Red Rice Chicken Salad With Pomegranate Feta Food

ROAST CHICKEN WITH RICE AND SALSA VERDE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• Cut the carrots on the bias into 2-inch-long pieces, halving lengthwise any that are thicker than 1/2 inch in diameter. Toss the carrots, onions and 5 of the garlic cloves with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl until evenly coated, then spread on a rimmed baking sheet.
• Using kitchen shears, cut along each side of the chicken's backbone, removing the backbone completely, then discard or save for another use (such as making broth).
• Turn the chicken over, breast-side up. Using both hands, press down on the breasts to flatten the chicken. Rub all sides with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and sprinkle 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and a few good grinds pepper. Place the chicken breast-side up on top of the vegetables in the center of the baking sheet.
• Bake until the chicken is golden brown and the thigh registers about 150 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer, about 40 minutes. Increase the oven temperature to 500 degrees F and continue to cook until the chicken skin is deep golden brown and the thigh registers 165 degrees F on the thermometer, 10 to 15 minutes more. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board to rest.
• Meanwhile, bring 2 cups water and 3/4 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Add the rice, stir to combine and return to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover and cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the water, about 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Cover and set aside until ready to serve.
• While the rice and chicken are cooking, finely grate the zest from half the lemon. Cut the lemon in half crosswise; juice half and cut the other half into wedges for serving. Place the lemon zest and juice, cilantro, parsley, remaining garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds black pepper in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Drizzle in the remaining 1/3 cup olive oil while pulsing to combine. Season the salsa verde with salt and pepper.
• Place the rice on one side of a serving platter and the roasted vegetables on the other. Top with the chicken. Drizzle the chicken and rice with any of the juices that remain in the pan. Serve with the salsa verde and lemon wedges.

CHICKEN RICE SALAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, orange juice, vinegar, salt, ginger and garlic salt. Pour over salad and toss. Refrigerate. Just before serving, fold in the oranges and almonds.

POMEGRANATE-CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Combine the mayonnaise, yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice and some salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Add the shredded chicken, pomegranate seeds, chives and celery to a bowl. Pour some of the dressing around the sides of the bowl and toss to combine. Add more dressing as desired. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Serve on top of some baby arugula if using.

RED RICE & CHICKEN SALAD WITH POMEGRANATE & FETA

Steps:

• Boil the rice in plenty of salted water until just cooked, about 30 mins.
• Meanwhile, make the dressing and prepare the other ingredients. Place the lemon zest and juice, and olive oil in a jam jar with a fitted lid. Add seasoning and the sugar and shake well. Drain cooled rice and tip into a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the warm rice and mix well. Let it soak in a little, then toss through the rest of the ingredients.

HERBY QUINOA, FETA & POMEGRANATE SALAD

Steps:

• Cook the quinoa following pack instructions - it should be tender but with a little bite. Drain well and spread over a platter or wide, shallow bowl to cool quickly and steam dry.
• When the quinoa is just about cool stir through all of the remaining ingredients with plenty of seasoning.

MEDITERRANEAN FETA SALAD WITH POMEGRANATE DRESSING

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Heat the grill to its highest setting. Cut the peppers into quarters, then place them, skin-side up, on a baking sheet. Grill until blackened. Place in a plastic bag, seal, then leave for 5 mins. When cool enough to handle, scrape skins off, discard, then set the peppers aside.
• Place the aubergines on a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil and cinnamon, then season with salt and pepper. Roast until golden and softened - about 25 mins.
• Meanwhile, combine all the dressing ingredients and mix well. To serve, place the aubergines, green beans, onion and peppers on a large serving plate. Scatter with the feta and pomegranate seeds. Pour the dressing over, then finish with the parsley.

CHICKEN AND RICE SALAD

Steps:

• In a large nonstick skillet, combine the wine, lemon juice, garlic and 1/4 teaspoon ginger. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Add chicken; poach, uncovered, over medium-low heat for 15 minutes or until a thermometer reads 170°. Remove chicken from cooking liquid; cool., In a large saucepan, bring broth and remaining ginger to a boil. Stir in rice. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Fluff with a fork., Transfer to a large bowl; cool. Add the peas, onions, celery and peppers. Cut chicken into bite-size pieces; add to rice mixture and toss., Whisk the dressing ingredients; drizzle over salad and toss to coat.