Brown rice salads can be kid pleasers, too

My little guy loves brown rice salads. He cannot wait to see what "chunks" I have included in my latest recipe. If your kids (or significant others!) are plain rice eaters, why not help them branch out a bit by adding some nutritious "chunks" to their rice.

You may be dealing with picky eaters, so start slowly, adding things you know they'll love. Some pretty safe bets:

• corn kernels
• sweet peas
• steamed carrots
• raisins
• slivered almonds

Now you've been successful, so push the envelope a bit and try:

• chick peas
• chopped spinach
• zucchini
• broccoli
• butternut squash

Are you ready to try adding dressings? These are the favorites at my house:

• tamari, olive oil and honey
• lemon juice, olive oil and seasoning blend (I use Trader Joe's 21 Seasoning Salute)
• olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh basil and garlic
• orange juice, tamari, olive oil, rice vinegar and a titch of sesame oil

Finally, you are ready for some recipes, ones that will please your new brown rice salad lovers:

• Brown rice salad with spinach, dried cranberries, radishes and red pepper is a nice mix, and easy: just shake on some bottled balsamic vinaigrette for your dressing.
• Asian rice salad with veggies is another easy, nutritious one; you can't miss with snow peas and red pepper. I'd use cilantro instead of the parsley, though.
• Make this Thai coconut rice salad with brown rice; the fresh veggies and coconut milk dressing and you've got a taste and nutrient winner.

What's going into your brown rice tonight?