Springtime Ham and Rice Salad

Introduction

History

This recipe is a modern twist on the classic ham and rice salad. The addition of fresh asparagus and the orange marmalade dressing give this dish a unique and delicious flavor profile. It is a great way to use up leftover ham and rice, and it is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the asparagus until it is tender crisp, as overcooked asparagus can become mushy.

- Chilling the cooked rice before adding it to the salad helps to prevent it from becoming sticky and clumpy.

- Toss the salad gently to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

Serving Suggestions

Springtime Ham and Rice Salad can be served as a main dish or as a side dish. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish, and is a great addition to a picnic or barbecue spread.

Cooking Techniques

To cook the rice, follow the package instructions for best results.

- To cook the asparagus, you can steam it on the stovetop or in the microwave until tender crisp.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have orange marmalade, you can use apricot preserves or honey as a substitute.

- You can use any type of cooked rice for this recipe, such as white rice, brown rice, or wild rice.

Make Ahead Tips

Springtime Ham and Rice Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to toss the salad again before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Springtime Ham and Rice Salad in a large bowl or on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs or citrus slices for a beautiful presentation. You can also serve it in individual bowls or on plates for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also goes well with a light and refreshing beer, such as a pilsner or wheat beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Springtime Ham and Rice Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad for a few minutes until warmed through, or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Springtime Ham and Rice Salad contains approximately 300 calories. This makes it a light and satisfying dish that is perfect for a healthy meal.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Springtime Ham and Rice Salad contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and are essential for overall health.

Fats

Each serving of Springtime Ham and Rice Salad contains approximately 8 grams of fat. The fat in this dish comes from the ham and the dressing, and provides flavor and satiety.

Proteins

Each serving of Springtime Ham and Rice Salad contains approximately 12 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, and is important for overall health.

Vitamins and minerals

Springtime Ham and Rice Salad is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. Asparagus is rich in vitamin K, which is important for bone health.

Alergens

This recipe contains ham, which may be a common allergen for some individuals. If you have a sensitivity or allergy to ham, you can easily substitute it with cooked chicken or turkey.

Summary

Springtime Ham and Rice Salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. It is a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, making it a well-rounded and balanced dish.

Summary

Springtime Ham and Rice Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for the warmer months. It is a great way to use up leftover ham and rice, and is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this salad as a main dish or as a side dish at your next picnic or barbecue.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Springtime Ham and Rice Salad. It was a warm, sunny day in early spring, and I was browsing through a local farmer's market, searching for fresh ingredients to inspire my next culinary creation. As I wandered through the stalls filled with vibrant fruits and vegetables, I came across a small stand where a kindly old woman was selling jars of homemade preserves and pickles.

Intrigued by the array of colorful jars, I struck up a conversation with the woman, who introduced herself as Mrs. Jenkins. She told me that she had been making preserves and pickles for over fifty years, using recipes passed down through generations of her family. As we chatted, Mrs. Jenkins mentioned that she also had a delicious recipe for a Springtime Ham and Rice Salad that she was happy to share with me.

Eager to learn more, I eagerly accepted Mrs. Jenkins' offer and followed her back to her home, where she graciously showed me how to make the salad. The first step was to cook a pot of fluffy white rice, which would serve as the base for the salad. As the rice simmered on the stove, Mrs. Jenkins pulled out a juicy ham steak and sliced it into bite-sized pieces, explaining that the salty, savory flavor of the ham would complement the sweetness of the fresh spring vegetables perfectly.

Next, Mrs. Jenkins chopped up a colorful assortment of vegetables - crisp green peas, crunchy radishes, and tender asparagus spears - and tossed them together in a large bowl. She then whisked together a tangy vinaigrette dressing made with Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, and a touch of honey, which she poured over the vegetables to marinate and soften their flavors.

Once the rice was cooked and cooled, Mrs. Jenkins gently folded it into the vegetable mixture, along with the diced ham, creating a vibrant, flavorful salad that was bursting with the fresh tastes of spring. She then garnished the salad with a sprinkling of fresh herbs and a handful of toasted almonds, adding a final touch of crunch and richness to the dish.

As I took my first bite of the Springtime Ham and Rice Salad, I was instantly transported to a sunny garden filled with blooming flowers and chirping birds. The flavors of the salad were bright and lively, with a perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and tanginess that made each bite a delight to the senses.

I thanked Mrs. Jenkins profusely for sharing her recipe with me, and she smiled warmly, telling me that she was always happy to pass on the culinary traditions of her family to eager learners like myself. I left her home that day feeling inspired and grateful, with a new recipe in my repertoire that I knew would become a beloved favorite for years to come.

Since that day, I have made Mrs. Jenkins' Springtime Ham and Rice Salad countless times, always with a smile on my face and a grateful heart for the kind woman who shared her culinary wisdom with me. Each time I prepare the salad, I am reminded of the beauty and bounty of springtime, and of the joy that comes from creating delicious meals to share with loved ones.

As I sit down to enjoy a bowl of the salad now, I am filled with a sense of contentment and gratitude for the many wonderful recipes and memories that have enriched my life. And as I take another bite, I can't help but think of Mrs. Jenkins and the special bond that we forged through our shared love of cooking and sharing good food.

Categories

| American Recipes | American Salads | Asparagus Recipes | Ham Recipes | Marmalade Recipes | Rice Recipes |

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