Plum Rice Salad

Plum Rice Salad Recipe from USA with Brown Rice, Plums, and Bacon

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Plum Rice Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines the sweetness of fresh plums with the savory flavors of bacon and chives. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

History

Plum Rice Salad is a modern twist on traditional rice salads, incorporating the unique flavor of fresh plums. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover rice and add a burst of color and flavor to your meal.

Ingredients

3 cups of cooked brown rice
4 fresh plums, cut into bite-size pieces
0.33 cup of finely chopped fresh chives
0.33 cup of golden raisins
3 tbsp of white grape juice
2 tbsp of vegetable oil
1 tbsp of cider vinegar
2 tbsp of honey
1 tsp of minced fresh ginger
0.5 tsp of ground coriander
0.25 tsp of salt
0.25 tsp of ground black pepper
2 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
lettuce leaves

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine rice, plums, chives, and raisins.
Do not mix; set aside.
In a small bowl, combine grape juice, oil, vinegar, honey, ginger, coriander, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
Top with bacon.
Serve the salad over lettuce leaves.

Variations

Add diced avocado or cucumber for extra freshness.
Substitute the plums with peaches or nectarines for a different flavor profile.
Use quinoa or couscous instead of brown rice for a different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the rice according to package instructions and allow it to cool before assembling the salad.

- For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon or substitute it with crispy tofu or tempeh.

- Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite nuts or seeds for added crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Plum Rice Salad can be served as a standalone dish or as a side to grilled chicken or fish. Pair it with a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the rice until it is tender but still slightly firm to the bite.

- Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey for a vegan version of this salad.

- Swap out the white grape juice for apple cider or orange juice for a different flavor twist.

Make Ahead Tips

Plum Rice Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply toss with the dressing just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Plum Rice Salad in individual bowls or on a large platter garnished with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Plum Rice Salad with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving with sparkling water infused with fresh fruit.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Plum Rice Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or enjoy cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Plum Rice Salad contains approximately 250 calories, making it a light and nutritious option for a meal or side dish.

Carbohydrates

Plum Rice Salad is a carbohydrate-rich dish, with the brown rice and plums providing a good source of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.

Fats

The vegetable oil and bacon in Plum Rice Salad contribute to the overall fat content of the dish. While these fats are primarily unsaturated, it's important to enjoy this salad in moderation.

Proteins

The bacon in Plum Rice Salad adds a protein boost to the dish, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Vitamins and minerals

Plums are a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fiber. The chives in this salad also provide a dose of vitamin K and antioxidants.

Alergens

This recipe contains bacon, which may be a common allergen for some individuals. Be sure to check for any dietary restrictions before serving.

Summary

Plum Rice Salad is a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Enjoy this salad as part of a healthy and varied diet.

Summary

Plum Rice Salad is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer meal. With a balance of sweet and savory flavors, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Plum Rice Salad. It was many years ago, when I was a young girl visiting my Aunt Clara in the small town of Oakwood. Aunt Clara was always experimenting with new recipes and flavors, and she had a knack for creating delicious dishes out of simple ingredients.

On this particular day, Aunt Clara had invited me into the kitchen to help her prepare lunch. As I watched her move about the kitchen with ease and grace, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by her skills. She seemed to know exactly what to do and when to do it, never missing a beat.

As we chatted and chopped and stirred, Aunt Clara suddenly pulled out a small, weathered notecard from her recipe box. She handed it to me with a smile and said, "This is one of my favorite recipes. It's a Plum Rice Salad that I learned from an old friend many years ago. Would you like to give it a try?"

I eagerly took the notecard and scanned the ingredients and instructions. The recipe called for cooked rice, plums, almonds, green onions, and a simple vinaigrette dressing. It seemed simple enough, but I could sense that there was something special about this dish.

Aunt Clara guided me through the steps, showing me how to dice the plums, toast the almonds, and mix everything together in a large bowl. The colors and textures of the ingredients came together beautifully, creating a vibrant and flavorful salad that was both refreshing and satisfying.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I took my first bite of the Plum Rice Salad. The flavors burst in my mouth – the sweetness of the plums, the crunch of the almonds, the tanginess of the dressing – it was a perfect harmony of tastes and textures. I couldn't believe how something so simple could be so delicious.

From that moment on, the Plum Rice Salad became a staple in my culinary repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, always receiving compliments and requests for the recipe. I loved sharing this dish with others, knowing that it had been passed down to me from my dear Aunt Clara.

Over the years, I made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice. But the essence of the Plum Rice Salad remained the same – a humble yet exquisite dish that never failed to impress.

As I grew older and had children of my own, I continued to make the Plum Rice Salad for them, passing on the tradition and the love of cooking that had been instilled in me by my Aunt Clara. I watched as my children's eyes lit up with joy and excitement as they took their first bite of this beloved family recipe.

Now, as a grandmother myself, I find great joy in sharing the Plum Rice Salad with my grandchildren. I see the same wonder and appreciation in their eyes that I once had when I first tasted this dish. It warms my heart to know that this recipe, with all its memories and flavors, will continue to be cherished and passed down through the generations.

So, whenever I make the Plum Rice Salad now, I can't help but think back to that day in Aunt Clara's kitchen, where I learned not just a recipe, but a lesson in love, tradition, and the power of good food to bring people together. And for that, I am forever grateful.