Green on Me: Make Refreshingly Exotic Mango, Wild Rice, and Arugula Salad

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I have ventured into the world of wild rice, and don't think I'll be turning back anytime soon. I was at a fancy organic market the other day and looking through the already made deli section and came across a wild rice salad. I pulled my number and waited my turn to order my obnoxiously expensive small container of salad. As I dug my fork in I realized the salad was bit on the bland side and needed some pizzazz, but I did like the slight bite the wild rice gave the salad. I thought, "I'll never buy this salad again, I'll just go home and make something extraordinary that my family will love." My mom was over that day, so I add mangos and arugula to please her palate. It was a win-win and gone in minutes!

Related: The 25 healthiest foods for under $1

Ingredients for Wild Rice Mango Arugula Salad:
1 - cup black wild rice
2 1/3 - cups chicken broth
1 - cup cucumber (chopped into cubes)
1 - cup panela cheese (chopped into cubes)
6 - basil leaves (chopped into strips)
20 - cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
1/4 - cup pine nuts
1/2 - cup dried cranberries
1/2 - cup diced pear
1 - cup arugula
1 - large avocado (diced)
1/2 - cup red onion (chopped)
1 - cup mango (diced)

For the dressing:
1/2 - cup fresh lime juice (about 4 limes)
1/4 - cup olive oil (I use Roland Foods)
1 - teaspoon salt
pepper to taste

Directions:
1. In a pot over a medium high flame add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
2. Add in rice and return to a boil. Once boiling place a lid on the pot and lower flame to simmer. Simmer for 45 minutes.
3. Remove pot from heat and let rice rest in pot for 10 minutes.
4. Place rice in a strainer and rinse under cold water. Let drain completely.
5. In a large bowl add cucumber, panela cheese, basil, cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, dried cranberries, pear, arugula, avocado, and red onion. Mix well to combine.
6. Pour drained black rice into veggies. Mix well.
7. Then add in the mango and give it another mix.
8. In a small bowl or cup mix all ingredients for dressing and pour over the salad.
9. Enjoy!

- By Nicole Presley

For 20 delicious salads hearty enough for dinner, visit Babble!

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