Chicken and Rice Salad with Pine Nuts and Lemon

Active Time:  25 Minutes Total Time:  25 Minutes Yield:  Serves 4 We like to serve this Mediterranean-inspired salad warm, but it's also good slightly chilled. Be sure to check the seasonings, though; cold dishes often need more salt and pepper than those served hot. RECIPE INGREDIENTS 1/4 cup pine nuts 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from about 2 lemons) Salt Fresh-ground black pepper 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 1/2 cups frozen petite peas 2 cups long-grain rice 1 1/3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4) 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons golden raisins 6 scallions including green tops, chopped 3 tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley 1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

DIRECTIONS In a small frying pan, toast the pine nuts over moderately low heat, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown, about 5 minutes. Or toast the pine nuts in a 350 degree F. oven for about 8 minutes. In a small glass or stainless-steel bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add the oil slowly, whisking. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the peas; cook until just barely tender, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon or a strainer, transfer to a large bowl. Add the rice to the water and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain, return to the pot, and cover to keep warm. Meanwhile, in a large frying pan, bring 1/4 inch of water to a simmer over moderately high heat. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper and add to the pan. Cover, reduce the heat, and simmer, turning once, until cooked through, about 12 minutes. Remove the chicken, let cool slightly, and then cut into approximately 1/2-inch chunks. Add the pine nuts, rice, chicken, raisins, scallions, parsley, lemon zest, and dressing to the large bowl and stir gently to mix. WINE RECOMMENDATION: The ingredients may call to mind the Mediterranean, but this salad will really sing with a dry riesling from Alsace in northern France. The wine's cleansing acidity and delicate taste of citrus and peach will both mirror and contrast the flavors and textures here perfectly.