Paella Salad II

Paella Salad II Recipe from Spain - Delicious Rice, Chicken, and Shrimp Dish

Region / culture: Spain | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Paella Salad II is a delicious and refreshing twist on the traditional Spanish dish. This salad combines all the flavors of a classic paella in a light and healthy way, making it perfect for a summer meal or a side dish at a barbecue.

History

Paella is a traditional Spanish dish that originated in the Valencia region. It is typically made with rice, saffron, chicken, seafood, and vegetables, cooked in a large shallow pan over an open flame. Paella Salad II takes all the flavors of a classic paella and transforms them into a light and refreshing salad that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice (cooked in chicken broth and 0.13 tsp saffron*)
1 cup cooked chicken breast cubes
1 cup peeled and deveined cooked shrimp
1 medium tomato, seeded and diced
0.5 cup chopped onion
0.33 cup cooked green peas
0.33 cup sliced ripe olives
3 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp ground white pepper
lettuce leaves

How to prepare

Combine rice, chicken, shrimp, tomato, onion, peas in a large bowl.
Combine vinegar, oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a jar with a lid. Pour over the rice mixture and toss lightly. Serve on lettuce leaves.

Variations

Add in your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or artichokes for added flavor and nutrition.
Substitute the chicken and shrimp with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this salad.
Top the salad with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the rice and protein (chicken and shrimp) ahead of time and allow them to cool before assembling the salad.

- For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken and shrimp in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper before cooking.

- Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it your own.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Paella Salad II on a bed of lettuce leaves for a light and refreshing meal. You can also pair it with crusty bread or a side of grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the rice according to package instructions and allow it to cool before assembling the salad.

- Cook the chicken and shrimp until they are fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use brown rice or quinoa in place of white rice for a healthier alternative.

- Substitute the chicken with turkey or pork for a different flavor profile.

- Use black olives or capers in place of ripe olives for a different taste.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the rice, chicken, and shrimp ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the salad.

- The dressing can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Paella Salad II in a large serving bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation. - Garnish the salad with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for added color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Paella Salad II with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir.

- Serve the salad with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- To reheat, simply microwave the salad for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 32g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 2g

Fats

- Total Fat: 7g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 20g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

- Vitamin C: 15%

- Calcium: 4%

- Iron: 15%

Alergens

Contains shellfish (shrimp)

Summary

Paella Salad II is a well-balanced dish that is rich in protein and fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option.

Summary

Paella Salad II is a delicious and healthy twist on the traditional Spanish dish. With a combination of rice, chicken, shrimp, and vegetables, this salad is packed with flavor and nutrition. Serve it on a bed of lettuce leaves for a light and refreshing meal that is perfect for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a friend's house for a backyard BBQ. As I walked into the kitchen to fetch a glass of lemonade, I noticed a vibrant dish sitting on the counter. It was a colorful medley of rice, vegetables, and seafood, all tossed together in a light and tangy dressing. My friend explained that it was a Paella Salad II, a modern twist on the classic Spanish dish.

I couldn't take my eyes off of it. The bright hues of red peppers, green peas, and golden saffron rice seemed to dance before me, beckoning me to take a bite. I asked my friend for the recipe, and she gladly obliged. As I carefully transcribed the ingredients and instructions onto a scrap of paper, I couldn't wait to recreate this dish in my own kitchen.

When I got home, I wasted no time in gathering the necessary ingredients. I had most of them on hand already, thanks to my well-stocked pantry. I had learned long ago the importance of having a variety of spices, oils, and grains at my disposal. You never know when inspiration will strike, and having a pantry full of options makes it easy to whip up a delicious meal on a moment's notice.

As I chopped, sautéed, and stirred, the familiar scents of garlic, onions, and paprika filled my kitchen. I could hear the sizzle of the shrimp as they cooked to perfection, their shells turning a vibrant shade of pink. The rice absorbed the flavors of the broth and saffron, transforming into a fragrant bed for the vegetables and seafood to rest upon.

I took a tentative bite, savoring the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The sweetness of the peppers, the brininess of the olives, and the crunch of the peas all worked together in perfect harmony. The dressing added a zesty kick, tying everything together into a symphony of taste and texture.

I couldn't believe how easy it was to make such a delicious and impressive dish. The Paella Salad II quickly became a favorite in my household, a go-to recipe for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings. Every time I made it, I would think back to that fateful day at my friend's BBQ, where I first laid eyes on this masterpiece of a salad.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks and adjustments to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. I've experimented with different types of seafood, from scallops to mussels to squid, each one bringing its own unique flavor and texture to the dish. I've also played around with the vegetables, incorporating whatever is in season or on hand at the time.

But no matter how I choose to customize it, the essence of the Paella Salad II remains the same. It is a celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients, coming together in a harmonious blend of flavors and colors. It is a dish that never fails to impress, yet is deceptively simple to make.

As I sit here, reminiscing about the first time I made the Paella Salad II, I am filled with gratitude for all the recipes I have collected over the years. Each one tells a story, a tale of where I learned it, who I shared it with, and how it has become a part of my culinary repertoire.

And as I continue to cook and create in my kitchen, I know that there will always be new recipes to discover, new flavors to explore, and new memories to be made. For me, cooking is not just about nourishing the body, but also about feeding the soul. And the Paella Salad II is a perfect example of how food can bring people together, sparking joy and connection with every bite.