Go Back
–+ servings
Brown rice salad in a large serving bowl
Print

Winter Brown Rice Salad with Feta and Cranberries

Winter Brown Rice Salad is the perfect make ahead dish for easy lunches and festive entertaining. Vegetarian and gluten-free.
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 8 large servings
Calories 514kcal
Author Slow The Cook Down

Ingredients

For the rice salad:

  • 2.5 cups wholegrain brown rice blend (16oz) (454g)
  • 2 ounces arugula (55g)
  • 4.5 ounces walnut halves (125g)
  • 7 ounces dried cranberries (200g)
  • 5 ounces crumbled feta (150g)
  • 3.5 ounces pumpkin seeds (100g)

For the poppy seed dressing:

  • ¼ cup white wine vinegar (120ml)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (100g)
  • 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
  • pinch salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil (120ml)

Instructions

For the rice salad

  • Cook the rice according to the instructions. Once cooked (do not over cook), drain and put to one side to cool to room temperature.
  • Once cool, add to a large mixing bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients and toss well.

For the poppy seed dressing

  • Whisk together the white wine and sugar.
  • Add in the poppy seeds, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise and whisk together.
  • Slowly add the olive oil while whisking, until the dressing has come together.
  • When ready to serve, pour the dressing over the brown rice salad and toss.

Notes

  • Take care not to overcook the rice or it can become mushy.
  • Let the rice cool before mixing with the other salad ingredients or the arugula will wilt.
  • Yield for the poppy seed dressing is around 1 ½ cups. You can store any left over in an airtight bottle for a week in the fridge. Use as much or as little as you would like.
  • Nutritional information based on one of 8 servings without dressing, and is and estimate only.

Nutrition

Calories: 514kcal | Carbohydrates: 70g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 204mg | Potassium: 377mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 248IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 142mg | Iron: 3mg