Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious dinner recipe that's also visually stunning? Look no further! This Italian Black Rice Salad is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a vibrant addition to your weekend meal plan. Black rice, also known as forbidden rice, adds a beautiful deep color and nutty flavor to this easy-to-make salad, packed with fresh vegetables and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. It’s a fantastic example of homemade cooking that’s both satisfying and good for you. This recipe is one of the best recipes for a healthy and flavorful meal, perfect for those seeking easy recipes and quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup black rice
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Cook the rice: Rinse the black rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rice and water (or broth) in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
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Prepare the vegetables: While the rice is cooking, dice the red bell pepper, halve the cherry tomatoes, and pit and halve the Kalamata olives. Chop the fresh basil leaves.
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Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
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Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked black rice, diced red bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped basil.
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Dress the salad: Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to combine.
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Serve: Serve the Italian Black Rice Salad immediately or chill for later. It tastes even better the next day!
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- For a richer flavor, use vegetable broth instead of water to cook the rice.
- Don't overcook the rice. It should be tender but still have a slight bite to it.
- If you don't have fresh basil, you can use dried basil instead (use about 1 teaspoon).
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the salad, such as cucumber, zucchini, or artichoke hearts.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the feta cheese.
Variations:
- Spicy Black Rice Salad: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette for a spicy kick.
- Mediterranean Black Rice Salad: Add chickpeas, cucumber, and parsley to the salad for a Mediterranean twist.
- Protein-Packed Black Rice Salad: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more substantial meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 8-10 grams
- Fiber: 5-7 grams
This delicious and healthy Italian Black Rice Salad is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your liking. It's a perfect example of how easy and enjoyable healthy eating can be. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying meal! It's sure to become a new favorite among your best recipes.