Pineapple Rice Dressing
A light, flavorful pineapple rice stuffing featuring tender rice, fresh herbs, and sautéed vegetables, perfect for poultry or as a side dish for festive occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Lightly sauté shallots and mushrooms.
- Lightly sauté rice in butter or chicken fat.
- Chop celery.
- Combine sautéed shallots, mushrooms, rice, chopped celery, chopped parsley, and crushed pineapple.
- Use as stuffing for chicken or Cornish game hens.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or some diced bell peppers when sautéing the shallots and mushrooms. If you need a gluten-free option, substitute the rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice. Fresh herbs can be used instead of parsley for a unique twist, such as cilantro or basil. Adjust the amount of pineapple based on your sweetness preference.
Serving Suggestions
This Pineapple Rice Dressing makes an excellent stuffing for chicken or Cornish game hens. Serve alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with our favorite Chili, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish. Consider a light sauce like Shrimp Remoulade Sauce drizzled on the side for added zest.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, then microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple Rice Dressing contains roughly 495 calories, with 33g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (208% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (197% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (131% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 504mg per serving (22% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and stuff your chicken or game hens just before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making for a more flavorful dish.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
A long-grain white rice works best for a fluffy texture, but you can also use jasmine or basmati rice for added aroma. If you're looking for a healthier option, brown rice can be a great alternative, though it may alter the cooking time.
Can I add other ingredients to the dressing?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch, or dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries for a touch of sweetness. Just be mindful of balancing flavors, especially if you're using sweeter additions.
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).