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Chickpea, Goji & Wild Rice Salad

Chickpea, Goji & Wild Rice Salad

I haven’t used goji berries much before, mainly because I didn’t think I particularly liked them, but it turns out I wasn’t eating them right. While I’m still not in love with them on their own, they’re proving a great addition to recipes.

You’ve likely seen them listed as a “superfood” before and they have long been valued in Chinese medicine for improving kidney and liver function, building energy and strengthening vision and as a rich source of antioxidants to help protect against cancer and other diseases. 

Whatever you think of their “superfood” status, they’re a pretty, tasty ingredient and at least as healthy as other berries. 

nu3 Goji Berries

nu3 is a leading supplier of nutrients and supplements to the European market with a huge range of health foods, cosmetics, vitamins and more. To celebrate their launch in the UK, they’re challenging bloggers to come up with a recipe using their best seller: the natural nu3 Goji berries.

Since I’ve already shared a sweet recipe using gojis- my Chocolate-Orange Goji Cookies, I thought I’d try something savoury this time. 

Chickpea, Goji & Wild Rice Salad

This Chickpea, Goji & Wild Rice Salad has got everything you could want- full of nutrition , texture and flavour.

The gojis provide little bursts of sweetness  and are a lovely textural contrast to the grains and beans. I added lots of herbs and a light dressing to keep it fresh-tasting.

Chickpea, Goji & Wild Rice Salad

Just look at how plump and juicy those gojis are! A short soak in warm water works wonders for them.  

Chickpea, Goji & Wild Rice Salad
2014-02-26 13:48:55
Serves 3
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Ingredients
  1. 3/4 C Wild rice
  2. 1/2 C Goji berries
  3. 1 C Cooked chickpeas
  4. 2 Green onions, thinly sliced
  5. 1/4 C Chopped mint
  6. 2T Chopped basil
  7. 1-1/2 T Olive oil
  8. 1-1/2 T Apple cider vinegar
  9. Zest of 1/2 a lemon
  10. Salt and pepper, to taste
  11. 1/4C Almonds, lightly toasted and chopped
Instructions
  1. Cook wild rice according to package instructions. Set aside to cool.
  2. Place the goji berries in a bowl and cover with hot water while you prepare the other ingredients. Drain.
  3. In a large bowl, stir together the cooled rice, chickpeas, goji berries, green onions, herbs, oil, vinegar and lemon zest. Check for seasoning.
  4. Serve, topped with the almonds.
Coconut and Berries http://www.coconutandberries.com/
I’m sharing this recipe at the weekly link-up, Wellness Weekends. 

Chickpea, Goji & Wild Rice Salad

 

 What do you think of goji berries?

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February 26, 2014 —

← Spiced Caramel Pears Squash, Rosemary & Cashew Cheese Pancakes →

Comments

  1. Jennifer James says

    February 26, 2014 at 9:06 pm

    I was eagerly waiting for this to pop up on your blog. Can’t wait to try it. A fun combo! I’m actually allergic to chickpeas, but I know I can find a replacement that will be tasty.

    • Coconut and Berries says

      February 26, 2014 at 9:37 pm

      Allergic to chickpeas?! Poor you! They’re one of my most used ingredients. You’re so creative I’m sure you can come up with an alternative.

      • Jennifer James says

        February 26, 2014 at 9:51 pm

        It’s actually a sulfur allergy, so it’s “no” to a lot of wonderful foods! Chickpeas, kale, onion, garlic… A tough one, for sure. But, a fun challenge!

        • Coconut and Berries says

          February 26, 2014 at 9:58 pm

          Good attitude to have! I bet it just makes you come up with even more exciting ideas!

    • Beth says

      December 23, 2014 at 11:39 pm

      I’m allergic to chickpeas too.. and I sub in navy beans for whatever recipes call for them with great success.

  2. Eve L. says

    February 26, 2014 at 9:10 pm

    That is a gorgeous salad! I’ll print it out as soon as my new printer arrives. I love all the ingredients! One more thing I like to use gojis for: place a handful in a mug of boiling water and drink it as an infusion, with the added fun of eating the plumped up berries at the end!

  3. Misty says

    February 26, 2014 at 10:02 pm

    Serves 3 as app, main, side? Def makin next week

    • Coconut and Berries says

      February 26, 2014 at 10:05 pm

      Sorry for the lack of detail! The print recipe file doesn’t allow me to put in more than a number. I’d say 3 lunch-size portions, maybe 2 for a dinner main course.

  4. Nicola says

    February 26, 2014 at 10:05 pm

    I bought some goji berries a while back now (November!) and the unopened packet is still sitting in my food box. I don’t know why but I have kind of been scared to use them in case I don’t like them as I have they are an acquired taste. Never thought to use them for a savoury dish though…

    • Coconut and Berries says

      February 27, 2014 at 11:51 am

      Maybe I can inspire you to give them a try! They’re not scary I promise! I much prefer them soaked. They’re a little hard and dry straight from the packet.

      • Nicola says

        March 18, 2014 at 4:03 pm

        You certainly did inspire me to give them a try! I had just the right amount of chickpeas and most of the rest of the ingredients on hand (I made a few changes) and it was a really lovely mixture of sweet and savoury flavours. I can imagine this being a nice summer salad too :)

        • Coconut and Berries says

          March 18, 2014 at 10:33 pm

          Great! So happy you enjoyed it. Did you try the gojis on their own? What do you think of them?

          • Nicola says

            March 19, 2014 at 10:29 am

            I tried one out of the packet to see what I thought and they were hard and had a strange flavour! I thought they were hard because they have been sitting in my food box since November but they worked out great after a little soak!

          • Coconut and Berries says

            March 20, 2014 at 6:16 pm

            Yes, soaking sorts them out!

  5. Anna says

    February 27, 2014 at 1:00 am

    This looks absolutely delicious! I have only used goji berries in baked goods, in smoothies and on my salads before. I love that you added them to wild rice, so creative!

    • Coconut and Berries says

      February 27, 2014 at 11:53 am

      Now I really want them in a smoothie! I think I remember there being a recipe in Dreena’s “Let Them Eat Vegan”….

      • anna says

        March 3, 2014 at 8:24 pm

        YES! That is the smoothie recipe I made, from LTEV. Do it!!

        • Coconut and Berries says

          March 4, 2014 at 8:42 pm

          I picked up organic strawberries on sale today so it will be happening soon!

  6. Caitlin says

    February 27, 2014 at 4:01 am

    i didn’t think i liked gojis either, but now i should definitely give the soaking method a try! this salad looks gorgeous and has two of my favorite things. wild rice is nostalgic to me since my mom used to make some sort of wild rice pilaf when i was younger (it was baked in the oven with chicken, though!) and chickpeas, well, you know 😉

    • Coconut and Berries says

      February 27, 2014 at 11:55 am

      Do try the soaking thing. So much better that way.
      I love it when foods have nice memories attached to them and although wild rice didn’t play a part in my childhood, I love it now- when I remember to use it!

  7. Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes says

    February 27, 2014 at 7:47 am

    I love the colours in this salad - it looks so pretty and wholesome. Adore the new look blog too. :-)

    • Coconut and Berries says

      February 27, 2014 at 11:59 am

      Thank you Jemma- both on the recipe and blog-design fronts :)

  8. Kari @ bite-sized thoughts says

    February 27, 2014 at 10:12 am

    I love goji berries in things, and as a result of using them that way for a few years, have come to quite like them plain too. However, I still think they are much better as components of a recipe than a stand alone snack! This wild rice salad looks really beautiful and sounds like just the sort of thing I love.

    • Coconut and Berries says

      February 27, 2014 at 12:02 pm

      I think I’m warming to them on their own as well, especially when they’re soaked. I think often with new foods you have to try them a few times to like them.

  9. Joanne says

    February 27, 2014 at 12:28 pm

    Goji is so fun! I love how you mixed it into this big salad so you get a little bit in every bite!

    • Coconut and Berries says

      February 27, 2014 at 10:09 pm

      Yep. Those little pops of sweet, tangy juiciness were very welcome.

  10. Heather @Gluten-Free Cat says

    February 27, 2014 at 12:42 pm

    I love how colorful and flavorful your recipes are. And what a great idea to add gojis to a salad!

    • Coconut and Berries says

      February 27, 2014 at 10:10 pm

      You’re so sweet Heather, thank you :)

  11. Johanna GGG says

    February 27, 2014 at 1:12 pm

    that is one beautiful salad - I had a moment of goji love which just passed and since then I haven’t been so keen on them - not sure why but perhaps it is because I have other dried fruit loves - I would definitely love them in this salad though

    • Coconut and Berries says

      February 27, 2014 at 10:11 pm

      I’m still going easy on the sugar and fruit so while most dried fruit is out of the picture, low GI goji berries are serving me well!

  12. Erin says

    February 27, 2014 at 4:26 pm

    I love gogi berries! This recipe sounds so fresh and flavourful. I have all the ingredients at home so I’m going to make it for dinner tonight :) Thanks for another great recipe!

    • Coconut and Berries says

      February 27, 2014 at 10:12 pm

      Super to hear Erin! Hope you enjoy it.

  13. Hannah says

    February 27, 2014 at 7:58 pm

    I had the exact same initial impression of goji berries, so I’m glad I’m not alone! Even though I’ve come to really enjoy them in sweet recipes, I don’t think I’ve had them in anything savory. Sounds like a dinner experiment waiting to happen, especially since I still have a big bag of them at home, waiting for a delicious purpose.

    • Coconut and Berries says

      February 27, 2014 at 10:14 pm

      Very happy I could provide you with some inspiration Hannah. I’m a fan of fruit in salads anyway but the gojis which are not too sweet and slightly sour work really well.

  14. Annie says

    February 27, 2014 at 8:00 pm

    Great flavors in here, Emma! I’ve never tried goji berries because I assume for some reason I won’t like them (how’s that for irrational?) - but I’ll bet in this salad they go beautifully with the earthy rice and nutty chickpeas.

    • Coconut and Berries says

      February 27, 2014 at 10:15 pm

      Thank Annie! That’s crazy. Get yourself a packet now! They’re quite unique in flavour and I didn’t like them at first but that’s the same with so many of the foods I now love.

  15. Sarah says

    February 27, 2014 at 10:40 pm

    YUMMO!!!!

    • Coconut and Berries says

      February 28, 2014 at 10:11 am

      haha, thanks for your enthusiasm!

  16. Gabby @ the veggie nook says

    February 28, 2014 at 12:51 am

    Ya I’m not a huge goji berry person either on their own, but in things, even if it’s a trail mix- YUM! Love this salad, especially the wild rice :)

    • Coconut and Berries says

      February 28, 2014 at 10:12 am

      A trail mix sounds like a great idea and so simple I don’t know why I haven’t put them in one before!

  17. Lauren (@PoweredbyPB) says

    February 28, 2014 at 10:58 pm

    This sounds lovely, I like a hint of dried fruit in salads like this. I like gojis, I don’t have them very often though to be honest. It’s hard to find a good brand too, as a lot of the mainstream ones have sulphites added to them.

    • Coconut and Berries says

      February 28, 2014 at 11:31 pm

      So annoying about the sulites in almost all mainstream brands of dried fruit. I think all the gojis I’ve had have been free from them thankfully though! Along with these nu3 ones, the raw chocolate company and Creative nature both do them.

  18. BlessedMama says

    March 1, 2014 at 1:04 am

    What a great idea for a salad! I’m sure the mint is a nice addition.

    • Coconut and Berries says

      March 1, 2014 at 11:55 am

      Thank you! I love loading my salads with fresh herbs and mint is one I don’t use enough.

  19. Suzanne @ hello, veggy! says

    March 2, 2014 at 11:41 pm

    Gogi berries have rubbed me the wrong way in the past as well; this looks like a great way to revisit those little guys!

    • Coconut and Berries says

      March 3, 2014 at 6:37 pm

      It sounds like a lot of people haven’t had a great experience of gojis. I always think it’s worth trying things a few times before making a judgment though.
      Hope you give the salad a go :)

  20. jacqueline says

    May 2, 2014 at 8:44 pm

    I absolutely love this salad!! It’s fun to make, healthy and delicious, and gorgeous on top of that! I love mint so I added even more to mine. I also made this for dinner for my relatives on Easter and they were so excited, not a drop of it was leftover! I really appreciate that so many of your recipes are gluten free as well. I recently found out that I have a wheat allergy and can’t say enough - thank you so much for sharing your incredible recipes - because of you, there are plenty of incredible things for me to eat now, and I feel better than I ever have!!!!!

    Cheers!
    Jacqueline

    PS, I reference your website almost every day now and have gotten so much better at cooking in just a couple of months! My family can hardly believe it! (*^_^)

    • Coconut and Berries says

      May 2, 2014 at 8:56 pm

      Your kind comments have really made my day! I’m thrilled you’re enjoying the recipes and that your family are too. I haven’t been posting so much this past month as I’ve been out of the country but I’m home tomorrow and will be back to my regular blogging schedule :)
      Thanks so much for your support.

      • jacqueline says

        June 25, 2014 at 8:35 am

        Still making this salad, Emma! By the way, it’s really fun to mix and match the ingredients between this salad, and your mango quinoa salad. Lately I’ve been combining quinoa, goji berries, mint, black beans, green onion, and lime zest with the curried lemon pepper dressing (from mango salad recipe, but using lime) and topping with chopped coarsely chopped hazelnuts 😀 (By the way, I never really hear anyone talk of the health benefits of hazelnuts, now that I think about it? Have you heard/read anything?) Thanks again for sharing your magical recipes - welcome back, and have a wonderful day!

        • Coconut and Berries says

          June 25, 2014 at 2:02 pm

          Great to hear that Jacqueline! Your combination sounds fantastic. I should give that one a go myself.
          You’re so right on the hazelnuts. I don’t know why it’s always almonds and walnuts everyone raves about though hazelnuts do still have good quantities of protein, calcium, vitamin E and other vits and minerals.

Trackbacks

  1. Weekend Healthy Recipes Roundup March 15th says:
    March 15, 2015 at 6:05 pm

    […] Chickpea, Goji and Wild Rice Salad from Coconut and Berries - I’m not sure where I’d find goji berries. I’ve tried to find them locally, without luck. I wonder if dried cranberries would suffice? […]

  2. Decoding Berries | The Relevance Report says:
    April 12, 2015 at 11:44 pm

    […] them: as a smoothie/oatmeal topper, in a trail mix, atop a vegan salad, or soak them in water to enjoy them in their natural state (then drink the […]

  3. Superfood Staple: Goji Berries - The Path Magazine says:
    July 28, 2016 at 5:32 pm

    […] Get the full recipe at Coconut and Berries. […]

I’m Emma, a passionate vegan foodie sharing my kitchen adventures and healthy plant-based creations. Hope you stick around!

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