Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup corn oil
  • 1/2 cup crumbled soft mild goat cheese (such as Montrachet)
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 4 1/2 cups water
  • 2 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 10-ounce package frozen corn, thawed, drained
  • 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
  • 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 1 cup chopped red onion
  • 6 green onions, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh chives or green onions

Method

  • For Dressing: Combine corn oil, goat cheese, vinegar, oregano, cumin and cloves in large bowl and whisk until well blended.
  • Set aside.
  • For Salad: Bring 4 1/2 cups water to simmer in heavy large saucepan.
  • Add rice and 1 teaspoon salt and stir to combine.
  • Reduce heat to low, cover and cook until rice is cooked through, about 20 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes.
  • Transfer rice to large bowl.
  • Fluff with fork.
  • Pour goat cheese dressing over hot rice and let cool, tossing occasionally.
  • Mix in corn, red and green bell peppers, red and green onions and chives.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • (Rice salad can be prepared 1 day ahead.
  • Cover and refrigerate.
  • Let stand 2 hours at room temperature before serving.)