Paella is a classic Spanish dish that is full of flavor and packed with nutrients. A traditional paella can be intimidating but this paella salad is so simple, making it a great way to enjoy this flavorful dish without the hassle.
My favorite part of any paella is the saffron rice. Saffron adds such a unique flavor while also boosting the nutrient content of your meal. Saffron contains inflammation-fighting antioxidants and may have cancer-fighting properties.
The shrimp in this dish provide lean protein, selenium and omega-3s while the tomatoes and bell peppers provide immune-boosting vitamin C.
Paella Salad
Ingredients
Saffron Rice:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ½ c onion finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ tsp saffron threads
- 1 cup short grain brown basmati rice
- 1 ¾ cup Chicken stock
Salad:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 green or red bell pepper chopped
- ½ cup celery thinly sliced
- 1 Tablespoon pimentos chopped
- ¼ cup green peas cooked
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded
- ½ pound shrimp boiled
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley for garnish
Tarragon Vinaigrette:
- 1 Tablespoon sherry vinaigrette
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon tarragon dried or 2 teaspoons fresh
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Make the rice: in a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the onion and saute for about 3-5 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and saffron and stir until incorporated. Add the rice and chicken stock, bring to a boil and then lower the heat and cover and cook until all the water is absorbed about 30 minutes.
- While the rice is cooking make your vinaigrette: Whisk together sherry vinegar, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. Add tarragon, salt and pepper and whisk again. Set aside.
- Prepare the ingredients for the salad: In a large bowl combine tomatoes, bell pepper, celery, pimentos, peas, cooked chicken and shrimp.
- Add cooked rice to bowl, pour dressing over salad and combine. Â Adjust seasoning adding salt and pepper to taste. Chill the salad. Â This salad just gets better with time. Â Before serving garnish with chopped parsley.
- Enjoy!
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