I love using Rice salads for bentos. I like that I can make one batch of of it and get a few days out of them. Here are some of my favorites: Wild Rice Salad with Apples and Walnuts 1 c wild rice 2 c water 1 tbsp vegetable oil 1/4 tsp salt 1 c coarsely chopped walnuts 1 celery rib 4 scallions, thinly sliced 1 c raisins 1 medium red apple (not Delicious), cored and diced grated rind of 1 lemon ------ 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (Sometimes I use the bottled juice if I have lemons, and leave out the zest) 2 garlic cloves, pressed 1/2 tsp salt freshly ground black pepper to taste 1/3 c olive oil 1. Put the wild rice in a strainer and rinse under cold water. Place it in a medium saucepan along with the water, oil and salt. Cover, bring to a boil, and reduce the heat to simmer. Cook 50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the water has been absorbed. (When wild rice is done, it has a tender yet nubby texture.) 2. Meanwhile, combine the walnuts, celery, scallions, raisins, apple and lemon rind in a large bowl. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil and shake vigorously. Pour half of this dressing on the apple mixture and toss well. 3. When the rice is done, let it cool until just warm. Combine with the fruit mixture and pour on the remaining dressing. Let sit at least 1 hour before serving at room temperature. Notes: I usually use 1/2 wild rice and 1/2 Brown rice. (you can use anything really) I also usually do this in the rice maker. When I do it in the rice maker I put the water (use and amount according to your rice maker!!) oil, rice and salt in the rice maker. I despise baby sitting rice on the stove and Love my rice maker deeply! I reccommend that you get/use one! I also vary this recipe according to what I have on hand (fruit, nuts and dried fruit wise) , really anything goes. I always make this salad in a double batch for parties and BBQ's and everyone loves it! Ill post more soon! Anyone else have any cool rice salad recipes?