Tropical Kiwi & Brown Rice Salad
Delight your taste buds with this vibrant Tropical Kiwi & Brown Rice Salad, inspired by the fresh flavors of New Zealand. A colorful medley of nutritious ingredients comes together, featuring chewy brown rice, juicy kiwi fruits, crisp Granny Smith apples, and crunchy vegetables. This salad is not only delicious but also packed with wholesome goodness, making it a perfect side dish for gatherings or a light meal on its own. Tossed in a tangy sherry wine vinegar and olive oil dressing, every bite bursts with flavors that celebrate the spirit of New Zealand. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, and any occasion where fresh, healthy food is a must!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
brown rice
1 cup (cooked according to package directions)
kiwi fruits
2 (peeled and sliced into semi circles)
Granny Smith apple
1 (cored and diced into 1/2-inch cubes)
celery
1/2 cup (thinly sliced)
red pepper
1/2 cup (cut into strips)
walnut pieces
1/4 cup (chopped)
green onion
1/4 cup (sliced)
parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
sherry wine vinegar
3 tablespoons (n/a)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (n/a)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the brown rice according to the package directions. Ensure it is thoroughly drained and set aside to cool completely.
2
While the rice is cooling, peel the kiwi fruits and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Cut each slice in half to create delightful semi-circles.
3
Next, core the Granny Smith apple and dice it into 1/2-inch cubes, ensuring all ingredients are ready for mixing.
4
In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled brown rice, kiwi, diced apple, sliced celery, red pepper strips, walnut pieces, sliced green onions, and chopped parsley. Gently toss to blend all components together.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sherry wine vinegar and olive oil until emulsified. Drizzle this dressing over the salad.
6
Toss the salad gently to ensure an even coating of dressing and a harmonious mix of flavors.
7
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
8
Serve chilled and enjoy this refreshing salad as a side dish or a light main course.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tropical Kiwi & Brown Rice Salad?
It is a vibrant, New Zealand-inspired salad featuring chewy brown rice, kiwi, Granny Smith apples, and fresh vegetables tossed in a tangy dressing.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian and contains no meat products.
Is the Tropical Kiwi & Brown Rice Salad gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed, including brown rice and fresh produce, are naturally gluten-free.
What type of rice should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for brown rice for its chewy texture and nutritional value.
What kind of apple is recommended for this salad?
A Granny Smith apple is used to provide a crisp texture and a tart flavor profile.
How do I prepare the kiwi fruits?
Peel the kiwis, slice them into 1/4-inch rounds, and then cut each round in half to create semi-circles.
What is in the dressing for this salad?
The dressing is a simple and tangy mixture of sherry wine vinegar and olive oil.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
It is recommended to refrigerate the salad for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, it is hearty enough to be served as a light main meal or as a side dish for gatherings.
What makes this salad 'tropical'?
The use of fresh kiwi fruits combined with a light, acidic dressing gives it a bright, tropical flavor profile.
Are there nuts in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 cup of chopped walnut pieces for added crunch.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses two tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley.
How should the red pepper be cut?
The red pepper should be sliced into thin strips.
Can I substitute the walnuts?
While walnuts are recommended, you could substitute them with pecans or almonds if you prefer a different nut flavor.
How do I prepare the celery for this salad?
The celery should be thinly sliced before being added to the mix.
What size should the apple pieces be?
The Granny Smith apple should be cored and diced into approximately 1/2-inch cubes.
Is the rice cooked before adding it to the salad?
Yes, the brown rice must be cooked according to package directions and then cooled completely before assembly.
How many kiwis are needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for two kiwi fruits.
What type of vinegar is best for the dressing?
Sherry wine vinegar is specified for its unique tangy flavor.
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
You can use white rice, but the salad will have a softer texture and less nutty flavor than the original brown rice version.
Is this salad suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is ideal for picnics and barbecues because it is served chilled and holds up well.
How much olive oil is required?
The dressing uses one tablespoon of olive oil.
Does the recipe include onions?
Yes, it includes 1/4 cup of sliced green onions for a mild onion flavor.
Should the salad be served warm?
No, this salad is intended to be served chilled.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 10 main ingredients including the rice, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and dressing components.
Is the kiwi peeled?
Yes, the instructions state that the kiwi fruits should be peeled before slicing.
What is the first step in making this salad?
The first step is cooking the brown rice and letting it cool completely.
Can I add protein to this salad?
While not in the original recipe, you could easily add grilled chicken or tofu to make it more substantial.
How do I emulsify the dressing?
Whisk the sherry wine vinegar and olive oil together in a separate bowl until they are thoroughly combined.
Is this recipe easy to scale for a large group?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to accommodate more guests at a party or barbecue.