Grandma Charron'S Rice And Artichoke Salad
A flavorful rice and artichoke salad with green onions, olives, and toasted pecans, seasoned with curry powder. Perfect as a warm or chilled dish for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the rice according to package instructions.
- Add chopped green onions, green pepper, celery, marinated artichokes (including oil), sliced stuffed green olives, curry powder, and mayonnaise to the cooked rice. Blend well.
- Add toasted pecans last and mix gently.
- Serve at warm temperature or cooled.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding diced bell peppers or substituting with quinoa for a gluten-free option. If you want more protein, shredded rotisserie chicken can be mixed in. You can also adjust the curry powder to taste, or replace it with a mild curry paste for a bolder flavor. Ensure the marinated artichokes are well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the salad.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature, making it perfect for potlucks or picnics. Pair it with grilled chicken or serve it as a side alongside Fried Chicken Wings for a complete meal. For a light lunch, consider a bed of greens topped with this salad. It also complements a warm Cornmeal Soup beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can enjoy it cold as a refreshing salad. Avoid reheating more than once.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Charron'S Rice And Artichoke Salad contains roughly 716 calories, with 23g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (100% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (99% of the Daily Value), and iron (58% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 935mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld. However, it's best to add the toasted pecans right before serving to maintain their crunch.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a healthier option, consider using Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise. It will add creaminess while reducing calories. You can also use a vegan mayonnaise for a plant-based version.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
The original recipe contains Rice-A-Roni, which typically includes gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute the Rice-A-Roni with a gluten-free rice blend or quinoa. Ensure that all other ingredients, like the olives and artichokes, are certified gluten-free.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).