Olive Adzuki Bean Brown Rice Salad with Kefir Herb Dressing

A colorful, fiber-rich bowl combining plant diversity with tangy fermented kefir.

High Fiber Fermented Foods Meal Prep Friendly
88%

General Gut Health Match

This score is based on all ingredients included in the food recipe and provides a match score for the general population which is not personalized to your personal profile or gut microbiome test.

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Recipe description

This vibrant salad brings together adzuki beans and brown rice for a satisfying combination of plant-based fiber and nourishing carbohydrates. Olives add savory depth and polyphenol-rich variety, while a creamy kefir herb dressing introduces a fermented element and refreshing flavor. With legumes, whole grains, herbs, and olives in one bowl, it offers welcome ingredient diversity for everyday meals and a practical way to support digestion and nourish beneficial gut bacteria. Enjoy it as a balanced lunch, side dish, or make-ahead meal.

October 1, 2026
Olive Adzuki Bean Brown Rice Salad with Kefir Herb Dressing
Prep 20 min Cook 45 min Medium

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Why this recipe fits you

  • Rich in fiber from adzuki beans, brown rice, cucumber, and fresh herbs.
  • Combines legumes, whole grains, herbs, olives, and vegetables for strong plant diversity.
  • Includes kefir, olive oil, and fiber-rich carbohydrates for a balanced, satisfying meal.

Gut Health Score

🌿 Fiber diversity
90
🍇 Polyphenol density
82
🧬 Diversity support
88
🛡️ Inflammation support
86
🫧 Fermentation support
55
⚖️ Blood sugar stability
84

Ingredients

Bean, red
0.75 cup
Bean, red
Rice, brown
1 cup
Rice, brown
Olive
0.5 cup
Olive
Kefir
4 tablespoon
Kefir
Fresh herbs
3 tablespoons
Fresh herbs
Lemon juice
2 teaspoon
Lemon juice
Oil, olive
1 tablespoon
Oil, olive
Garlic
1 clove
Garlic
Cucumber
0.5 piece
Cucumber
Salt
0.5 teaspoon
Salt
Black pepper
0.25 teaspoon
Black pepper

Instructions

1

Rinse the adzuki beans and cook them in boiling water until tender, about 40–45 minutes, then drain and let cool.

2

Rinse the brown rice and cook according to package directions until tender, then drain, fluff with a fork, and allow to cool.

3

Halve the olives and dice the cucumber, then set aside.

4

Make the dressing: whisk the kefir with lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth.

5

Chop the fresh herbs and stir most of them into the dressing.

6

In a large bowl, combine the cooled adzuki beans, brown rice, olives, and cucumber.

7

Pour the kefir herb dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.

8

Adjust seasoning to taste, sprinkle with the remaining fresh herbs, and serve immediately or chill for a make-ahead meal.

Nutrition

520 kcal Calories
18 g Protein
75 g Carbohydrates
14 g Fiber
4 g Sugar
18 g Fat
3 g Saturated fat
2.1 g Salt

FAQ

Is this salad vegetarian?
Yes, it is vegetarian. To make it vegan, replace the kefir with an unsweetened plant-based alternative.
Is this salad gluten-free?
The listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check product labels for possible cross-contamination, especially for kefir, olives, and packaged ingredients.
Can I use canned adzuki beans?
Yes. Drain and rinse about 1½ cups of canned adzuki beans, then add them directly to the salad.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes. Refrigerate it in an airtight container and serve chilled or at room temperature. Add a little fresh herbs before serving if desired.
How long does the salad keep?
Keep it refrigerated and use it within 1–2 days. Refrigerate it promptly, especially because it contains cooked rice and kefir.
Can I use another type of rice?
Yes. White rice, wild rice, or a whole-grain rice blend can be used, although the texture and cooking time may differ.
What can I use instead of kefir?
Plain yogurt thinned with a little water or an unsweetened plant-based yogurt can replace kefir.
How can I adjust the dressing?
Add more lemon juice for acidity, olive oil for richness, or a little water to make the dressing thinner. Adjust salt carefully because olives are already salty.

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