Enjoy a flavorful and nutritious dish with this Forbidden Black Rice Salad recipe. Made with a mix of colorful vegetables and a tangy vinaigrette dressing, this salad is packed with antioxidants and vitamins. It's a refreshing and satisfying option for a light lunch or as a side dish for any occasion. The forbidden black rice adds an exotic touch to this salad, making it a true culinary delight.
Ingredients
- 1 cup forbidden black rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 carrot, shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Rinse the forbidden black rice thoroughly under cold water.
- In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the black rice and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, combine the diced red and yellow bell peppers, cucumber, carrot, chopped cilantro, mint leaves, red onion, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl and toss well to combine.
- Add the cooled black rice to the bowl and gently mix until everything is evenly distributed.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Forbidden black rice is also known as 'forbidden rice' or 'emperor's rice'. It was given this name because it was once reserved exclusively for Chinese emperors.
Black rice is a rich source of antioxidants, fiber, and iron, making it a healthier choice compared to white rice.
The combination of fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and the nutty flavor of black rice creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes in this salad.
This salad can be easily customized by adding or substituting different vegetables or proteins, such as grilled chicken or shrimp.