Brown Rice Salad With Citrus Thai Basil Vinaigrette Food

GRILLED CORN AND TOMATO SALAD WITH THAI BASIL VINAIGRETTE DRESSING

Steps:

• Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
• Salad: Peel back the corn husks, but do not remove them completely. Carefully pick off and discard the wispy silk threads that are attached to the corn. Pull the husks back over the ears and tie the ends closed with kitchen twine. Soak the corn in large bowl of cold water for 10 minutes. Drain the water, shake off the excess and put them on the grill for 15 minutes, turning every 3 to 4 minutes until the corn is tender. Remove them from the grill and let the ears cool to room temperature.
• Vinaigrette: While the corn is cooling, prepare the dressing. Puree all the ingredients, except the canola oil, in a blender or food processor. After the mixture is well incorporated, slowly drizzle in the canola oil while the processor is still running. Blend for 30 seconds, then transfer the dressing to a bowl.
• Assembly: Once the corn has cooled, cut the kernels off the cobs into a medium bowl and discard the cobs. Add the red onion and grape tomatoes and mix to combine. Drizzle in 1/2 cup of the Thai Basil Vinaigrette Dressing while lightly tossing the salad together. Reserve the remaining dressing. Gently stir in the basil leaves. Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, and add more dressing, if desired. Serve slightly chilled on serving plates, using a slotted spoon to keep excess liquids in the bowl.

CITRUS RICE SALAD WITH PARMESAN

Steps:

• Cook rice in abundant salted water, as you would pasta, until it's just done; white rice will take 10 to 15 minutes, brown 30 or a little longer. Drain, rinse in cold water, drain again, then put in a large bowl.
• Combine olive oil, citrus juice, zest, sugar or honey, salt and pepper in a blender and turn the machine on; a creamy emulsion will form within 30 seconds. Taste and add more citrus juice a teaspoon or two at a time until the balance tastes right to you.
• Drizzle vinaigrette over rice. Use 2 big forks to combine, fluffing rice and tossing gently to separate grains. Stir in citrus flesh, onion and mint; taste, and adjust the seasoning or moisten with a little more dressing. Serve, sprinkled with Parmesan and chopped nuts, at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to a day, bringing salad back to room temperature before serving.

BROWN RICE, TOMATO AND BASIL SALAD

Steps:

• Bring 2 1/4 cups water to boil in heavy medium saucepan. Mix in rice and salt. Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer until rice is tender and water is absorbed, about 40 minutes. Transfer rice to large bowl; fluff with fork and cool.
• Whisk vinegar and sugar in small bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. Pour over rice. Add tomatoes and basil and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 6 hours ahead. Cover; chill. Bring to room temperature before serving.)