Warm Brown Rice and Chickpea Salad with Cherries and Goat Cheese

Name: Warm Brown Rice and Chickpea Salad with Cherries and Goat Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 (8.8 oz.) pouch precooked brown rice; 1 (15 oz.) can unsalted chickpeas, rinsed and drained; 32 fresh cherries, pitted and quartered; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil; 2 oz. crumbled goat cheese; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Recipe GLPR1600026aa6aad4

Salad

45 min

395 cal

Servings: 4

Stovetop

SNAP eligible

A vibrant warm salad combining fluffy brown rice, creamy chickpeas, tart cherries, and tangy goat cheese, finished with fresh basil and green onions. Dressed in a simple white balsamic vinaigrette, this satisfying side dish balances earthiness with bright, fresh flavors.

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Ingredients

1 (8.8 oz.) pouch precooked brown rice

1 (15 oz.) can unsalted chickpeas, rinsed and drained

32 fresh cherries, pitted and quartered

1/4 cup chopped green onions

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

2 oz. crumbled goat cheese

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Heat the brown rice according to the package directions until warmed through. If using uncooked brown rice, cook according to package instructions until tender, about 30 minutes.
While the rice cooks, prepare the cherries by pitting and cutting each one into quarters. If using dried cherries instead, pour 2 tablespoons of boiling water over 1/4 cup unsweetened dried cherries, let them soften for 10 minutes, then drain and chop finely.
Rinse and drain the canned chickpeas thoroughly under cool running water.
Chop the green onions and fresh basil into small, even pieces.
In a small bowl, whisk together the white balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Transfer the warm rice to a medium serving bowl. Add the drained chickpeas, prepared cherries, chopped green onions, and chopped basil. Toss gently to combine.
Pour the vinaigrette over the rice mixture and stir until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Divide the salad among four serving bowls or plates. Top each portion evenly with the crumbled goat cheese and serve warm.

Comments

Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff4.5

Brown rice takes 45 minutes on its own, so the stated time ignores active prep work (chopping, dressing); budget an hour total. All ingredients are standard at Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Walmart, and ALDI—no special stops needed. At roughly $2–2.50 per serving, goat cheese and cherries drive the cost, but both are reliably stocked and the portions keep it reasonable for a weeknight main or substantial side. This keeps well cold, making it ideal for lunch the next day, though it's best served warm within an hour of assembly to avoid sogginess.