Chicken salad with rice and vegetables

Chicken salad with rice and vegetables – a simple, quick, and delicious recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Today we propose a chicken salad with rice and vegetables, perfect for a light and nutritious meal. This dish is ideal for quick lunches as well as summer dinners. The savory taste of grilled chicken pairs perfectly with fluffy rice and crunchy vegetables, all tied together with a creamy mayonnaise that adds a touch of refinement.

Ingredients:
- 400 g chicken breast
- 200 g rice (preferably basmati or jasmine)
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow)
- 1 cucumber
- 100 g peas (fresh or frozen)
- 3-4 cloves of garlic (for marinade)
- 3-4 tablespoons of mayonnaise
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: lemon juice or balsamic vinegar for added acidity

Step 1: Preparing the rice
Start by washing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step helps remove the starch, giving you fluffier rice. Boil the rice according to the package instructions, adding a teaspoon of salt. Usually, the cooking time is about 15 minutes. Once done, drain it and let it cool.

Step 2: Cooking the chicken
Meanwhile, prepare the chicken breast. Cut it into thinner pieces for even cooking. Mix olive oil with crushed garlic, salt, and pepper. Let the chicken marinate in this mixture for 10 minutes to absorb the garlic flavors. Heat the grill and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until well done and appealing.

Step 3: Preparing the vegetables
In the meantime, peel and chop the carrot, bell pepper, and cucumber into small cubes. If using frozen peas, blanch them for 2-3 minutes in boiling water. In a pan, you can sauté the carrot and bell pepper in olive oil to enhance their flavor, but you can also opt for them raw to maintain their crunchiness.

Step 4: Assembling the salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled rice, diced chicken, vegetables, and peas. Add the mayonnaise and gently mix to avoid crushing the ingredients. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or, if desired, a splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar for a pleasant contrast.

Step 5: Serving
The chicken salad with rice and vegetables can be served immediately, but it is even more delicious after sitting in the fridge for about an hour, allowing the flavors to meld. You can garnish it with fresh parsley or dill leaves for a more appetizing look.

Possible variations:
- Substitute chicken breast with turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Add nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
- Experiment with different types of vegetables, such as zucchini or broccoli, depending on your preferences.

This chicken salad with rice and vegetables is not only nutritious but also versatile, adaptable to the season and availability. Whether you prepare it for a picnic, a lunch at the office, or a family dinner, you will surely end up with a delicious dish that will delight everyone!

 Ingredients: 1 bag of Mexican mix with rice: -230 g rice -50 g bell pepper -40 g beans -40 g green beans -20 g corn grilled chicken garlic for grilling 1 teaspoon mayonnaise 2 tablespoons yogurt