Yummy Savory Lemon Rice Salad #Recipe!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

Today I'm going to share a recipe for a savory lemon rice salad, and next week I'll share the sweet version with you. Enjoy! ;-)

Ingredients:
2 cups rice (your favorite variety)
4 cups water or vegetable stock (adjust amount according to directions for variety of rice)
1 cup cooked orzo pasta (optional)
4 lemons zested and juiced
2 cups milk
1 tbsp sriracha
1 bell pepper seeded and chopped
1 zucchini or yellow summer squash diced
1 cup carrot shreds
1 cup fresh basil leaves chopped or torn
1/2 cup fresh parsley chopped
2 tbsps cornstarch
Salt and pepper to taste

Add the lemon zest to the water or stock and prepare your favorite variety of rice according to the directions for that type of rice. Cool completely, preferably overnight. Mix the rice with the pasta (optional) and vegetables and herbs until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Pour the milk into a separate, microwave-safe bowl and heat in the microwave on high for 30 seconds. Remove from microwave and add the sriracha, salt and pepper, and cornstarch and whisk together. Allow mixture to cool and add the lemon juice, whisking to combine. Pour over the rice and vegetables and stir to evenly distribute. Serve chilled.

This is a nice, refreshing salad that is delicious on a hot summer evening. Obviously, you can replace any of the vegetables with others that you prefer. Also, adding some chopped, toasted pine nuts or pecans gives the salad a nice crunch.

Bon Appetit! :-)