Discover the vibrant flavors and stunning colors of our Black Rice Salad Bowl with Tahini Dressing! This fusion dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also packs a nutritional punch, making it the perfect addition to your meal rotation. With its nutty black rice, fresh vegetables, and creamy tahini dressing, this salad is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s an easy yet impressive recipe that will have your friends and family asking for seconds. Dive into this delightful culinary adventure and elevate your salad game today!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Fusion
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup black rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the black rice under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve. This helps to remove any excess starch and ensures a fluffier texture when cooked.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed black rice and 2 cups of water. Add a pinch of salt for flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the water. If there is any excess water, drain it off.
- While the rice is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and finely chop the red onion and parsley. Place all the chopped vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create the dressing. If the tahini is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Once the black rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork and add it to the bowl with the chopped vegetables.
- Drizzle the tahini dressing over the black rice and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until well combined, ensuring that the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If you like, you can also add more lemon juice for extra tanginess.
- Serve the black rice salad bowls immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious fusion dish!
Tips
- Rinse the Rice: Don’t skip rinsing the black rice! This crucial step removes excess starch, resulting in a fluffier texture that enhances the overall dish.
- Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the cooking time. Black rice typically takes longer to cook than white rice, so be patient and allow it to simmer gently for that perfect tenderness.
- Dress It Up: If you prefer a creamier dressing, feel free to add a bit more tahini or a splash of olive oil. You can also experiment with spices like cumin or smoked paprika for an extra flavor boost!
- Veggie Variations: Customize the salad by adding your favorite seasonal vegetables. Bell peppers, avocados, or even roasted sweet potatoes can add unique flavors and textures.
- Make Ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time! Just store the components separately and combine them with the dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh.
- Garnish Smartly: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a handful of nuts can add a delightful crunch and enhance the presentation of your salad bowl.
- Taste as You Go: Don’t forget to taste your salad before serving! Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional lemon juice to suit your preferences.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
