This salad has texture, flavor, and is visually stunning. A favorite salad any time of year!
Preheat oven to 375 degrees and place oven rack in center position
Place all ingredients together in a bowl, toss and then spread on a cookie sheet. Bake, shaking pan once or twice, until lightly browned, 6-8 minutes
Remove from oven and turn heat up to 400 degrees and move oven rack to the upper third position. Set pumpkin seeds aside to cool
Start cooking rice to package instructions
After slicing carrots, place on a parchment covered cookie sheet, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and pepper, toss
Place carrots in oven and roast until carrots are soft and edges are browned. (usually between 30-40 minutes. While carrots and rice cook, make salad dressing.
Whisk all ingredients together and set aside
When rice and carrots are cooked allow a little time for them to cool. They can be warm, but not hot.
Place greens on platter, drizzle with desired amount of salad dressing and toss. Top with rice, carrots and pepitas, toss again. Sprinkle with additional sea salt and pepper if desired. Garnish with chives (if using) Serve
Save extra pepitas in a sealed container and use as desired