Carrot and Brown Rice Salad

Ingredients

• Salt (1/2 teaspoon or to taste)
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon or to taste)
• Honey (1 tablespoon)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Lemon juice (1 tablespoon)
• Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup, finely chopped)
• Green onions (2, thinly sliced)
• Red bell pepper (1, diced)
• Cucumber (1/2, diced)
• Carrots (2, grated)
• Brown rice (2 cups, cooked)

Instructions

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, grated carrots, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro.
2. To prepare the dressing, in a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the brown rice and vegetable mixture. Toss the ingredients gently to ensure that everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill.
5. Stir the salad well before serving. Enjoy this refreshing and nutritious dish as a standalone meal or as a side with your choice of protein!