Lately, I’ve been diving headfirst into what I like to call “enthusiastic living.” You know those moments when you’re fully embracing life—trying new things, saying yes to spontaneous outings, indulging in delicious meals, and just soaking in every experience? It’s exhilarating, but if you’re anything like me, it can sometimes leave you feeling a little out of balance.
Last weekend was one of those times. After a week filled with indulgent dinners, late-night snacks, and perhaps one too many glasses of wine, my body started sending me signals that it was time for a reset. You know that feeling when your energy feels sluggish, and your cravings start leaning toward fresh, wholesome foods? That was me. I wanted something nourishing yet vibrant—something that would make me feel good inside and out. And that’s when this Black Rice Salad with Black Beans and Almond Ginger Dressing came to life.
Why Black Rice?
Black rice has always intrigued me. Its nutty flavor and striking dark color make it stand out from other grains. But it’s not just about aesthetics—this rice is packed with nutrients. Did you know black rice is often referred to as “forbidden rice”? Legend has it that in ancient China, black rice was reserved exclusively for royalty because of its health benefits.
What makes black rice so special is its high antioxidant content—it contains anthocyanins, the same pigments found in blueberries and purple cabbage. These antioxidants help fight inflammation and support overall health. Plus, black rice is a great source of fiber and iron, making it a fantastic base for a hearty salad.
Adding Protein with Black Beans
To make this salad more filling and balanced, I added black beans. Not only do they complement the nutty flavor of black rice beautifully, but they also bring heartiness and texture to the dish. Black beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber—perfect for keeping you satisfied without weighing you down.
The Dressing Is Key
Let’s talk about the dressing because honestly, it’s the star of this recipe. A creamy almond butter concoction with a hint of ginger—it ties all the flavors together perfectly. As I whisked together almond butter, rice vinegar, fresh ginger, tamari (or soy sauce), maple syrup, lemon juice, and warm water, the aroma filled my kitchen. It was earthy yet zesty with just a touch of sweetness from the maple syrup.
This dressing is so versatile that I’ve started using it on other dishes too—think roasted veggies or even as a dip for spring rolls. Trust me: once you try it, you’ll want to drizzle it on everything!
The Vibrancy of Vegetables
One thing I love about this salad is how colorful it is—it’s like eating a rainbow in a bowl! The combination of carrot ribbons, radishes, purple cabbage, avocado (if you’re feeling fancy), and pumpkin seeds creates such a beautiful medley of textures and flavors.
Carrots: Their natural sweetness balances the earthiness of black rice.
Radishes: Crisp and peppery—they add a refreshing bite.
Purple Cabbage: Packed with antioxidants and crunch.
Pumpkin Seeds: Toasted pepitas bring nuttiness and healthy fats.
Avocado: Optional but highly recommended—it adds creaminess that complements the dressing beautifully.
Black Rice Salad with Purple Cabbage
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup black rice uncooked
- 1/4 cup black beans cooked and drained
- 2 medium carrots peeled into ribbons
- 4 radishes thinly sliced
- 1 cup purple cabbage thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds toasted
- 1 avocado sliced; optional
Instructions
- Cook the black rice according to package instructions. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the rest of your ingredients.
- While the rice is cooking, peel your carrots into ribbons using a vegetable peeler. Thinly slice your radishes and purple cabbage. Set all your vegetables aside.
- For the dressing, combine almond butter, grated ginger, rice vinegar, tamari or soy sauce, maple syrup, lemon juice, warm water, sea salt, and red pepper flakes in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the dressing feels too thick, add more warm water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Divide the cooked black rice between two bowls as your base.
- Arrange black beans on top of the rice along with carrot ribbons, sliced radishes, purple cabbage, toasted pumpkin seeds, and avocado slices if using.
- Drizzle generously with almond ginger dressing over each bowl. Toss gently before eating to combine all the flavors together.
Nutrition
Why This Salad Is Perfect for a Reset
This salad isn’t just delicious—it’s incredibly nourishing too! Here’s why:
High Antioxidants: Both black rice and purple cabbage are loaded with antioxidants that help fight free radicals in your body.
Plant-Based Protein: Black beans provide protein without any heaviness.
Healthy Fats: Almond butter and pumpkin seeds offer heart-healthy fats that keep you satisfied.
Fiber-Rich Ingredients: From black rice to veggies to beans—this salad supports digestion beautifully.
It’s light yet filling—a perfect way to reset after indulgent days while still enjoying something flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
While this salad makes an excellent standalone meal for lunch or dinner, here are some ideas to elevate it further:
Serve alongside grilled tofu or tempeh for extra protein.
Pair with a simple soup like miso or vegetable broth for a cozy meal.
Add roasted sweet potatoes or squash for extra sweetness.
Make it part of a larger spread at gatherings—it looks stunning on any table!
A Celebration of Balance
For me, this salad isn’t just about food—it’s about celebrating balance in life. It’s about enjoying those indulgent moments without guilt but also knowing when to nourish yourself with wholesome meals like this one.
Every time I make this dish—and trust me when I say I’ve made it many times—I feel like I’m giving my body exactly what it needs: vibrant colors on my plate paired with flavors that make me excited to eat well.
So whether you’re looking for a reset meal after “enthusiastic living” or simply craving something fresh and hearty—this Black Rice Salad is here to bring balance back into your day.
Your Turn: How Do You Reset?
I’d love to hear how you embrace balance in your life! Do you have any go-to recipes for resetting after indulgent days? Or maybe you’ve tried adding your own twist to this salad? Let me know in the comments below—I’m always inspired by your ideas!
Until next time—happy cooking! 🥗✨
