1 (6 oz.) pkg. long grain & wild rice mix
1 1/2 c. chopped sweet red, yellow or green pepper
1/3 c. sliced green onion
1/4 c. bottled Italian salad dressing
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1 (6 oz.) pkg. frozen pea pods
1/3 c. slivered almonds, toasted
Lemon peel, optional

Prepare rice mix according to package directions. Drain, if necessary. Cool slightly.

In large bowl combine rice mixture, chopped sweet pepper, onion, Italian salad dressing, lemon juice and lemon pepper. Toss to coat. Refrigerate for 2-24 hours.

Before serving, place pea pods in colander and rinse under warm water to thaw; drain. Add pea pods and almonds to rice mixture; toss. If desired, garnish with a long thin strip of lemon peel, a few red pepper strips and reserved pea pods. Serves 6-8.