Brown Rice Kale Salad with Medjool Dates

Brown rice and kale salad with red onion, nuts, and herbs in a wooden bowl

Brown Rice Kale Salad with Medjool Dates

Looking for a salad that actually fills you up? This Brown Rice Kale Salad is loaded with chewy whole grains, fresh greens, sweet Medjool dates, and toasted walnuts. Tossed in a bright and fresh citrus dressing, it’s hearty enough to be a meal and easy enough to make any day of the week.

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Keyword dairy free, easy salad recipe, gluten free, grain bowl, hearty salad, oil free, plant based

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Servings servings

Calories 513kcal

Author Jackie Akerberg

Equipment

stove

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

1 cup brown rice
¼ cup red onion finely chopped
¾ cup walnuts chopped
½ cup Natural Delights Medjool Dates chopped
1 bunch Tuscan kale stems removed, finely chopped
1 lemon juiced
½ tsp olive oil optional

Salad Dressing Ingredients

1 orange zested and juiced
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil or tahini for oil-free
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp dijon mustard
½ tsp dried parsley
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Add rice to a medium saucepan with 2 cups water or vegetable broth and a pinch of sea salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 45 minutes, until rice is fluffy and tender. Set aside to cool.
Place chopped onion in a bowl of water - this reduces the bitterness and makes the flavor less pungent. Soak for 20 minutes or so while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Heat a medium skillet over medium low heat and add the chopped walnuts. Toast for 5-7 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring frequently and ensuring they don't scorch.
Add the kale to a bowl and drizzle with lemon juice and optional olive oil. Use your hands to massage for 15 seconds until tender.
Prepare the dressing by adding all ingredients to a jar and stirring to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Add all ingredients for salad to a serving bowl and drizzle with dressing. Toss to combine. Enjoy immediately or store in the fridge for up to 4 days. The hearty ingredients in this recipe will stay fresh and crisp even after being dressed!

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