When you come across the term Chicken and Wild Rice Kale Salad with Creamy Asiago Balsamic Dressing, you’re not merely considering a dish—you’re picturing a bowl that combines healthiness, fulfilment, and sophistication. This Chicken and Wild Rice Kale Salad with Creamy Asiago Balsamic Dressing salad enhances classic greens by combining hearty, nutty grains, colourful vegetables, and a luxurious, smooth dressing. Chicken and Wild Rice Kale Salad with Creamy Asiago Balsamic Dressing is the type of salad that delights the body and the taste buds. What sets this salad apart is the balance of robust ingredients and rich textures that provide both satisfaction and nourishment in each bite.
Why Chicken and Wild Rice Kale Salad with Creamy Asiago Balsamic Dressing Deserves the Spotlight
This isn’t your ordinary green bowl. Chicken and Wild Rice Kale Salad with Creamy Asiago Balsamic Dressing delivers:
- There are a variety of textures in this salad — crunchy kale, chewy grains and a creamy dressing.
- A high-quality source of protein from tender chicken
- A flavorful dressing that can be used as a dip or sauce by itself
Whether you are cleaning up your meals or impressing guests, this salad will exceed your expectations.
Keyword Spotlight Box
Why This Chicken and Wild Rice Kale Salad with Creamy Asiago Balsamic Dressing Is Trending
- High in protein & fibre
- Gut-friendly wild rice for digestive support
- Gluten-free by default
- Meal prep-friendly and travel-safe
- A bold, gourmet-level salad experience
Did You Know? Salad Nutrition Facts
- Kale provides chlorophyll, calcium, and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation
- Wildrice is a whole grain that’s naturally low in calories and rich in magnesium
- Asiagocheese offers a nutty depth that enhances the creamy texture
- Garlic&vinegar in the dressing improve gut health and fight toxins
Quick View Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Servings: 4
Ingredient Breakdown for Chicken and Wild Rice Kale Salad with Creamy Asiago Balsamic Dressing
Grains
- ½ cup wild rice
- ½ cup red quinoa (or your choice of colour)
Salad Components
- 6 cups kale, ribs removed and finely sliced
- 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 2 carrots, julienned or grated
- 2 ribs celery, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped
Sauteed Mushroom Mix
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp olive oil
Creamy Asiago Balsamic Dressing
- 1 shallot, finely diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ cup white wine or chicken broth
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup freshly grated asiago cheese (or parmesan)
- 2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Grains
Begin by boiling wild rice in 3 cups of either broth or water. Allow it to simmer on low heat until it becomes tender, which takes 45 minutes. In another pot, prepare quinoa using 1 cup of broth or water for approximately 15 minutes. Once cooked, let both grains cool for a short while.
Step 2: Prep the Kale
Thinly chop the kale. Pour some olive oil over it and add a pinch of salt. Use your hands to massage the kale until it becomes tender and deepens in colour. This process minimizes bitterness and enhances the texture.
Step 3: Saute the Mushrooms
In a skillet, combine melted butter and olive oil. Incorporate the onions and mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms let out their moisture and begin to caramelize. Add garlic and thyme and saute until golden. Add season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Create the Dressing
In the same skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter. Add shallots and sauté until they become translucent. Incorporate garlic, then deglaze the skillet with wine. Add broth, cream, and grated Asiago, allowing it to simmer until it thickens. Mix in the balsamic vinegar and mustard. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad Chicken and Wild Rice Kale Salad with Creamy Asiago Balsamic Dressing
Start with a layer of kale at the bottom. Add wild rice, quinoa, chicken, sauteed veggies, celery, and carrots. Drizzle the warm dressing over the blend and stir to combine all the ingredients.
. Finish by garnishing with green onions.
Flavor Pairing Ideas
Pair this indulgent salad with:
- A tall glass of cucumber lemonade
- Smoky roasted sweet potatoes
- A bowl of creamy butternut squash soup
Each pairing complements the nutty, tangy, and creamy elements in the salad.
Seasonal Twists for Year-Round Enjoyment
Customize your salad according to seasonal produce:
- Spring: Fresh peas, shaved asparagus, or radishes
- Summer: Grilled peaches or corn kernels
- Fall: Roasted butternut squash or pecans
- Winter: Dried cranberries and toasted walnuts
These additions keep your salad interesting throughout the year.
Expert Tips for Salad Success
- Massage the kale for 2-3 minutes for the best texture
- Let the grains cool before mixing to prevent sogginess
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience
- Prepare dressing in the mushroom pan to capture maximum flavour
Customization Options
- Add crumbled bacon for extra savoriness
- Swap chicken for roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian delight
- Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version
- Include apple slices or pomegranate seeds for sweetness
Conclusion: A Salad That Delivers More Than Greens
This Chicken and Wild Rice Kale Salad with Creamy Asiago Balsamic Dressing is more than a simple salad, it’s a careful balancing act of healthy ingredients and indulgences. This dish blends powerful ingredients like kale and wild rice with creamy decadence from asiago and balsamic.
This salad hits all the right notes, whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight meal or a lunch you’re looking forward to. Make it once, and it’s bound to become a regular in your healthy eating routine.
Enjoy a salad that satisfies, nourishes, and leaves you wanting one more bite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I make Chicken and Wild Rice Kale Salad with Creamy Asiago Balsamic Dressing in advance?
Certainly! You can prep all the components ahead of time, keep them separate, and combine them right before serving.
Q2: Is Chicken and Wild Rice Kale Salad with Creamy Asiago Balsamic Dressing appropriate for those on a gluten-free diet?
Yes, it is! Both wild rice and quinoa are naturally gluten-free, making this salad a safe option.
Q3: How long can I keep this Chicken and Wild Rice Kale Salad with Creamy Asiago Balsamic Dressing in the fridge?
You can store it for up to 4 days in airtight containers. It’s best to keep the dressing separate to ensure it stays fresh.
