Ingredient Notes

Rice – Brown rice is sturdy and holds up well in recipes like this. While you could theoretically make this with white rice, brown rice is definitely what I recommend. If you were to sub anything, I’d go for quinoa or another grain like bulgar before I’d do white rice. To easily make the perfect amount of rice for this recipe, follow these instructions. This can be done ahead of time!Olive oil – Use your favorite olive oil. You could also use a neutral oil like avocado oil.Honey – Honey adds a touch of sweetness to the dressing. Spray your measuring spoons with a little non stick spray to ensure every drop your measured slides out!Garlic and lime – Use fresh garlic and fresh lime juice.Jalapeño – The jalapeño adds a little kick to this salad, but it is not overwhelming. Seed or partially seed your jalapeño if you’re worried about heat; every time I’ve made this, I’ve completely seeded the jalapeño and the salad hasn’t been hot at all. I also choose to leave the jalapeño out sometimes (like in these photos!) and it’s great without it as well.

How To Make Southwestern Brown Rice Salad

  1. In a large bowl, combine brown rice, halved grape/cherry tomatoes, green onions, cilantro and jalapeno.
  2. Drizzle the mixture with the dressing, toss together, and add salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Add the avocado last of all so it doesn’t fall apart. If you’re prepping the salad a few hours ahead, save the avocado and add right before serving. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes. You can prepare your rice a day or two ahead of time as well as the dressing. Chop your other ingredients the day of, and wait to dice and add your avocado until right before serving. Sometimes dressings with fresh citrus juices can lose their tang if made ahead, so another squirt of fresh lime juice when tossing everything together wouldn’t hurt.

This salad would be perfect to serve at a potluck, a lunch event, or alongside grilled meats and veggies at a barbecue. Looking for similar side dishes? Check out some of these Our Best Bites favorites: Classic Potato SaladSouthwest Pasta SaladGreek Pasta SaladGerman Potato SaladHawaiian Macaroni SaladTabbouleh

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