Autumn Rice Salad

Tired of salads? Need a change from your regular bowl of leaves? Try this hearty and healthy warm rice salad. 

Ingredients:
1 cup brown rice
3 cups water
1 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp garlic powder
fresh ground pepper to taste
1/4 tsp savory
1/4 tsp orange zest
3 small cooked beets, sliced
1 cup cubed cooked pumpkin
1 small avocado, diced
some fresh thyme

Dressing:
1/2 tsp lemon juice
2 tbsps light olive oil
1/2 tsp dried basil
sea salt to taste

Mix the water, turmeric, garlic powder, black pepper, savory and orange zest together. Stir in the brown rice and let soak on the counter for about 4 hours or until rice becomes tender and liquid is absorbed. Drain off any excess. This method works like magic! Or just cook the rice if you haven't got 4 hours to wait.

Add the beets, pumpkin, avocado and thyme.

Mix the dressing ingredients together and toss with the salad. I just love the colour as the beets turn the rice from yellow (due to the turmeric) to a vibrant pink.

Serve at room temperature or warm in the microwave.