black rice salad with lemon vinaigrette

I’m branching out!  I’m giving quinoa a break and trying a new grain, black rice!

blackrice_health_benefits

 Black rice is not a very common grain, but lately has been making its way into the mainstream.  It’s also known as “Forbidden Rice” because when China was ruled by an emperor, black rice was grown only for the emperor’s consumption.  Believe it or not, black rice is healthier than brown rice!  It contains more fiber and protein than its counterparts, but that’s not it!  Black rice has an extremely high antioxidant level, which is responsible for giving it a deep, rich color similar to that of blueberries or acai berries.

I was inspired to try using black rice after seeing this recipe from bon appetit.  I altered the ingredients a bit, but I think it still tasted good!  Black rice has a chewier consistency and nuttier flavor than brown rice and is MUCH tastier and healthier than plain old white rice!  I’m glad I tried it and will definitely use it again!

black rice salad with lemon vinaigrette ~vegan, gluten free~

Black Rice Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

1 cup black rice

1/2 cup pecans

juice from 1 lemon

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon agave

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons red onion, diced

1 cup frozen shelled edamame, thawed

1 cup grape tomatoes, halved

2 cups green beans, trimmed and cut in half

salt and pepper to taste

-Rinse black rice, color will bleed a little, which is normal.

-In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of salted water to a boil.  Add rice, cover and simmer for 35-40 minutes or until rice is tender.  Remove from saucepan and allow to cool.

-Meanwhile, steam green beans until tender-crisp and cool.

-Whisk together lemon juice, agave, olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.

-In a large bowl, mix together cooled rice, green beans, tomatoes, edamame, pecans and tomatoes.

-Drizzle with dressing, toss to coat and enjoy!

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purple powerhouses

purple cabbage

In a salad rut?  Try adding purple cabbage to add crunch and color!

According the U.S. Department of Agriculture red/purple cabbage contains 36 different varieties of anthocyanins, a class of flavonoids that have been linked to cancer protection.  Anthocyanins are the purple pigments found in foods such cabbage, blueberries and grapes.  Not only do these purple powerhouses fight cancer they also improve heart health and brain function.  1 cup of cabbage also provides 85% of your daily vitamin C needs.  The health benefits of purple cabbage are more potent when eaten raw so it’s best to add to salads or chopped up and used for slaw.

Edamame Apple Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing

Ingredients:

2 cups purple cabbage, shredded

1 cup mixed salad greens

1 cup steamed edamame, shelled and cooled

1 cup carrot, shredded

½ gala apple, cubed

1/2 avocado

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Dressing:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

1 lemon, juiced

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

-Combine salad ingredients in a large bowl.

-Wisk together dressing and drizzle over salad.

-Top with sliced avocado.

-Enjoy!

Voila!

Voila!

A sweet and savory salad that is bursting with flavor and flavonoids!

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