Brazilian "Lovers' Salad" (Valentine's Day Suggestion)

This is a suggestion for the coming Valentine's Day. Personally, I don't particularly like Valentine's...However, it's always nice to have a lovely dinner. For those of you who are doing the same thing, why not try this number from Brazil. It is incredibly simple, so good ingredients play a big role. It is one of the best and most refreshing salads I've ever tried. It's freshness is best appreciated when accompanied by spicy Caribbean jerked chicken or ribs and a bottle of nice zesty Riesling or light beer. Here goes...

Brazilian "Lovers' Salad".
(two portions)

• Yellow pepper (cut into thin strips) - 1
• Fresh vine tomatoes (peeled and finely chopped) - 2
• Mixed Basmati and wild rice (cooked and chilled) - 150gr
• Shallots (finely chopped and kept in ice) - 3
• Garlic (finely chopped) - 1
• Romaine lettuce - 6 leaves
• Olive oil - 2tbs
• Fresh lime juice - 2tbs
• Balsamic vinegar - 2tbs
• Salt
• Pepper (freshly ground)
• Basil (dry)

Dressing:

1. Beat the oil with the lime juice, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper and a little dried basil.
2. If you have time, leave to marinate for a couple of hours.

Salad:

1. Mix the cold rice with peppers, tomatoes and shallots in a bowl.
2. Arrange the Romaine lettuce leaves (3 per portion) into a boat. Put the rice inside and pour the dressing over.
3. Enjoy your romantic dinner! (hopefully not on Valentine's Day only)