If I remembered correctly, June shared this recipe of Brown Basmati Apple Walnut Salad.  Brown Basmati Rice is gaining popularity for it’s higher nutritional values.  It also tastes nuttier than regular white rice.  A friend told me that after a few months of changing from white rice to brown rice, she is actually losing weight.  I may try to include some brown rice in my regular rice and my family will slowly accept it.  I’m sure Ben is going to make a fuss of it as he hates grainy stuff  like whole wheat or whole grain bread.

This Brown Basmati Apple Walnut Salad can be kept in the refrigerator for a couple of days, which makes it the perfect make-ahead dish for company.  You may add the apples and toasted walnuts just before serving.  In fact, this salad tastes better the next day.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup toasted walnuts
• 4 cups cooked brown basmati rice
• 1/2 cup dried cherries, raisins or cranberries
• 1 apple, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 5 to 6 celery leaves, chopped
• 4 sprigs parsley, chopped

Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• zest of 1 orange
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

You may toast the walnuts in the microwave. Microwave them on high at 45-seconds intervals, smelling for doneness. It takes between 1 1/2 to 2 minutes.

June and Frances make this healthy and nutty salad.

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the dressing ingredients until thoroughly mixed.

Combine the salad ingredients in a large bowl.

Toss with the salad dressing until evenly coated. June and Frances, thank you for making this salad.