This wild rice, chicken, and kale salad is a nourishing meal-prep recipe that holds up beautifully for lunches throughout the week. Rich in protein, fiber, and phytonutrients, it offers a satisfying balance of savory, fresh, and lightly sweet flavors. I like to roast several whole chickens or bone-in chicken breasts at once, using some for dinner and saving the rest for salads like this. Having cooked chicken ready to go makes assembling nourishing meals much easier on busy days. My teenage boys love this salad topped with organic feta for a creamy, salty finish. Chopped pecans or almonds are also delicious added at serving time for extra crunch, if nuts are safe for your diet. Look for organic wild rice in the bulk section of your local food co-op or health food store. This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for several days, making it ideal for make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
2 cups
wild rice
4 cups
water
¼ teaspoons
sea salt
4 cups
chopped
cooked chicken
4 cups
chopped
curly kale
2 cups
grated
carrots
2 small
granny smith apples
chopped
1 bunches
green onions
thinly sliced
1 cups
parsley
finely chopped
⅓ cups
extra virgin olive oil
⅓ cups
freshly squeezed
orange juice
4 tablespoons
balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoons
finely grated
orange zest
1½ teaspoons
sea salt