Peas and Rice Salad With Buttermilk Dressing

4.00 (3)
⏱ 45 mins 🍽 8 serving(s) 🏷 Brown Rice

This vibrant salad combines tender brown rice with crisp vegetables and cubes of mozzarella cheese. The creamy buttermilk dressing, flavoured with fresh basil, honey and balsamic vinegar, coats everything beautifully. It's a simple, make-ahead dish that's ideal for gatherings, requiring just 45 minutes to prepare. The flavours develop wonderfully after a brief chill before serving.

Peas and Rice Salad With Buttermilk Dressing

Ingredients

  • 1/2 stalk celery, chopped
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup red pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 cup brown rice, not instant
  • 1 ounce mozzarella cheese, cubed
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (I used white)
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons buttermilk
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 3/4 teaspoon honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh basil, minced

Method

  1. Place all the dressing ingredients into a food processor and blend them together until smooth.
  2. Put the brown rice and 1 cup of water into a saucepan.
  3. Allow the water and rice to come to a full boil.
  4. Lower the heat and let the rice cook until it is tender, which should take 30-40 minutes.
  5. Let the cooked rice cool down completely.
  6. Mix the chopped vegetables, cooled rice and cubed cheese together in a large bowl.
  7. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss to coat evenly.
  8. Place the salad in the refrigerator to chill thoroughly prior to serving.

Nutrition (per serving)

Sodium69200 mg

Recipe details

CategoryBrown Rice
AuthorCathleen Colbert