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Chickpea and Brown Rice Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing is a fresh and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This salad combines the hearty texture of brown rice with protein-packed chickpeas and vibrant vegetables. Tossed in a zesty cilantro lime dressing, it makes for a refreshing meal or side dish that everyone will enjoy.

Why Make This Recipe

This salad is not only delicious but also very nutritious. Brown rice and chickpeas provide a good source of fiber and protein, making it a filling option for lunch or dinner. The addition of colorful vegetables enhances the flavor and gives you a variety of vitamins and minerals. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks.

How to Make Chickpea and Brown Rice Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing

Ingredients:

1/2 cup uncooked brown rice
1 cup vegetable broth
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
3 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon water
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

Cook the Brown Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the brown rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
Prepare the Chickpea Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, chickpeas, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
Make the Cilantro Lime Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, water, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Combine: Pour the dressing over the chickpea and rice mixture. Toss gently to combine.
Serve: Serve immediately or chill for later. If desired, top with crumbled feta cheese before serving.

How to Serve Chickpea and Brown Rice Salad

This salad can be served as a light lunch, a side dish at dinner, or even as a healthy snack. It tastes great on its own or with grilled chicken or fish. You can also enjoy it in a wrap or pita for a complete meal.

How to Store Chickpea and Brown Rice Salad

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you’ve added the feta cheese, you might want to keep it separate until you’re ready to serve.

Tips to Make Chickpea and Brown Rice Salad

Cook the Rice Ahead of Time: If you are short on time, you can cook the brown rice ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you are ready to make the salad.
Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add other colorful veggies like cucumbers, corn, or cherry tomatoes to enhance the salad.
Add More Protein: For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or tofu to the salad.

Variation

You can switch up the dressing by using apple cider vinegar instead of lime juice for a different taste. Additionally, you can replace the chickpeas with black beans if you prefer.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the salad a day before and store it in the fridge. The flavors will blend well overnight.

2. Is this salad vegan?
Yes, this salad is vegan unless you add feta cheese. You can omit the cheese to keep it completely plant-based.

3. Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Yes, you can use white rice, but the cooking time may be shorter. Check the package instructions for the exact cooking time.