Red Rice, Broccoli and Bacon Salad

This recipe is a more substantial version of my Broccoli and Bacon Salad. The red rice gives a nice nutty flavour and you can serve this as a main on it’s own or as a side. This also keeps fresh for up to 2 days in the fridge.

Serves 4-6

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ cup red rice
• 1 cup water
• 1 large head of broccoli, chopped into small florets 
• 100g bacon, cooked and chopped
• ⅓ cup sunflower seeds

Dressing

• ⅓ cup mayonnaise 
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cook red rice according to package instructions. If using a rice cooker, wash red rice and add 1 cup of water to cook.
2. Once rice is cooked, allow it to cool. This is something you can prepare ahead of time.
3. Place broccoli florets in a large bowl and cover with boiling water for 5 minutes. Drain and then rinse under cold water.
4. In a mixing bowl combine the rice, broccoli, bacon and sunflower seeds. Mix with a fork.
5. In a small bowl whisk together the mayonnaise and lemon juice until smooth.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix with a fork until everything is covered in dressing.
7. Serve immediately with your choice of protein.

NOTES:

• If you’d like to make a vegetarian version you can substitute the bacon for 70g of feta. If doing this, crumble the feta and add it at the very end.