Rashmi Sharma Mediterranean Basmati Salad is a vibrant and refreshing salad that combines the aromatic goodness of basmati rice with Mediterranean flavors like olives, feta, cucumber, tomatoes, and herbs. It’s a perfect dish for a light lunch, a side for grilled meats, or even a potluck. The lemony, herby dressing ties everything together beautifully.
Here’s a simple recipe for Mediterranean Basmati Salad:
Mediterranean Basmati Salad Recipe | What Is The Recipe Of Mediterranean Basmati Salad
Ingredients
- 2 sun-dried tomatoes packed without oil
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1 1/4 cups uncooked basmati rice
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup 2.5 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons dried currants
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts toasted
Instructions
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Combine tomatoes and water in a small bowl; let stand 10 minutes. Drain and chop; set aside.
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Place rice in a large bowl; cover with water to 2 inches above rice. Soak 30 minutes; stirring occasionally. Drain and rinse.
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Combine rice and 2 cups water in a small saucepan; stir in salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Boil 5 minutes or until water level falls just below rice. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook 10 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand, covered, 10 minutes.
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Spoon rice into a bowl; cool completely and fluff with a fork. Stir in tomatoes, feta, and next 4 ingredients (through pepper); toss well to combine.
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Sprinkle with pine nuts. Ready to serve.
Tips:
- Make It Vegan: To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan feta or tofu for a creamy texture.
- Protein Addition: To make the salad a complete meal, you can add some grilled chicken, chickpeas, or grilled shrimp on top.
- Rice Variations: While basmati rice is traditional, you can also use quinoa or farro for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or artichoke hearts for more flavor and color.
- Lemon Zest: For an extra burst of citrus, you can add some lemon zest to the dressing.
This Mediterranean Basmati Salad is full of fresh, vibrant ingredients and bold flavors, making it a great addition to any meal or a light, satisfying dish on its own. Perfect for warm weather and gatherings! Enjoy!
