Try something different. Instead of a hot rice side dish, how about a refreshing cold summer rice salad? The basic recipe is below but you can add or substitute other fresh herbs, chopped vegetables, dried or fresh fruit or nuts.
Herbed Rice salad with Toasted Almonds
1 ½ cups long grain brown Basmati rice
¼ cup each diced carrot, celery, green onion and parsley
1/3 cup slivered almonds toasted
Vinaigrette
2 Tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup balsamic or red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 Tablespoon lite soy sauce
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Make rice according to package directions, cool. Make vinaigrette by placing all ingredients in a jar with a tight fitting lid. Shake until well blended.
Add chopped vegetables, almonds and dressing to rice. Toss to mix thoroughly. Allow to sit for a few minutes for flavors to blend. Serve as a side dish or on a bed of salad greens with sliced tomatoes.
