Funnily enough, I have never actually been a fan of rice, always found it a little bland! Probably not the best way to entice you to try my food but it was the reason why I created this dish. I wanted to create a recipe based around rice that was full of flavour and texture – one that I would love! I didn’t figure I could go too far wrong with nutty rice combined with the sweet honey roasted vegetables, creamy goats cheese and all topped with a delicious punchy basil pesto! Plus whilst I was on my trip home to the UK, I promised my family a day of cooking to spark ideas for healthy dinners and meals that can be prepared in advance for a busy lifestyle! Although I am putting my hands up here to say the choice of the gold-serving plate wasn’t mine!
Through teaching the fam, I actually ended up helping myself find I dish that I absolutely love! Safe to say my opinion on rice has well and truly changed. This salad is the definition of scrumptious. It’s sweet, earthy, creamy and nutty all in one! The perfect packed lunch for work, it can be made in advance and keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days and the added goats cheese feels like you’ve just had an indulgent dining experience whilst still remaining healthy and nutritious. I also think, (and have been told as not quite a mum myself yet!) that this is the perfect family dinner for mothers who don’t fancy cooking endless separate meals for them and the kids – everyone enjoys the food, and no hours spent cooking, win win!
Quick nutrition point…it’s a pretty well known fact now but please if you are using rice, don’t substitute the healthy brown/wild/red rice with the white stuff! It’s the same story as bread, far less nutritional value and taste than the dark stuff!
I really hope you enjoy this as much as I did and for anyone who was similar to me in their lack of love for rice, I’m confident this will change your opinion! You can team it with some grilled chicken or spicy salmon to add lean protein to the dish, it’s incredibly versatile so get experimenting!
Hello and welcome! I'm Carly, originally from London but currently enjoying a little adventure in Dubai. A travel and wellness blogger exploring the world one step at a time. Think fabulous food at undiscovered gems, unique destinations, skin care obsessions and so much more. This is my life, I hope you enjoy the ride!