Autumn Celebration Rice Salad
I knew I wanted to use chard leaves in this autumn rice salad, because I love their slightly bitter, earthy flavor, especially when paired with sweet things like pomegranate seeds and dried cranberries.
Ingredients
For the Rice Salad:
- ½ bunch swiss chard
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes about 2 pounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper
- 1 cup Royal Basmati Rice
- 1 apple chopped
- ½ cup pomegranate arils
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup shelled pistachios
For the Apple Cider Vinaigrette:
- ¼ cup apple cider
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Make the Rice Salad:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Separate swiss chard leaves and stems. Thinly slices leaves and cut stems crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces. Set aside, separately.
- Place squash on rimmed baking pan; toss with oil, salt and pepper. Transfer to oven and roast 30 to 35 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. During last 5 minutes of roasting time, add chard stems to pan and roast until tender.
- Meanwhile, prepare rice according to package directions; remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Make the Apple Cider Vinaigrette:
- In large bowl, whisk together apple cider, vinegar and honey. While whisking, slowly drizzle in oil until all oil is incorporated. Stir in thyme, salt and pepper.
- Add swiss chard leaves to bowl with dressing and toss to combine. Let stand 10 minutes, then add apple, pomegranate arils, cranberries, pistachios, roasted squash and chard stems, and rice; toss to combine. Serve immediately, or cover and let stand at room tempreature up to 1 hour before serving.
Calories: 303kcal, Carbohydrates: 46g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 9g, Sodium: 47mg, Potassium: 534mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 15g, Vitamin A: 11164IU, Vitamin C: 29mg, Calcium: 71mg, Iron: 2mg
This website provides estimated nutrition information as a courtesy only. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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