Spinach, Brown Rice, and Seed Salad

Fresh spinach and tender brown rice are tossed with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, lemon, and olive oil.

By Moow Editorial ·

Whole-grain salad with leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, boiled eggs, and cherry tomatoes in a black bowl
Photo: Shuvalova Natalia · Pexels License via Pexels · cropped by Moow
  • Add cherry tomatoes and about 50 g (1.8 oz) goat cheese or lor, a mild Turkish whey cheese, if desired.

At a glance

Read through the method once, then prep the ingredients in the order listed.

  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Cook time: 35 minutes
For the most consistent result, use the listed weights when available; household measures are rounded.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Serving basis: One serving from the final reviewed yield of 4 servings.

  • Calories: 190 kcal
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
Estimated from the listed ingredients and serving yield using USDA FoodData Central. Actual values vary with brands, substitutions, cooking losses, oil absorption, and portion size.

Salad

Have these measured and ready before you begin.

  • 5 ounces (140 g) baby spinach
  • 1 tablespoon shelled pumpkin seeds
  • 1 tablespoon shelled sunflower seeds
  • 100 g (3.5 oz; about 1/2 U.S. cup) brown rice
  • 1/2 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt and ground black pepper mixture

Directions

1. Wash the spinach thoroughly and drain it well.

2. Combine the brown rice and water, bring to a boil, cover, and simmer over low heat for 30–35 minutes, until tender. Rest 10 minutes, then cool.

3. Cut the spinach into bite-size pieces and combine it with the cooled rice, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds.

4. Whisk the juice from the lemon half with the olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

5. Pour the dressing over the salad, toss well, and serve.

Sources

  1. USDA FoodData Central — April 2026 data release

Seeds may be an allergen; optional cheese contains milk. Wash spinach under running water and cool cooked rice promptly; refrigerate within 1 hour and use within 24 hours.

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