Paella Rice Salad

From 'Meditarranean Fresh' by Joyce Goldstein. Use Basmati Rice instead of the short-grain paella rice. Makes a wonderful lunch dish or light summer supper.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 6
• Yields: 6 serves as a main

Ingredients

• 6  chicken breast halves, small and skinless
• 1 1⁄2 cups  garlic  vinaigrette
• 3 1⁄4 cups water
• 1⁄2 teaspoon saffron, crushed filaments
• 2  cups basmati rice
•  sea salt
• 2  capsicums, cut into 1/4 inch dice
• 1  onion, red and finely diced
• 1  cup tomatoes, peeled and seeded and diced
•  black pepper, freshly ground
• 30  shrimp, medium shelled and deveined
•  white wine
• 1⁄2 cup  olive, for garnish

Directions

1. Marinate chicken in 1/2 cup vineagrette for at least 4 hours or overnight. Broil or grill for about 3 minutes per side. When cool, cut the chicken into strips that are about 2 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. Set aside.
2. Put 1/4 cup water and saffron into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over a high heat. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside to steep.
3. Wash the rice, drain it and place in a medium saucepan. Cover with 3 cups water and the saffron infusion and bring to boil over a high heat. Add salt to taste, lower heat, and cover the pan. Cook over a low heat for 12 - 15 minutes, until all the water has absorbed.
4. When the rice is cooked and still warm, toss it in a large bowl with most of the remaining vinaigrette. Add the capsicum, onion and tomatoes and toss well. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
5. In a large skillet over medium high heat, poach the shrimp in wine or water to cover until they turn pink, about 3 minutes. Or brush with vinaigrette and grill.
6. Toss the chicken and shrimp with the remaining vinaigrette.
7. Distribute the rice salad among 6 plates or place on a large platter. Top with chicken and shrimp and garnish with olives if desired.
8. Serve warm or at room temperature.