Chicken And Rice Salad With Pine Nuts And Lemon Warm Salad Recipes

Ingredients

1/4 c. pine nuts

1/4 c. plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)

salt

fresh-ground black pepper

1/2 c. plus 2 tablespoons olive oil

1 1/2 c. frozen petite peas

2 c. long-grain rice

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4)

1/4 c. plus 2 tablespoons golden raisins

6 scallions including green tops

3 tbsp. minced flat-leaf parsley

1 1/2 tsp. grated lemon zest

Preparation

Step 1In a small frying pan, toast the pine nuts over moderately low heat, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown, about 5 minutes. Or toast the pine nuts in a 350°F oven for about 8 minutes.Step 2In a small glass or stainless-steel bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add the oil slowly, whisking.Step 3Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the peas; cook until just barely tender, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon or a strainer, transfer to a large bowl. Add the rice to the water and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain, return to the pot, and cover to keep warm.Step 4Meanwhile, in a large frying pan, bring 1/4 inch of water to a simmer over moderately high heat. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper and add to the pan. Cover, reduce the heat, and simmer, turning once, until cooked through, about 12 minutes. Remove the chicken, let cool slightly, and then cut into approximately 1/2-inch chunks.Step 5Add the pine nuts, rice, chicken, raisins, scallions, parsley, lemon zest and dressing to the large bowl and stir gently to mix.Step 6Wine Recommendation: The ingredients may call to mind the Mediterranean, but this salad will really sing with a dry riesling from Alsace in northern France. The wine’s cleansing acidity and delicate taste of citrus and peach will both mirror and contrast the flavors and textures here perfectly.