Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad

If you are looking for a hearty - wholesome salad , which is easy to put together and does not call for very expensive and fancy ingredients , then this brown rice number is perfect for you. This salad is completely ‘’ gluten free’’ and full of nutritional value and fresh ingredients. Quite honestly , I experimented this dish to do away with some left over brown rice and was very satisfied with the end result , as it was both filling and yum . This can also be a vegetarian side dish or a very pleasing option when you’re hosting a crowd or asked to bring something to a potluck!

Most of my friends have asked me what kind of brown rice works best - well , these days , there are multiple options available in the form of brown basmati or brown jasmine or the simple , long grain brown rice . For me , I like to keep a small jar of the long grain brown rice in my pantry , as it has a beautiful nutty flavor and brings a change in the palette . However , for this salad , you can use any type of rice that suits you and is easily available . On other days, you can choose to use quinoa or bulgur , as variations to the brown rice. I always suggest to keep the proportion of the vege's to rice as 2: 1 ratio , by which the salad is light and more 'salad - like ' and not a rice dish .

As far as the dressing is concerned , I suggest you keep a separate glass jar in your pantry to put together salad dressings . A vigorous shake of the liquids in a closed jar helps to seamlessly combine the dressing and is very helpful , especially when you are doing a vinaigrette. Give this salad a try and let me know how it tastes !

Things you will need :

• 01 cup brown rice, cooked and cooled completely

• 02 tbs white rice ( optional )

• 01 teaspoon olive oil

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup spinach, chopped

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered

• 1/2 small cucumber, diced

• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced

• 1/2 cup red onions, diced

• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

• Handful of coriander leaves , finely chopped

For the Dressing :

• 02 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 01 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 01 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 clove garlic, pressed or minced

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps to follow

• Fluff the boiled rice with a fork – note that same needs to be completely in room temperature.

• In a salad bowl , combine the cooked rice and all other salad ingredients and toss.

• In your dressing jar , combine the dressing ingredients and give it a vigorous shake.

• Pour the dressing liberally over the salad mix .

• Top with crumbled feta .

• The salad is ready to be devoured !