Interesting summer salads are key to quelling summer boredom. I’m a huge fan of greens and urge you to get them into your daily intake. But for a little variety try moving away from the world of lettuce and toss in something grilled.
A sticky brown rice mingling with grilled peppers, all coated with bright fresh dill dressing – it’s hearty, fresh and delicious with a touch of smokey goodness. A great option that matches anything else you’re grilling.
Kiss your salads with a taste of the grill- your guests will thank you for it.
Grilled Pepper, Bacon and Brown Rice Salad
with Dill Vinaigrette
- 1 cup brown rice (sticky brown rice preferred
- 2 1/4 cups water
- 1/2 cup diced red onions
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 6 strips bacon
- 1 cup grapes, sliced in half
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup dill fronds
- 1/4 cup white pear balsamic
- 1/3 cup olive oil (+2tbls)
- juice of one orange
- 12 mini peppers
- salt and pepper
Saute half of the onions and celery in a drizzle of olive oil. Use the pan you are going to cook the rice in. Add the rice into the pan once the celery and onions have begun to soften. Give the rice a good stir to coat it with the oil, then add in the cups of water. Bring the rice to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer until the rice is tender. Remove from heat.
In the meantime, chop the bacon into small pieces and cook until done. Set the bacon aside, pour the grease out but don’t wipe the pan out. Add the garlic to the pan, saute for just a minute then deglase the pan with the vinegar, using a wooden spoon to scape of any bits from the pan. Add in the orange juice and olive oil. Remove from heat, chop the dill and add in; add salt and pepper to taste.
Cut the peppers in half, clean out the seeds. Toss with the final tablespoon of olive oil and grill until just softened.
Add the grilled peppers to the rice, pour on half of the dressing and toss the whole salad together. Top with the remaining dressing and enjoy!
Make the rice and dressing up to a few days ahead of time, add in the grilled peppers on barbecue day.
