Mexican Brown Rice Salad Recipe | The Neelys
- Level: Easy
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Nutritional Analysis Per Serving: Calories 336 | Total Fat 13g | Saturated Fat 3g | Cholesterol 3mg | Sodium 422mg | Carbohydrates 41g | Dietary Fiber 11g | Protein 16g | Sugar 5g
- Total: 30 min
- Prep: 15 min
- Inactive: 10 min
- Cook: 5 min
Ingredients
- 2 ears corn, husked
- Olive oil, for brushing
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 2 (15-ounce) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 bunch green onions, sliced
- 1 small jalapeno, seeds and rib removed, diced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
Instructions
- Heat your grill to medium-high temperature.
- Coat corn with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place on grill for 5 to 6 minutes, turning frequently on all sides until charred marks appear. Allow to cool and cut kernels from the cob.
- Transfer corn, brown rice, beans, red bell pepper, jalapeno, and green onions into a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, cumin, garlic, cilantro, salt and pepper by whisking. Mix the dressing with the vegetables and finish with crumbled cheese, then combine everything together.
Chef's Notes
Discover the magic of queso fresco, Spanish for "fresh cheese"its crumbly texture and mild tang shine here, though creamy feta is a fantastic swap. Paired with smooth, flavorful pinto beans, they elevate this salad to irresistible heights.
Fire up your grill and dive into this vibrant Mexican brown rice salada burst of charred corn, tender beans, crisp veggies, zesty lime-cilantro dressing, and cheesy richness that's as nutritious as it is crave-worthy. Perfect for any gathering!
Its genius? Ultimate versatility. Whip it up ahead for meal prepthe flavors deepen beautifully in the fridge. Serve as a hearty side to grilled meats or a fresh standalone lunch that fuels your day.
Crank up the heat with extra jalapeo or cilantro stems, swap cheeses to your taste, or crown with diced avocado for silky luxury. Simple ingredients, quick grill magic, and smoky depth transform everyday produce into a showstopper dish you'll crave weekly!
