Brown Rice Salad with Citrus-Thai Basil Vinaigrette
This refreshing brown rice salad features a vibrant Citrus-Thai Basil Vinaigrette. Combining fluffy brown rice with crisp vegetables like carrots, pea pods, and onions, it's dressed in a zesty, herbaceous dressing. Easy to prepare and bursting with fresh flavors, it makes for a perfect light lunch or a delightful side dish.
Equipment
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl For combining salad ingredients
- 1 Blender or Food Processor Essential for emulsifying the vinaigrette and finely incorporating herbs
- 1 Box Grater For grating carrots
- 1 Sharp Chef's Knife For slicing and chopping vegetables and herbs
- 1 Cutting Board
Ingredients
Main
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 2 carrots grated
- 1 cup pea pods thinly sliced on an angle
- 1 small red onion halved and minced
- 6 green onions thinly sliced on an angle
- Citrus-Thai Basil Vinaigrette recipe follows
- Chopped fresh cilantro Thai basil, and/or mint leaves, for garnish
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves chopped (substitute regular basil or mint leaves if needed)
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 heaping tablespoon honey
- 1/2 cup canola oil
Instructions
- Combine rice and vegetables in a large bowl. Add the vinaigrette and stir to combine. Let the salad sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with desired herbs.
Notes
Achieving perfectly cooked, fluffy brown rice is paramount; avoid overcooking to prevent a mushy texture. For the vinaigrette, a blender or food processor is recommended to fully emulsify the ingredients and achieve a vibrant, smooth consistency, ensuring the fresh herbs are fully incorporated. Uniformly grating carrots and thinly slicing other vegetables enhances both presentation and mouthfeel. The 30-minute resting period at room temperature is crucial for the flavors to meld and deepen. Consider adding toasted nuts or seeds for an additional textural element, or grilled shrimp/chicken to transform it into a complete main course. This salad holds well, making it excellent for meal prep.