Spring Celebrations

Rice Salad with Pesto

For the Salad:

2 cups Arborio or short grain brown rice
12 cherry tomatoes
12 Gaeta or other Mediterranean-style small black olives, pitted and halved
(Optional: ½ lb. Mozzarella cheese, diced; use vegan Mozzarella cheese as an alternative)

For the Pesto:

1 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves
¼ cup pine nuts
¼ cup grated pecorino cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 cloves garlic, chopped
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
salt and freshly ground pepper

To make the salad, cook the rice according to the package directions-tender yet firm. After cooking, transfer the rice to a salad bowl and add the tomatoes, olives, and mozzarella, if desired.
To make the pesto, in a blender, combine the basil, pine nuts, pecorino and Parmesan cheeses, garlic, oil and a little salt and pepper. Blend to form a dense cream. Thin with a bit of water.
Pour the pesto dressing over the rice, mix well and let stand for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors.

Serves 6

---

Chili Spiced Brown Rice and Bean Salad

1 cup of cooked short grain brown rice
1 can of adzuki beans
1 can of kidney beans
1 can of whole kernel corn
1 can of black olives sliced
1 large stalk of celery thinly sliced
½ red pepper diced
1 pint of cherry or grape tomatoes sliced
5 green onions (scallions), thinly sliced
½ cup of cilantro leaves lightly packed
(Optional: a 4 oz. can of diced green chilies)

Mix all of the ingredients together in a large salad bowl

Spicy Dressing:

In a 2 cup glass measuring cup, stir ¾ cup olive oil; ¼ cup wine vinegar; 1 clove minced garlic; ¾ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; dash of fresh ground pepper. This dressing can also be mixed in the blender.
Pour dressing over the rice and bean salad and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 6 hours or until next day. Do a taste test before serving and add additional oil, vinegar and spices, if necessary; the rice and beans absorb the dressing quickly.

P.O. Box 644292, Vero Beach, FL 32963
866-612-2991, Fax: 772-234-4010, info@healthybelly.com

Home  Healthy At Home  Fast Track
Recipes & Chefs  Dining Guide  About Us
Contact Us

Site Design by Amazing Spaces.
Site Development by PC Doctor.

Questions and problems should be directed to the webmaster.
© 2000 ViVa Center for Nutrition, L.L.C. All rights reserved.