This Brown Rice Salad recipe is easy to prepare in less than 15 minutes and full of goodness.
The combination of flavors in this salad is the classic Sicilian sweet and sour which is absolutely mouthwatering. And the almonds and pine nuts bring a delicious crunch to the Brown Rice Salad.
When I went into my garden to pick the spring onions for this salad I noticed they were all in bud and ready to flower. Who says vegetables aren't decorative? These flowering spring onions are so pretty plus you can eat them. They should be in the front garden! But let's get onto making this salad.
Table of Contents
Why you will love this recipe
Firstly, I don't need to tell you how highly nutritious brown rice is, you know that, right? It's full of vitamins and minerals plus a great source of dietary fibre. And in case you were wondering, brown rice is gluten free. Be sure to try out my amazing gluten free granola as well.
Secondly, this salad contains vibrant, red bell peppers (red capsicums) which are chock full of vitamin C along with spring onions and parsley. And just like my Cherry Tomato Caprese salad, it'll be popular at pot luck dinners and one the buffet table.
But most of all, the almonds and pine nuts while providing crunch are also powerhouses of nutrient and amazing benefits. All in all, this Brown Rice Salad is a bowlful of health and goodness and pairs well with these baked Italian chicken thighs.
Ingredient notes
Of course, the most important thing for this salad is the brown rice - after all it is a Brown Rice Salad!
Brown rice has a delicious, nutty taste and is super nutritious but it takes at least 40 minutes to cook. So to make this salad I like to use use precooked or instant rice.
The one I buy takes 2 ½ minutes in the microwave and I know most countries have a similar product. However just be sure to buy unflavored rice. Using precooked rice ensures that this Brown Rice Salad is so quick to make.
Plus you'll also need:
- red bell pepper - also known as red capsicum.
- spring onions - use the green as well as the white part.
- currants - for a little sweetness.
- blanched almonds - blanched means without skins.
- pine nuts - be sure to toast to bring out the nutty flavor.
- parsley - use flat or curly leaf; whichever you have.
- capers - whether you use salted capers or capers in vinegar, rinse them before using.
- extra virgin olive oil - good quality oil makes all the difference.
- lemon juice - fresh is best but at a pinch use bottled.
- garlic - again I prefer fresh but use jarred if you can't get your hands on fresh garlic.
How to make this recipe
- Prepare the precooked brown rice according to packet directions.
- Transfer brown rice to large bowl to cool.
- While rice is cooling, prepare salad ingredients and dressing.
- Mix rice with prepared ingredients and salad.
That's only 4 easy steps to a great tasting salad. How easy is that!!
Tips for success and FAQ's
Take advantage of precooked brown rice and this salad can be prepared in 15 minutes, at the most.
Cut the ingredients like red peppers (red capsicum) into small dice so that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Yes! Prepare this salad up to the point of adding the dressing a day in advance. When ready to serve, toss with the dressing.
Store in a sealed container or covered bowl in the refrigerator. This salad is still quite good the day after.
You'll find this salad goes well with bbq's and roast meats. Try it with my Butterfly Chicken Recipe or make dinner really easy by purchasing a precooked rotisserie chicken and add some of my homemade garlic butter sauce! Either way sit down and enjoy dinner with a glass of wine and good company.
More Salad Recipes
Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
Greek Couscous Salad
Green Bean Salad
Artichoke Salad
Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
If you enjoyed this recipe, I'd really appreciate a star rating and a comment or tag me on instagram @marcellina.in.cucina.
Either way, I love to hear from you!
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Brown Rice Salad
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups cooked brown rice cooled (see notes)
- 2 cups bell pepper finely diced (red capsicum)
- 1 cup spring onions sliced
- ½ cup currants
- ½ cup blanched almonds toasted (see notes
- ½ cup pine nuts toasted (see notes)
- ½ cup parsley finely chopped
- ⅓ cup capers rinsed
Dressing
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice see notes
- 2 garlic cloves crushed
- salt
- black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- In a large bowl, place all the salad ingredients and mix thoroughly
Dressing
- In a small bowl mix together oil, lemon juice and garlic.
- Pour dressing over the salad and mix to combine. Add salt and pepper to taste. Recheck seasoning before serving.
- Serve at room temperature or cold.
Notes
- Use precooked/instant rice which comes in microwavable pouches for fast preparation.
- I purchased a 450g (1lb) pouch which gave me enough rice for this salad
- Alternatively boil 1 cup of brown rice in salted water for 40 minutes or until cooked through
- Blanched almonds have the skins removed
- Nuts can be toasted in a moderate oven for 10 minutes or in a frying pan over medium heat for a couple of minutes until lightly browned. I prefer a frying pan - much quicker.
- I used Australian measuring spoons which mean 1 tablespoon is 20mls. Be sure to check your tablespoon measure when adding the lemon juice. Or simply taste and adjust to your liking.
- Don't forget to add enough salt to bring out the flavors.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
Nutritional Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. For accurate results, it is recommended that the nutritional information be calculated based on the ingredients and brands you use.
Michelle
This is so flavorful and delish! I’m not sure what a currant is, but I used low sugar dried cranberries and it was wonderful.
Marcellina
Michelle, that sounds amazing! I think dried cranberries would be delish in this salad. Currants are dried fruit like a small raisin. Thanks for commenting and the 5 star rating!!
Karen (Back Road Journal)
Your salad sounds great, I really like the addition of the pine nuts and almonds to the chewy nutty flavored brown rice. I'm pinning the recipe, thank you.
Marcellina
Thank you, Karen! I know you will enjoy it!
Ciao Chow Linda
I have always loved the nuttiness of brown rice, and unless I'm making a risotto, it's my rice of choice. But I never use the instant kind. I just make extra of the long cooking kind and freeze some. It comes in handy and is easy to defrost in the microwave. Cold rice salads are always a great way to eat when the weather is hot and I love the addition of the nuts and currants in your recipe.
Marcellina
That's a great idea, Linda. Rice freezes so well.
Sylvie
That looks delicious Marcella! What a great way to use pre-cooked grains; I especially love brown rice so will definitely be trying this recipe 🙂
Marcellina
Sylvie, using pre-cooked rice just makes this salad so much quicker.
Mimi
Tasty and lovely! I love that you added almonds. What a nice crunch!
Marcellina
Mimi, this salad does really have that satisfying crunch. I’m glad you like it!
Pauline McNee
All of these look del i cious, but for me on holidays the brown rice salad looks like winner.
Marcellina
Pauline, the brown rice salad is sooo good!