Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the delightful aroma of sizzling chicken and the crunch of crispy rice wafting through the air, I couldn’t help but feel accomplished. My Easy High Protein Crispy Rice Salad was quickly becoming a favorite go-to for delightful lunches. This recipe is a fantastic meal prep option, allowing you to whip together a nutritious dish in minutes while keeping your dietary goals in check. With its hearty combination of textures and the zingy flair of tahini dressing, this salad is all about balancing nourishment and flavor—perfect for anyone who craves something wholesome without sacrificing taste. Curious how this crispy delight comes together? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why Is This Salad a Must-Try? Quick and Easy: Prepare this salad in just minutes, making it perfect for busy days. High Protein: Packed with protein from tender chicken thighs and edamame, it keeps you satisfied longer. Crispy Texture: The combination of crispy rice and crunch from cashews offers a fun eating experience. Customizable: Easily swap ingredients like rice or protein to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Flavorful Dressing: The nutty tahini dressing complements the vibrant flavors, making each bite irresistible. If you’re also looking for nutritious meal prep ideas, check out High Protein Pasta or try a delightful Strawberry Spinach Salad for a refreshing twist! High Protein Crispy Rice Salad Ingredients • Here’s everything you need to create this delightful dish! For the Rice • Jasmine Rice – Provides a non-sticky base; make sure it’s cooled for the best texture. • Tamari – A gluten-free soy sauce alternative that enhances the rice’s flavor. • Rice Vinegar – Adds a contrasting acidity to balance the dish. • Minced Garlic – Infuses aromatic flavor into the rice mix. For the Chicken • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs – A protein powerhouse, perfect for crispy coating. • Corn Flour – Essential for the signature crunch on the chicken. • Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Richness from this oil enhances the frying process. For the Dressing • Unhulled Tahini – The creamy foundation of the dressing, bringing a nutty taste. • Fresh Lime Juice – Brightens the tahini dressing, balancing flavors beautifully. • Honey – Adds a hint of sweetness that complements the savory notes. • Toasted Sesame Oil – Enhances the dressing with a toasted, nutty aroma. For the Salad • Iceberg Lettuce – Crispy and refreshing, it forms the perfect base! • Lebanese Cucumbers – Adds a hydrating crunch. • Spring Onions – Sharp flavor and vibrant color elevate the salad’s appeal. • Edamame Beans – Boosts protein and texture, making it heartier. • Roasted Cashews – For added crunch and an irresistible nutty flavor. • Fresh Mint – A delightful touch of freshness that rounds out the salad. Feel free to experiment with substitutions, ensuring you enjoy your High Protein Crispy Rice Salad just the way you like it! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for High Protein Crispy Rice Salad Step 1: Preheat and Prep Preheat your oven grill to 200°C (about 400°F) and prepare a baking tray lined with parchment paper. This initial step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispiness in your rice during the baking process. Make sure your baking tray is ready to go so you can quickly transfer the rice once mixed. Step 2: Mix the Rice Base In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled jasmine rice with tamari, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Stir gently to coat the rice evenly, ensuring the flavors meld together. This mixture will serve as the flavorful foundation for your High Protein Crispy Rice Salad, adding depth and taste to every bite. Step 3: Bake the Rice Spread the seasoned rice mixture in a single layer on the preheated baking tray. Place it in the oven and bake for 14 minutes, tossing halfway through to promote even crispiness. Keep an eye on the rice and look for a light golden color to indicate that it’s perfectly crisp and ready for the salad. Step 4: Prepare the Chicken While the rice bakes, dice the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a separate bowl, mix the corn flour with salt and pepper, then toss the chicken until well-coated. This combination is key to achieving the delightful crunch on the chicken that complements the crispy rice in your salad. Step 5: Fry the Chicken Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, frying until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil, ensuring it stays crispy for your High Protein Crispy Rice Salad. Step 6: Whip Up the Dressing In a food processor, combine fresh lime juice, tahini, fish sauce, additional olive oil, honey, cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Blend until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth. This tangy tahini dressing ties all elements of the salad together while adding rich flavor to the crispy chicken and fresh veggies. Step 7: Assemble the Salad Prepare your salad ingredients by shredding iceberg lettuce, slicing Lebanese cucumbers, and chopping spring onions. In a large bowl, combine the fried chicken, prepared vegetables, and edamame beans, tossing gently to mix. Drizzle a generous amount of tahini dressing over the salad, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor. Step 8: Final Touch and Serve Once everything is mixed together, sprinkle the crispy rice on top along with roasted cashews for added crunch. Try to serve the salad immediately to preserve the delightful textures of the crispy rice. A squeeze of fresh lime or a sprinkle of mint can elevate your High Protein Crispy Rice Salad even further for an enticing meal. Expert Tips for High Protein Crispy Rice Salad • Cooled Rice: Always use completely cooled jasmine rice, preferably refrigerated, to achieve optimal crispiness when baked. • Even Coating: Coat chicken evenly with corn flour and ensure not to overcrowd the pan while frying, which can lead to steaming instead of crisping. • Taste Balance: Adjust the flavors of the tahini dressing by adding lime juice or salt to your liking—this makes a big difference in flavor! • Separate Dressing: Dress each salad component separately to maintain the crispy texture of the rice until serving for that perfect crunch. • Experiment with Proteins: Not in the mood for chicken? Feel free to substitute with tofu or chickpeas for a delicious plant-based twist on the High Protein Crispy Rice Salad! Make Ahead Options These Easy High Protein Crispy Rice Salads are perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a nutritious meal without the fuss! To save time, you can prepare the seasoned jasmine rice and bake it up to 24 hours in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain crispiness. The chicken can also be diced and coated with corn flour up to 3 days ahead—just keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, quickly fry the chicken, toss it with the salad ingredients, and drizzle the creamy tahini dressing just before plating. This way, you’ll enjoy restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort! How to Store and Freeze High Protein Crispy Rice Salad Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain the rice’s crispy texture. Freezer: Not recommended for freezing as the crispy rice and fresh vegetables will lose their texture upon thawing. Reheating: Reheat any leftover chicken in a pan until warm. Avoid reheating the crispy rice to keep it crunchy; instead, enjoy it cold fresh from the fridge! Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare salad components separately and assemble just before serving for the best flavor and texture. What to Serve with High Protein Crispy Rice Salad Looking to create the perfect meal experience alongside this refreshing salad? Crispy Spring Rolls: These are a fantastic appetizer that complements the crunchiness of the salad, adding an extra layer of texture and flavor. You can fill them with your choice of protein or colorful veggies to keep things light and fun. Prawn Crackers: Light and crunchy, these delightful snacks offer a great contrast to the hearty and filling salad, making them a delightful munch during your meal. They effortlessly elevate your dining experience, inviting everyone to dig in! Creamy Avocado Toast: The smoothness of avocado adds a rich, creamy layer that pairs beautifully with the salad’s crispy textures. It’s a delicious and nutritious balance that leaves you completely satisfied. Chilled Herbal Tea: A refreshing drink option that can cleanse the palate between bites, herbal tea, like mint or jasmine, enhances the overall lightness of your meal—perfect after a crisp salad. Fruit Sorbet: For a light dessert, consider a refreshing fruit sorbet that will cleanse your palate and satisfy your sweet tooth without being overwhelming. The fruity flavors harmonize well with the nutty tahini dressing, providing a tasty finish. Quinoa Tabouli: This bright, herby salad serves as an excellent sidekick to your dish, introducing different textures and flavors while maintaining a wholesome vibe. The zesty notes blend beautifully with the nutty tahini. These pairing ideas ensure a well-rounded meal that makes the most of your High Protein Crispy Rice Salad! High Protein Crispy Rice Salad Variations Get ready to mix things up and make the High Protein Crispy Rice Salad your own! Rice Swap: Try basmati rice for a fragrant twist, enhancing the overall flavor profile beautifully. Plant-Based: Use crispy tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken to create a delicious vegan version that’s equally fulfilling. Herb Extravaganza: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a delightful burst of unique flavors. They bring a vibrant freshness that’s sure to please! Add Heat: Toss in some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick that elevates the salad to new levels of excitement. Crunch Options: Swap roasted cashews for almonds or sunflower seeds for a different crunch and flavor experience. Dress It Differently: Blend in some fresh ginger or miso paste into the tahini dressing for a punch of umami that you won’t forget easily. Veggie Variety: Mix in vegetables like bell peppers or shredded carrots to give your salad a delightful crunch and colorful presentation. High Protein Boost: For an extra protein punch, sprinkle in some hemp seeds or nutritional yeast before serving. They boost flavors while packing in the nutrients! Feel free to explore these variations and make the salad truly yours. For additional meal prep ideas, don’t miss out on this delicious High Protein Pasta or a refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad for a delightful change! High Protein Crispy Rice Salad Recipe FAQs How do I select ripe avocados for my salad? Choosing ripe avocados is key to ensuring your salad has that creamy texture! Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a darker skin. Avoid any with dark spots or overly soft areas; these could indicate overripeness. How should I store leftovers of the High Protein Crispy Rice Salad? Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the crispy rice texture intact, make sure to keep the tahini dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy another serving. Can I freeze the High Protein Crispy Rice Salad? It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the crispy rice and fresh veggies will lose their delightful textures once thawed. Enjoy the salad fresh instead! However, if you have leftover chicken, you can freeze it for up to 3 months in a freezer bag. What can I do if my crispy rice isn’t crispy? If your crispy rice turns out soggy, ensure that you’re starting with completely cooled and preferably refrigerated jasmine rice. Baking it in a single layer on a hot tray helps achieve that perfect crunch. Also, avoid overcooking the rice while mixing in the seasonings. Is this salad suitable for someone with a gluten allergy? Very! Just be sure to use tamari, which is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well. If you’re substituting proteins, tofu or chickpeas are excellent gluten-free options to keep the salad delicious and nutritious. High Protein Crispy Rice Salad That Delivers Crunchy Flavor This High Protein Crispy Rice Salad combines crispy textures and nutritious ingredients, making it a delightful go-to meal prep option. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 14 minutes minsTotal Time 24 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: SaladCuisine: AmericanCalories: 420 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Rice2 cups Jasmine Rice Cooled for best texture2 tablespoons Tamari1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar2 cloves Minced GarlicFor the Chicken1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs1/2 cup Corn Flour For coating2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive OilFor the Dressing1/4 cup Unhulled Tahini2 tablespoons Fresh Lime Juice1 tablespoon Honey1 tablespoon Toasted Sesame OilFor the Salad4 cups Iceberg Lettuce Shredded2 cups Lebanese Cucumbers Sliced3 stalks Spring Onions Chopped1 cup Edamame Beans Shelled1/2 cup Roasted Cashews1/4 cup Fresh Mint Chopped Equipment Baking traymixing bowlfood processorFrying pan Method Cooking InstructionsPreheat your oven grill to 200°C (about 400°F) and prepare a baking tray lined with parchment paper.In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled jasmine rice with tamari, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and minced garlic.Spread the seasoned rice mixture in a single layer on the preheated baking tray and bake for 14 minutes, tossing halfway through.Dice the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and coat with corn flour mixed with salt and pepper.Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat and fry the chicken until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per batch.In a food processor, combine lime juice, tahini, honey, salt, and blend until creamy.In a large bowl, combine fried chicken, prepared vegetables, and edamame, then drizzle with tahini dressing.Sprinkle crispy rice and roasted cashews on top before serving, and add lime or mint for extra flavor. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2mg NotesFor optimal crispiness, use cooled rice and avoid overcrowding the frying pan. Adjust dressing to taste and store components separately until serving. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
