6ounces(about 5 lightly packed cups) coarsely or finely chopped kale/baby spinach or a power greens mix (see note)
2 to 3cupscooked, chopped chicken (see note)
1mediumhoneycrisp apple, cored and diced
½ to 1cupslivered almonds, lightly toasted (see note)
½ to 1cupcraisins or golden raisins
½ to 1cupcrumbled feta cheese
½ to 1cupchopped fresh basil (optional - if not in season, add a pinch of dried basil to the dressing)
1 to 2mediumavocados, diced
Dressing:
¼cupolive oil
2tablespoonsbalsamic (see note) or red wine vinegar
2tablespoonsfresh lemon juice
2teaspoonshoney
1teaspoonDijon mustard
¼teaspoonsalt (I use coarse, kosher salt)
Pinch of black pepper
¼ to ½cupfresh cilantro
Instructions
Cook the rice according to package directions. Drain (if needed) and set aside to cool to room temperature.
For the dressing, combine all the ingredients in a blender and process until smooth and well-combined. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Set aside.
Assemble the salad by placing the greens in the bottom of a large serving bowl or on a platter. Top with rice, chicken, apples, almonds, craisins, feta, basil (if using), and avocados.
Drizzle dressing over salad and toss lightly to combine. Serve immediately.
Notes
Dressing: this is a lightly dressed salad, so if you like a lot of dressing to salad ratio, consider doubling the recipe. Rice: this is the wild rice blend I like to use (if you have a Winco close, you can find it in the bulk bins). You can also use tri-color quinoa for a rice alternative.Kale/Greens: for the greens, you can use all chopped kale or all chopped spinach, although I prefer using a power greens mix that has spinach, kale and other baby greens. The greens can be coarsely or finely chopped.Chicken: a rotisserie chicken or other cooked chicken will work well for this salad. I've also made it by seasoning chicken tenders with salt, pepper and garlic and cooking them on the grill (you could also use an air fryer, skillet on the stovetop over medium heat, or an oven set to broil). Almonds: toasting the almonds adds delicious flavor and crunch - I use this easy microwave method to toast the nuts.Balsamic Vinegar: this salad dressing is delicious with regular (dark) balsamic vinegar; it's also delicious with white balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar.