Let Summer Produce Star in Apricot Chicken Rice Salad

(NewsUSA) – This summer, why not head to your local farmer’s market for tasty seasonal fare at the peak of freshness?
Think outside the box with your farmer’s market finds, such as apricots, eggplant, asparagus and summer squash, by incorporating them in a healthy summer salad. Salads are quick and easy, require minimal cooking and are the perfect way to enjoy the simple tastes of summer. Incorporate rice in your salad for a quick, healthy and more filling summertime option.
“Using plain rice in salads just makes sense,” says Deborah Locke, product manager for RiceSelect. “Because it’s so versatile, you can save time by cooking a few recipes’ worth at a time and store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week. The next time you prepare a pilaf, casserole or rice salad, you are halfway there.”
Grab some apricots and try out the following recipe for Apricot Chicken Rice Salad with all-natural Texmati white rice.

APRICOT CHICKEN RICE SALAD

Start to finish: 1 hour
Servings: 6

1/2 cup lime juice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons honey
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
6 cups cooked Texmati Rice
1 cup chopped dried apricots
1 cup thinly sliced green onions
3/4 cup raisins
In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, oil, honey and ginger; set aside.
In a large bowl, combine chicken, rice, apricots, onions and raisins. Cover and chill about 1 hour.
Just before serving, drizzle dressing over salad.
For more salad recipes, visit www.riceselect.com.