Warm Brown Rice and Chickpea Salad with Cherries and Goat Cheese

By ruthg

4 Servings - 1 cup

Recipe by Cooking Light June 2014

Fresh cherries add a meaty bite and tart-sweet flavor. If you can't find fresh cherries, add 2 tablespoons boiling water to 1/4 cup unsweetened dried cherries. Let stand 10 minutes; drain and chop.

Ingredients

• 1 (8.8-ounce) pouch precooked brown rice (such as Uncle Ben's)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 32 cherries, pitted and quartered
• 1 (15-ounce) can unsalted chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled (about 1/2 cup)

Details

Servings 4
Adapted from myrecipes.com

Preparation

Step 1

Heat rice according to package directions. Place rice in a medium bowl. Stir in onions and next 7 ingredients (through chickpeas). Sprinkle evenly with goat cheese.