To make a hoppin john salad vegan and rice recipe, you'll need: 1 pound romaine lettuce 1 cup chopped scallions 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1 teaspoon kosher salt 2 teaspoons thyme 2 tbsp. lemon juice Instructions: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Toss the lettuce with the remaining ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spread the pomegranate seeds evenly over the top of the salad. Drizzle the vinaigrette on top. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.