Cowboy Rice Salad
User Reviews
5
Cowboy Rice Salad
Description
The main component of this salad is cooked brown rice, chosen for its nutty flavor and textural interest. The dressing comprises lime juice, olive oil, honey, chipotle powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, creating a bright, slightly smoky, and sweet vinaigrette that enhances the salad's flavors without overpowering them. Vegetables such as red and green bell peppers, red onion, corn kernels, black beans, and diced tomato add color, crunch, and varied textures. Freshly chopped coriander (cilantro) provides a herbal lift.
This salad blends well as a side dish or light meal, especially during warmer seasons or when seeking a filling vegetarian option. It holds up well for leftovers, making it convenient for meal prep or potlucks.
Brown rice is preferred for its flavor, but white rice can be substituted with adjustments noted for best grain types. If cilantro is unavailable or not preferred, scallions, chives, or parsley can replace it as a fresh herbal element. The salad keeps refrigerated for about three days, maintaining its taste and texture when served cold or at room temperature.
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 cups brown rice cooked
Dressing:
- 1/3 cup lime juice , plus more to taste
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 1/2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp chipotle powder (sub with smoked paprika + cayenne pepper)
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (or 1 garlic clove, minced)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- black pepper
Salad:
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced, aka green capsicum
- 1 red onion chopped, small
- 1 corn kernels drained, 400g (14oz
- 1 black beans drained and rinsed, 400g (14oz
- 3 tomato watery seeds removed then diced
- 1 cup Coriander leaves roughly chopped (Note 2, aka cilantro leaves
Instructions
- Place Dressing ingredients in a jar, shake. Taste test, adjust to your taste.
- Place Salad ingredients and rice in a bowl. Drizzle with dressing. Toss, then serve. Fantastic served straight away and even the next day!
Notes
- Brown rice gives a nutty flavor, but white long or medium grain rice works as a substitute; avoid sticky rice varieties.
- Fresh cilantro is traditional, but finely sliced scallions, chives, or parsley offer suitable herbal alternatives.
- The salad is flavorful straight away and tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.
- Store in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for best freshness.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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