Siesta Special

Siesta Special
Siesta Special
Chilled Rice Salad with Avocado, Tomatoes, and Black Beans. This chilled rice salad is packed with veggies, flavor, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. It's a beautiful and healthy dish, especially popular with teenagers. Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil; you'll use the oil in the recipe. The salad keeps for 3 days in the refrigerator and makes a great lunch or summer dinner.
  • Preparing Time: -
  • Total Time: -
  • Served Person: 5 servings
Salad Bean Tomato Picnic Vegetarian Back to School Dinner Lunch Avocado Legume Summer Healthy Vegan Potluck Sugar Conscious
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 cup/195 g raw white rice
  • 2 cups/470 ml water
  • 1 (15 1/2 oz/434 g) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 cups/28 g chopped sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil (oil reserved for later use)
  • 1/2 cup/75 g diced red pepper
  • 1 cup/145 g diced avocado (about 1 avocado)
  • 1/2 cup/8 g cilantro leaves, washed, dried and coarsely chopped
  • 2 tsp/5 g chia seeds
  • 2 tbsp/30 ml lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp/30 ml reserved sun-dried tomato oil (or extra-virgin olive oil)

A Refreshing Escape: My Siesta Special Rice Salad

As a busy working mom, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both healthy and quick to prepare. This Siesta Special Rice Salad fits the bill perfectly. It's a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s become a staple in our household, especially during the warmer months. The beautiful colors alone make it a feast for the eyes, but the taste? Oh, the taste is even better!

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to whatever ingredients you have on hand. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables – chopped cucumbers, carrots, or even some leftover roasted vegetables would add a delicious twist. Don’t be afraid to get creative! I often add a handful of chopped bell peppers or some shredded zucchini, depending on what’s looking fresh in my fridge. The beauty of this salad is that it’s truly a blank canvas for your culinary imagination.

The base of the salad is simple: fluffy white rice (or brown rice, if you prefer a nuttier flavor), tossed with a medley of colorful vegetables. The creamy avocado adds a delightful richness, while the juicy sun-dried tomatoes provide a burst of sweet and savory flavor. The black beans contribute a hearty texture and a boost of protein, making this a satisfying and filling meal. A light and zesty lemon-chia seed dressing ties everything together, creating a refreshing and slightly tangy flavor profile that's both light and bright.

This salad is a perfect example of how healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. It's a far cry from the bland, tasteless dishes some people associate with healthy eating. In fact, my teenage daughters often request this salad, proclaiming it makes them feel healthy and energized. As a mom, that’s music to my ears! It’s a testament to the fact that nutritious food can also be incredibly delicious and appealing, even to the pickiest of eaters.

The recipe itself is incredibly straightforward. The rice cooks quickly, and the rest of the preparation involves simply chopping vegetables and combining them in a bowl. It’s a great recipe to make ahead of time, as the flavors meld beautifully as it chills in the refrigerator. It's a perfect make-ahead lunch for busy weekdays or a light and refreshing dinner option for those warm summer evenings. The possibilities are endless!

I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the joy of a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make meal. The Siesta Special Rice Salad isn’t just a recipe; it’s a testament to the fact that nourishing your body can be a delightful and enjoyable experience. And trust me, the leftovers are just as good, if not better, the next day!

Beyond its culinary merits, this salad also provides a wonderful opportunity to incorporate healthy eating habits into your daily routine. The abundance of fresh vegetables ensures you're getting a good dose of vitamins and minerals, while the lean protein and healthy fats contribute to sustained energy and overall well-being. It's a recipe that nourishes not only your body, but also your soul. And isn't that what cooking should be all about? Sharing delicious and healthy meals with loved ones, creating memories, and nurturing ourselves from the inside out.

So, go ahead and give this recipe a try. Let me know how it turns out! I'm confident that this Siesta Special Rice Salad will become a new favorite in your kitchen too. It's a perfect recipe for a busy lifestyle and a delicious way to nourish your body and soul. Happy cooking!

Step-by-step

    • In a medium pot, place rice and water, warming over high heat until water boils.
    • Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook rice for 20 minutes.
    • Remove from heat, and let rice sit 10 minutes.
    • Meanwhile, in a large bowl, add black beans, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper, avocado, and cilantro.
    • When ready, add rice to a colander and rinse with cold water to remove starchiness from rice.
    • Add rinsed rice to the bowl, and mix with ingredients.
    • In a small bowl, combine salt, chia seeds, lemon juice, and sun-dried tomato oil.
    • Pour dressing over salad, stirring to combine.
    • Taste, and season with more lemon juice or sun-dried tomato oil, if needed.
Waffles?
Apple Turnovers Recipe?
Pancakes?
Homemade Honey Dough Balls?
Privacy policy