Zesty Oriental Bulgur Rice Salad with Cranberries and Almonds

Oriental Bulgur Rice Salad

Elevate your next meal with this delightful Oriental Bulgur Rice Salad, which shines as a vibrant side dish or a satisfying main course when paired with cooked chicken or seafood. This recipe, straight from Taste of Home’s Light & Tasty magazine, is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, offering a refreshing take on traditional salads. With a preparation time of just 40 minutes, this dish combines wholesome grains, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing to create a well-balanced and nutritious option that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup bulgur
• 1 1/2 cups boiling water
• 1 1/2 cups cooked long-grain rice
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/2 cup grated carrot
• 1/2 cup diced green pepper
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Greens (such as lettuce or spinach) for serving
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bulgur:

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   • Begin by placing the bulgur in a large bowl.
   • Pour the boiling water over the bulgur. Stir gently to combine.
   • Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let the bulgur stand for approximately 30 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the bulgur is tender.
   • After the bulgur has soaked, drain any excess liquid and gently squeeze the bulgur to remove excess moisture.

2. Combine the Salad Ingredients:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked long-grain rice, finely chopped celery, grated carrot, diced green pepper, dried cranberries, and prepared bulgur. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. Prepare the Dressing:

   • In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the chopped fresh parsley, rice vinegar, olive oil, finely chopped onion, water, honey, minced garlic, salt, ground mustard, Chinese five-spice powder, and black pepper.
   • Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.

4. Assemble the Salad:

   • Pour the dressing over the rice and bulgur mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat the salad with the dressing, ensuring that all the ingredients are well mixed and flavored.

5. Serve:

   • Arrange a bed of greens on individual salad plates.
   • Spoon the dressed rice and bulgur mixture over the greens.
   • If desired, sprinkle the top of each salad with sliced almonds for an added crunch and flavor.

6. Enjoy:

   • Serve immediately for a fresh and crunchy texture, or refrigerate for up to a few hours to allow the flavors to meld. This salad makes a delightful addition to any meal, whether enjoyed on its own or as a side dish.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 176.4
• Fat Content: 7.6 grams
• Saturated Fat Content: 1 gram
• Cholesterol Content: 0 mg
• Sodium Content: 212.7 mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 24.5 grams
• Fiber Content: 3.7 grams
• Sugar Content: 2.4 grams
• Protein Content: 3.8 grams

This Oriental Bulgur Rice Salad is not only delicious but also a nutritious option packed with fiber and vitamins. The combination of vibrant vegetables, tender bulgur, and a flavorful dressing makes it a versatile dish that’s perfect for potlucks, light lunches, or as a refreshing side at dinner. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the healthy crunch that this delightful salad brings to your table!