WOW Reunion 2012-

There it sat at the end of the counter.  It had good presentation – tomatoes surrounded the edge of the bowl, and I thought it might be a rice salad.  I took a good sized spoonful, and continued filling my plate with other delicious salads.

Eventually I took a bite of the rice salad.  Oh, my!  Be still my heart.  This salad was so unbelievably delicious.  Yes, it was a rice salad, but it also contained chicken, and (drum roll) one of my all time favorite foods – artichoke hearts.  It was filled with flavor, but it was not overpowering.  True confession – I went back for more Artichoke Rice Salad, and I am already planning to serve this sometime soon. (Any excuse will do.)

I began asking around to inquire who brought the rice salad.  I bet I asked twenty people, and not a one of them knew.  Inquiring mind wanted to know, and I was determined to find out who made this salad.  (Yes, I wanted the recipe.)  Who was the mystery Artichoke Rice Salad maker?  Not until guest were walking out the door did I see wonderful Diane with the Artichoke Rice Salad bowl in her arms.  I screamed.  Then I began pleading for the recipe.  I got it, and now I am going to share it with you.  Thank you very much.

Diane is one of the nicest classiest women I have ever known.  (She and her family regularly eat at the Adolphus French Room. What a life!)  While teaching she was always well respected and loved.  What makes this recipe extra special is that this recipe was originally from Diane’s sister-in-law Janie.  Diane and Janie had so much fun together.  I would see them at the antique malls laughing and having the best time.  It made my day to visit with them.  I remember praying for Janie when she was diagnosed with cancer.  Diane misses Janie, and we often talk of her and her girls.  I realize this might sound strange, but I love having recipes of people who have passed on.  I treasure these special recipes, and I will treasure this salad recipe.  Thank you Diane for sharing.

Artichoke Rice Salad

By Lana Published: August 29, 2012

• Yield: 8 Servings

A delicious rice salad filled with chicken and artichokes.

Ingredients

• 1 6 ounce jar marinated artichoke hearts
• 2 cups cooked rice cook rice in chicken broth and use while still warm
• 2 cups cooked chicken diced; I think this could be a rotisserie chicken
• 1/2 cup green pepper chopped
• 1 cup celery slivered
• 1/2 cup green onions sliced
• 1/4 cup olives stuffed with pimentos sliced
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• salad greens
• cherry tomatoes for garnish

Instructions

1. Pour marinade from artichoke hearts over warm rice and stir well.
2. Cut artichoke hearts into small pieces.
3. Combine artichoke pieces, rice, chicken, and vegetables.
4. Blend curry powder, salt, and pepper into mayonnaise.
5. Pour seasoned mayonnaise over rice mixture and toss lightly.
6. Chill.
7. To serve line salad bowl with salad greens and fill with salad. Garnish with cherry tomatoes if you so desire.

• Course: Salad
• Skill Level: Easy