Ingredients

3 cups rice ( I like brown but you can try white also )
1 cup carrot , small dice
1 cup red bell pepper , diced ( try green peppers too )
1 cup mushroom , sliced
1 cup green peas ( fresh or frozen )
1 small celery , finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley , chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 - 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1 garlic clove , pressed
1 1 teaspoon dried dill or 1 teaspoon dried marjoram ( use one or two of these )
chopped tomato ( to garnish )
green olives , to garnish
dried currant ( optional )
1/2 cup toasted pine nuts ( optional )
Moosewood French Rice Salad is a delicious and colorful salad that originated from the Moosewood Collective, a group of vegetarian chefs who started a restaurant in Ithaca, New York in the 1970s. The recipe combines cooked brown rice with chopped vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, and peas, and is tossed with a tangy dressing made with lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and dried herbs. The result is a flavorful and nutritious salad that can be served as a side dish or a main course. Moosewood French Rice Salad is a popular dish for summer cookouts and picnics, as it can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge until serving time.

Instructions

1.Rinse and drain the rice in cold water. Boil the rice in two quarts of salted water until just tender, approximately 35 to 40 minutes.
2.In a large bowl, mix together the carrot, bell pepper, mushroom, peas, celery, and parsley.
3.In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vegetable oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill, and marjoram until thoroughly combined.
4.Fluff the cooked rice with a fork, then add it to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the rice and vegetables and toss to combine well.
5.Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving. Before serving, garnish with chopped tomatoes, green olives, dried currants, and toasted pine nuts.

PROS

Moosewood French Rice Salad is a flavorful and healthy salad, packed with veggies and aromatic herbs.

It’s perfect for summer cookouts and picnics because it can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge until serving time.

CONS

This salad can be a bit time-consuming to prepare, particularly the vegetable chopping and rice boiling.

It should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet, as it is high in calories and fat due to the oils and pine nuts.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This salad is healthy and nutritious, providing a variety of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and herbs.
The brown rice is a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates, which can help regulate blood sugar and provide sustained energy.
The olive oil in the dressing is a healthy source of monounsaturated fats, which can help lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation.

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