, or simply enjoying a family meal, this salad is a delightful addition that travels exceptionally well. It has become a staple favorite for many during the summer months, offering a burst of vibrant flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 3/4 cup cooked turkey breast, diced
- 1 plum tomato, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 6 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 jalapeno chile, minced
- 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cumin
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Avocado slices, for garnish
- Red leaf lettuce leaves, for serving
Instructions:
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Cook Rice: In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Stir in the long-grain rice, then bring back to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fluffy.
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Prepare Salad Base: Transfer the cooked rice to a large mixing bowl. Add the diced chicken, turkey breast, plum tomato, green bell pepper, corn kernels, and chopped red onion. Toss the ingredients together until well combined.
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Make Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh cilantro, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced jalapeno chile, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is emulsified.
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Combine Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated with the dressing.
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Chill: Cover the salad bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. For optimal taste, refrigerate overnight.
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Serve: When ready to serve, arrange the red leaf lettuce leaves in a shallow serving bowl. Spoon the chilled Southwest Turkey & Rice Salad on top of the lettuce leaves. Garnish with slices of ripe avocado for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
Notes:
- Flavor Enhancers: Please don’t omit the fresh cilantro or jalapeno chile from the recipe. While this dish isn’t excessively spicy, these ingredients play a crucial role in enhancing its overall flavor profile.
- Cilantro Tip: Even if you’re not a fan of cilantro, give it a try in this salad. Many individuals who typically dislike cilantro find themselves enjoying it in this particular dish.
- Serving Suggestions: For a complete meal experience, consider serving this salad alongside fresh tortillas or corn cakes. The combination is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more of this summertime favorite.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 349.6
- Total Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 2.7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 330mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 41.2g
- Dietary Fiber: 3.3g
- Sugar: 2.7g
- Protein: 4.9g
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this Southwest-inspired salad, perfect for any summertime occasion! 🌞🥑
