Brown Rice Confetti Salad
A vibrant and refreshing brown rice salad packed with colorful vegetables, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon dressing—perfect for light lunches, picnics, or healthy gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups water
- 1 cup uncooked brown rice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup thin yellow squash strips ⓘ
- 1 cup small broccoli flowerets
- 1 cup sliced radishes ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind ⓘ
- 1/3 cup lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper ⓘ
- fresh dill sprigs and sliced yellow squash (garnishes) ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine water, brown rice, and salt in a saucepan. Cook according to package directions. Remove from heat and cool.
- Combine cooked rice, yellow squash strips, broccoli flowerets, sliced radishes, sliced green onions, chopped dill, chopped parsley, and grated lemon rind in a large bowl.
- In a jar, combine lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and freshly ground pepper. Cover tightly and shake vigorously until well mixed.
- Pour the dressing over the rice mixture. Toss gently to combine.
- Cover and chill the salad for 1 to 2 hours before serving. Garnish with dill sprigs and sliced yellow squash if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added texture, consider incorporating other colorful veggies like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked brown rice or even quinoa as a substitute. Fresh herbs can be swapped based on availability; cilantro or basil work well too. Experiment with different dressings if you want a new flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This Brown Rice Confetti Salad is perfect as a light lunch on its own or as a side dish at barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish. For a heartier meal, consider adding chickpeas or black beans for protein. It also complements dishes like the Red Beans And Rice Salad for a vibrant meal spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together beautifully as it chills, making it even tastier. If you prefer a warm salad, reheat the rice gently in the microwave and then combine with the chilled veggies just before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brown Rice Confetti Salad contains roughly 245 calories, with 15g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (153% of the Daily Value), calcium (58% of the Daily Value), and potassium (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 564mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance. Just prepare the salad as instructed, but wait to add the dressing until you're ready to serve. This will keep the vegetables crisp and fresh. Chilling it allows the flavors to develop, making it a great option for meal prep.
What can I substitute for brown rice?
If you don't have brown rice on hand, quinoa is a great alternative that cooks faster and adds a nice texture. You can also use farro or barley for a different flavor. Just be mindful of the cooking times and adjust accordingly for the best results.
Is this salad vegan?
Yes, this Brown Rice Confetti Salad is entirely vegan! The ingredients are plant-based, making it a healthy option for those following a vegan diet. Additionally, you can enhance the salad with some avocado slices or nuts for added creaminess and crunch.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).