Tomato Basil Cucumber Salad with Feta Cheese and Brown Rice
Bright, refreshing, and hearty, this Tomato Basil Cucumber Salad with Feta Cheese and Brown Rice is the perfect blend of Mediterranean-inspired flavors and wholesome nutrition. Juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and fragrant fresh basil form the foundation of this vibrant dish, while nutty brown rice adds an irresistible hearty twist. The tangy dressing, made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and a hint of garlic, ties everything together beautifully, while crumbled feta cheese provides a creamy, salty finish. Ready in just 40 minutes and easy to customize, this salad makes a delightful side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main. Perfect for meal prep or enjoying fresh on a summer evening, it’s packed with flavor and nutrients in every bite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups water
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium cucumber
- 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the brown rice under cold water and drain.
In a medium saucepan, combine the brown rice and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
Remove the saucepan from heat, let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Set it aside to cool.
While the rice cools, slice the cherry tomatoes in half, peel and dice the cucumber, and chop the basil leaves into thin ribbons.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled brown rice, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and basil.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Add the crumbled feta cheese on top and lightly toss again, being careful not to break the feta too much.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to chill before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
175 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 10.3 g | 13% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.1 g | 16% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 12 mg | 4% | |
| Sodium | 413 mg | 18% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 16.5 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.8 g | ||
| Protein | 4.4 g | 9% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 112 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 0.9 mg | 5% | |
| Potassium | 272 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
