1 (6 oz.) pkg. long grain and wild rice mix
1 1/2 c. chopped sweet red, yellow or green pepper
1/3 c. sliced green onion
1/4 c. bottled clear Italian salad dressing
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 (6 oz.) pkg. frozen pea pods

Prepare rice mix according to package directions, cooking about 20 minutes or until rice is tender. (Drain, if necessary.) Cool slightly.

Combine rice, peppers, onion, Italian dressing, lemon juice and pepper. Toss to coat. Cover. Refrigerate 2-24 hours.

Just before serving, place pea pods in colander. Rinse under warm water to thaw; drain. (Reserve a few pea pods for garnish if desired.) Add pea pods to rice mixture, toss. Cooked, chopped chicken can be added also.