Spiced Brown Rice Salad
A vibrant spiced brown rice salad featuring aromatic cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon, complemented by fresh cucumber, cashews, and a creamy yogurt dressing—perfect for light, flavorful meals.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salad oil ⓘ
- 3/4 cup brown rice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1/2 cup frozen peas ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon whole cloves ⓘ
- 1/3 cup salad oil ⓘ
- 1-inch piece cinnamon stick ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber ⓘ
- 1/3 cup coarsely chopped dry roasted cashews ⓘ
- 3 green onions
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt ⓘ
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil with salt and 1 teaspoon of salad oil.
- Add brown rice and raisins to the boiling water.
- Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 40 to 45 minutes until rice is just tender.
- Mix in frozen peas and let the rice mixture cool to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, whisk together white wine vinegar, sugar, ground cardamom, and whole cloves.
- Gradually beat in 1/3 cup salad oil using a whisk or fork until well combined.
- Lightly mix in the cooled rice, cinnamon stick, diced cucumber, chopped cashews, and sliced green onions.
- Cover and refrigerate for about 2 hours to allow flavors to blend.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and plain yogurt until smooth.
- Fold the creamy mixture into the rice salad.
- Serve in a lettuce-lined bowl.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker preparation, consider using pre-cooked brown rice or microwaveable packs. If you prefer a different flavor, substitute raisins with dried cranberries or apricots. Experiment with spices by adding a pinch of cumin or coriander for an extra kick. This salad can also be made vegan by omitting the mayonnaise and yogurt or using vegan alternatives.
Serving Suggestions
This Spiced Brown Rice Salad makes a delightful main dish or side, pairing well with grilled vegetables or a protein like chicken or fish. Serve it alongside Mediterranean recipes for a themed meal or enjoy it as part of a vegetarian spread. Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the rice salad gently in the microwave, adding a splash of water to retain moisture. Alternatively, enjoy it cold as a refreshing side dish or light lunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spiced Brown Rice Salad contains roughly 383 calories, with 5g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1336mg per serving (58% 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 use white rice instead of brown rice?
Yes, you can substitute white rice for brown rice, but the cooking time will differ. White rice typically cooks faster, so adjust the simmering time to about 15-20 minutes. The texture and flavor will also vary, as brown rice has a nuttier taste and chewier texture.
How can I make this salad spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the dressing. You could also serve the salad with a spicy sauce on the side for those who enjoy a kick. The spice complements the sweetness of the raisins beautifully.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this Spiced Brown Rice Salad is naturally gluten-free as it primarily contains brown rice and vegetables. Always double-check your ingredients, particularly the mayonnaise and yogurt, to ensure they are labeled gluten-free if you have a sensitivity.
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).