Teriyaki Crispy Rice Salad with Celery and Corn for Weeknights

Crispy rice salad is a satisfying blend of crunchy, salty, nutty, and fresh flavors. The base is rice baked until crisp, topped with shredded teriyaki rotisserie chicken, chopped celery, red cabbage, sweet corn, and diced bell pepper. A homemade sesame ginger dressing ties everything together for an easy, well-balanced one-bowl dinner the whole family will enjoy.

If you’re wondering what’s for dinner, this viral crispy rice salad is a reliable weeknight winner—ready in about 45 minutes and easy to scale for leftovers or guests.

This recipe includes Duda Farm Fresh Foods produce.

There are many variations online; this version adds The Produce Moms’ touch with crisp celery and red cabbage plus fresh corn cut from the cob. The chicken and rice receive a light toss of teriyaki, and the salad finishes with a bright sesame ginger dressing for sweet, tangy, and nutty balance.

Ingredients

Below are the ingredients used for this crispy rice salad recipe. Many items are simple pantry staples or ready-made shortcuts—use what you have on hand.

Rice

2 cups cooked rice (cooled). Jasmine was used here, but white, brown, basmati, or leftover rice work equally well. The rice is tossed with sesame oil and teriyaki sauce, then baked until crisp.

Chicken

1 rotisserie chicken, shredded. Using a precooked rotisserie chicken speeds the prep and ensures plenty of tender protein. Toss the shredded chicken with 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce to flavor it before adding to the salad.

Produce

For fresh crunch and color: 1 package celery sticks (chopped), 2 ears corn (cooked, kernels removed), 1/2 cup red cabbage (finely sliced), 1/2 cup cilantro (chopped), 1 bunch green onions (finely chopped), and 1 red bell pepper (diced). Fresh corn adds sweetness and texture when sautéed or boiled then browned slightly in a skillet.

Sesame Ginger Dressing

Simple, flavorful dressing: 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced). Blend until smooth for a creamy, nutty sauce that complements the crunchy salad.

How to Make Crispy Rice

The crispy rice layer gives this salad its signature texture. Follow these steps to crisp rice evenly without burning.

Step 1: Cook the rice. Prepare the rice according to package directions for the variety you choose. Allow it to cool completely so it crisps more evenly in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Step 2: Toss and bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Toss the cooled rice with 1 tablespoon sesame oil and 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce, then spread it into an even layer. Bake 30–35 minutes, stirring once or twice and watching carefully after 30 minutes to avoid burning. The rice should be golden and crisp.

How to Make Crispy Rice Salad with Celery and Corn

While the rice crisps, prepare the chicken, corn, and vegetables so the salad comes together quickly.

Step 1: Shred and coat the chicken. Remove the bones and shred the rotisserie chicken with forks. Toss the shredded chicken with 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the produce and corn. Slice the kernels from the corn cobs, then sauté in butter over medium-high heat with salt and pepper for about 8–10 minutes until slightly browned. Chop the celery, red cabbage, cilantro, and green onions to your preferred size and dice the red bell pepper.

Step 3: Make the sesame ginger dressing. Combine olive oil, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and minced ginger in a blender and blend until smooth, about one minute.

Step 4: Toss and serve. In a large bowl, combine the chopped vegetables, shredded teriyaki chicken, and the baked crispy rice. Drizzle the sesame ginger dressing over the top, toss gently, and serve immediately so the rice keeps some crunch.

Why We Love Dandy® Fresh Celery & Sweet Corn

Dandy® celery and sweet corn bring dependable flavor and texture to this salad—crisp, sweet, and easy to prep. Using high-quality, ready-to-use produce makes weeknight meals faster and more consistent.

More Dandy® Fresh Recipes

Ideas to try with Dandy® produce: Celery Fennel Salad, Thai Celery Bowls, Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl, Grilled Corn Salad with Honey Lime Dressing, Hot Honey Boiled Corn on the Cob.