Black Rice Salad with Ginger Lime Dressing
Nourishing, colorful, and easy to make—this black rice salad is packed with gut-friendly ingredients, fresh cilantro, and loads of flavor!
Note: I received a free copy of The 21-Day Tummy Cookbook to review and share with my readers and clients. I was not compensated to write this post. As always, my reviews and opinions are 100% my own. This post also contains affiliate links. I will get a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you purchase the cookbook. I appreciate your support!
Why you’ll love this Black Rice Salad:
Let’s talk about this yummy Black Rice Salad. Imagine this: chewy, nutty black rice tossed with sweet cherry tomatoes, crunchy bell peppers, fresh cilantro, and a zippy ginger lime vinaigrette. It’s one of those simple recipes that feels a little fancy, but not in a fussy way.
It’s low-key stunning on the plate, perfect for warm weather dinners, meal prep lunches, or your next picnic spread.
Also, it’s from the 21-Day Tummy Cookbook by Liz Vaccariello and Kate Scarlata, which means it’s low FODMAP-perfect for anyone managing IBS.
Black Rice Salad Ingredients
- Black rice (a.k.a. forbidden rice)
- Cherry tomatoes – See low FODMAP note below.
- Bell peppers – crunch, crunch!
- Fresh cilantro – pile it on!
- Lime Ginger Vinaigrette – bright, zesty, flavorful!
How to Make Black Rice Salad
- Cook the black rice. Note: Like brown rice, black rice takes longer to cook. About 35-45 minutes.
- Prep the veggies. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half. Chop the bell pepper and cilantro.
- Combine lime juice, lime zest, ginger juice, olive oil, and salt in a mason jar or bowl.
- Toss the ingredients together while the rice is still warm and serve. Or, store in a well-sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Dietitian Nutrition Notes: Black Rice Health Benefits
Black rice—also known as forbidden rice—gets its dramatic dark color from anthocyanins, the same antioxidants found in blueberries. It was once reserved for emperors in ancient China (hence the name forbidden), but lucky for us, it’s now easily accessible and so good for you!
Besides being high in antioxidants, black rice is naturally gluten-free and a good source of magnesium, a key mineral many of us don’t get enough of.
Black Rice Salad with Zesty Lime Ginger Dressing
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup black rice, aka Forbidden rice
- 5 cups water
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon grated lime zest
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons ginger juice *, see notes
- 4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 20 cherry tomatoes, or 28 for moderate FODMAP serve
- 1 yellow bell pepper, about 2 cups chopped
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Cook the rice: In a large saucepan, combine the rice, water, and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a high simmer, partially cover, and cook for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Drain well.
- Chop the vegetables: Cut cherry tomatoes in half, chop bell pepper into small, bite size pieces, loosely chop cilantro.
- Make the dressing: Whisk together the lime zest, lime juice, ginger juice, oil, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium to large serving bowl.
- Make the salad: Add the warm rice to the dressing in the bowl and toss to combine. Let the rice cool for about 10 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes, bell pepper, and cilantro to the rice. Toss again. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Notes
Ingredient Swaps
- Not a cilantro lover? Use any favorite fresh herbs in season.
- Swap the lime juice/zest with lemon juice/zest.
Nutrition
Easy. Affordable. Delicious.
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Did you make this recipe?
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I am such a fan of black rice-I really love the nutty texture. My family and I love this salad with LOTS of cilantro. Such a great recipe!
fruit salad
Mine are nuts such as pecans and fruits such as avocados and pomergrantes
I like fruit smoothies with protein powder and greek yogurt, I also add kale to a lot of meals I eat.
I start my day with a mix of GF oatmeal and quiona flakes to which I add a teaspoon of coconut flour, maple syrup, and Qia (which is a mix of hemp, chia, and buckwheat). I top it with walnuts and enjoy egg whites on the side. Keeps me going all morning. Love forbidden rice…will try this recipe soon! Hope to win the box….have never won anything in my life:-(
I plan on eating veggies and lean protein during the holiday stress. And your salad is beautiful!
I eat a tomato everyday with nice balsamic! It really refreshes me and makes my body feel happy:)
Actually I rely on protein shakes!
Kale smoothies keep me energized during the holidays. Yum!
I try to have health sweets around but sometimes I eat too many of them. 🙂 Ummm….not just sometimes.
I drink only water and add electrolyte powder to keep me hydrated and energized for my workouts. Thanks!
I eat a lot of living produce of fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains to keep me energized!
I love fruit and veggie platters
Love, LOVE the lime in the rice!!! I’ve had black rice once, and I didn’t read the directions and totally messed it up. I need to try again and this recipe is just the one. Yes, I may, perhaps, have been indulging just a bit much. Luckily the new gym in Carlsbad is open and I’ve been working to get there a few times a week.
The Balance Box looks fabulous too!! Throwing my name in the ring!! 🙂
The black rice is gorgeous and this sounds so fresh and delicious! Thank you!
Fruit, quinoa, lean meats, veggies! <3
I love how colorful that salad is! Definitely need to try making it!
That rice salad looks oh so delicious! Loving the idea of the Balanced Box. I have some digestive issues and there are some great natural products out there.
I make sure to drink tea and lots of whole foods like fruits veggies and lean proteins
i noticed too much coffee can overwhelm me, so i like to add in cacao into my morning smoothies for great energy!
That looks absolutely delicious and it’s so pretty! I love making fruit and veggie platters alot during the winter time. I love that its convenient it is also really healthy for me and my family. I also really love big salads!
love the colors and must use this rice again
I’ve never had forbidden rice but I will now! Thanks for the lovely recipe and giveaway!
I have never tried forbidden rice before and this looks like a great way to try it! Thanks!
I’m super into the monthly boxes right now- so fun and great way to try different products or foods!
I LOVE forbidden rice! It is such a beautiful grain to work with!
To stay energized I am always amping up my healthy fat intake! All the raw nuts, coconut, and avocados please!
Thanks so much for sharing my work, EA! The Balanced Box for a Digestive Peace of Mind has been so fun putting together–and has received fabulous reviews! I am so glad you featured a recipe from the soon to be released, 21 Day Tummy Cookbook too! All the recipes are low FODMAP and created with good health and a calm tummy in mind!
Happy Holidays to you and all of your followers!
I try to start the day with oatmeal/peanut butter combo to keep me on track – Love the idea of “ginger juice” for this salad 🙂
this looks delicious! I totally should be eating low FODMaps, but I usually don’t 🙁 I hope I win this box to make it easier!
I use my favorite Skoop protein powder to keep me energized during the weekend.
*during the holidays