Rice and lentil salad

By Sari Huhtala

Combine rice and lentils, with cruciferous kale and other veggies and you have the recipe for a complete macro bowl meal that you can make ahead of time for those days when you have little time to spend in the kitchen. This is my go-to meal for this time of year when farming takes over my days.

This salad, made with a wild rice blend that provides a nutty flavour, and cooked lentils for easy-to-digest plant protein, combines the grains and the legumes to provide a complete protein source for your body.  You can add any vegetables you like to the salad, which base is lentils and rice.

I enjoy the burst of nutrition I get from chopped kale and broccoli in the salad. Add the dressing prior to serving to increase shelf life. This salad will keep for up to four to five days in the fridge in a covered container. If I plan on keeping the salad in the fridge over the course of several days, I avoid adding veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers that tend to hold a lot of moisture.

Rice and lentil salad

• 2 cups cooked wild rice blend
• 3 cups cooked green or brown lentils
• Some veggie options: chopped kale, radish, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, onions, arugula, roasted sweet potatoes and roasted beets.

Follow directions on the package for cooking rice and lentils. Once cooked, cool then combine the lentils, rice and veggies in a bowl.

Add your favourite homemade salad dressing, or try one of these options:

Italian dressing

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1/8 cup white balsamic vinegar or white condiment
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste

Honey Dijon dressing

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1/8 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp raw honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt to taste

Sweet and tangy lime dressing

• ¼ cup lime juice
• 1/8 cup olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• Salt to taste

Sari Huhtala is the creator, publisher and editor of Alive and Fit Magazine, which was created in 2007.  She has over 25 years of experience in journalism and over 15 years of experience as a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor, and is a holistic chef, offering holistic cooking and edible wilds workshop, and My Farmacy workshops. She is an organic farmer, wild-crafter and grandmother, who has spent over 20 plus years navigating a holistic, healthy path for her family. Reach her at friends@thelaughingforest.ca