Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 200 g baked chicken breast fillet
• 3 large eggs, hard-boiled
• 120 g boiled rice (cooled)
• 120 g boiled carrots (peeled and diced)
• 100 g green apple (peeled and chopped)
• 50 g onion (finely chopped)
• 150 g fresh cucumber (chopped)
• 10 g vinegar (9%)
• Cold water (for soaking onions)

For the Creamy Mustard Yogurt Dressing:

• 70 g cottage cream cheese
• 140 g Greek yogurt (2% fat)
• 12 g Dijon mustard
• 10 g lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon dried garlic
• Salt, to taste

For Garnishing:

• Fresh cucumber slices
• Pomegranate seeds

Steps to Make Chicken and Rice Salad with Creamy Mustard Yogurt Dressing:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Start by preparing the chicken breast. If your chicken isn’t already cooked, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Season the chicken breast lightly with salt and pepper, and bake it in the oven for about 25-30 minutes until fully cooked. Once done, let it cool, then dice it into small bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Boil the Eggs Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the eggs simmer for 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the eggs to cold water to cool, then peel and chop them into small pieces.

Step 3: Cook the Rice and Vegetables Cook 120 g of rice according to the package instructions. Make sure the rice is fully cooked but not mushy. Let it cool to room temperature before adding it to the salad.

In the meantime, boil the carrots until they are soft (about 10-12 minutes). Drain and let the carrots cool slightly before dicing them into small cubes.

Step 4: Soak the Onion To reduce the sharpness of the raw onion, finely chop the onion and place it in a small bowl. Add the vinegar and enough cold water to cover the onions. Let them soak for about 10 minutes, then drain the water and set the onions aside. This will mellow out the flavor of the onions, giving the salad a pleasant taste without being overpowering.

Step 5: Prepare the Fresh Vegetables and Apple Peel and chop the green apple into small cubes. The green apple adds a crisp, tart element that balances the richness of the other ingredients. Then, chop the fresh cucumber into bite-sized pieces.

Step 6: Prepare the Dressing In a small bowl, combine the cottage cream cheese, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and dried garlic. Mix everything well until you get a smooth and creamy consistency. Season the dressing with salt to taste. The Dijon mustard adds a touch of sharpness, while the yogurt and cream cheese keep it light yet creamy.

Step 7: Assemble the Salad In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, chopped eggs, boiled rice, carrots, green apple, soaked onions, and fresh cucumbers. Gently toss all the ingredients together to mix them evenly. Add the creamy mustard yogurt dressing to the salad and mix well, ensuring that all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or platter. For a decorative touch, garnish the salad with thin slices of fresh cucumber and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds. The pomegranate seeds not only add a pop of color but also a burst of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the tangy dressing.

Nutrition Facts (Per 100 g):

• Calories: 114.4 kcal
• Protein: 8.7 g
• Fat: 6.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 6.5 g
• Fiber: 1.2 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Total Yield: 1155 g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use another protein instead of chicken breast? Yes! You can substitute chicken breast with turkey, baked salmon, or even grilled tofu for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly if you’re using a different protein source.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time. However, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp and fresh. If you do mix the salad with the dressing in advance, store it in the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir before serving.

3. Can I use store-bought mayonnaise instead of making the dressing from scratch? Yes, you can replace the homemade dressing with mayonnaise or a light mayo-based dressing if you’re in a hurry. However, the homemade mustard yogurt dressing adds a fresher and lighter taste compared to store-bought mayo.

4. How can I make this salad dairy-free? To make this salad dairy-free, you can replace the Greek yogurt and cottage cheese with dairy-free alternatives like almond or coconut yogurt and a vegan cream cheese.

Tips for Making the Best Chicken and Rice Salad:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Since this salad relies on fresh vegetables and fruits, it’s important to use the freshest ingredients available. Crisp cucumbers, tart apples, and flavorful onions will elevate the overall taste.
• Adjust the Seasoning: The Dijon mustard and lemon juice in the dressing add a lovely tangy flavor, but feel free to adjust the mustard and lemon quantities to your personal taste. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a bit more cottage cheese or Greek yogurt.
• Chop Evenly: Ensure all the salad ingredients are chopped into small, even pieces. This ensures that every bite contains a perfect mix of chicken, rice, eggs, and vegetables.
• Keep the Salad Cold: This salad is best served cold, so let all the ingredients cool completely before combining them, especially the rice and chicken. You can even chill the salad for 30 minutes in the refrigerator before serving for extra freshness.

Storage Tips: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If possible, store the dressing separately and mix it with the salad just before serving to maintain the freshness of the vegetables. Avoid freezing this salad, as the fresh vegetables and dressing do not freeze well.

Conclusion: Chicken and Rice Salad with Creamy Mustard Yogurt Dressing is a well-balanced, nutritious, and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish at gatherings. The combination of tender chicken, protein-rich eggs, crunchy vegetables, and tangy dressing makes this salad both filling and refreshing. With its vibrant garnishes of cucumber slices and pomegranate seeds, this dish is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Whether you’re preparing it for a light family meal or a potluck event, this chicken and rice salad will surely impress!