Eating a little lighter in 2017? This Basmati Rice Salad with Apples, Cranberries, Coconut and Almonds is perfect for a light lunch or savory side.
Enjoy this sponsored post in collaboration with Veetee Rice.
Are you eating right to be tight in 2017?
I made a goal to lose 40 in year one of my 40s so I can tell you I will be doing my best to eat well throughout the year. I tend to get bored easily so I have to challenge myself to come up with new and unique recipes that keep my tastebuds interested and my hunger satisfied.
For those times when I want something quick, Veetee Dine-In Rice is my go-to choice. I’ve used the rice in the past for my very popular Bacon Fried Rice recipe and my Deconstructed Stuffed Pepper Rice Bowl. Both of these dishes wow people and I love that they don’t take a ton of time to prepare.
My friend, Colleen, from Souffle Bombay has also created some delicious recipes including a Fried Egg and Avocado Rice Bowl, Fall Harvest Rice Bowl, White Cheddar Cheesy Broccoli & Rice or her simple One Pot Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Over Rice. Did I mention Colleen is my foodie crush?
Now, back to the dish.
I was inspired to make this Basmati Rice Salad with Apples, Cranberries, Coconut and Almonds after having a delicious salad at this little restaurant in a neighboring town. They called it the Martha’s Vineyard Salad which featured mixed field greens tossed with grilled chicken, seasonal berries and mango. The salad was then topped with toasted coconut and pecans. I thought the addition of the toasted coconut was genius and something I would have never thought to put on a green salad.
Still craving the Martha’s Vineyard Salad I decided to make my own version using the toasted coconut as my inspiration. By combining Veetee Dine-In Basmati Rice (one of my favorites) with chopped apples, dried cranberries, sliced almonds and toasted coconut, I created a light salad that is full of flavor and seasonally appropriate but not full of calories or that pre-made artificial taste.
ABOUT VEETEE RICE
Veetee Rice, available at ShopRite, is a deliciously convenient, heat and eat, microwaveable rice made with specially selected ingredients. Available in a range of plain and flavored options each pack of Veetee contains no artificial flavorings, colors or preservatives. Veetee in NON-GMO and only uses the best quality rice from reliable sources to strictly ensure no genetically modified grains go into our products. Simply heat in the microwave or stir-fry in a wok for 2 minutes and enjoy. So simple, yet so delicious.
Basmati Rice Salad with Apples, Cranberries, Coconut and Almonds
Ingredients
- 1 package Veetee Basmati Rice
- 1 apple chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup toasted coconut
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil melted
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Cook the basmati rice according to the package. Set aside. Chop apple. Combine apple with dried cranberries, almonds, and toasted coconut in a bowl. Add cooked rice. In a small bowl, combine apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, coconut oil and honey and mix well to create a simple dressing. Pour over rice, fruit and coconut and gently combine. Serve immediately.
If you are looking for a sweet and savory salad, or maybe even serve it as a side, give this Basmati Rice Salad with Apples, Cranberries, Coconut and Almonds a try. Satisfying. Simple. Delicious.
Enjoy!
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I must confess that I do not like cooking rice and always buy the precooked frozen kind. I will have to give this a try. So convenient!