Rashmi Sharma A Rice Salad is a versatile and refreshing dish that combines cooked rice with a variety of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and dressings. It’s perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or as a side dish for a larger meal. Rice salad can be customized according to your tastes, adding protein like beans, tofu, or making it entirely vegetarian or vegan.
This rice salad, which is inspired from the Italian rice salad, is the ideal summer food and is simple to make ahead of time and pack for a picnic in the open air.
It is a hearty supper that is healthy, tasty, crunchy, vibrant, and energising.
A typical summer dish that is enjoyed by many people all throughout Italy is rice salad.
The list of ingredients is simply a rough guide to what you’ll need. You can get creative and include your favourite items in this recipe! Serve it for dinner, lunch, or as a vibrant side dish.
Just keep in mind to balance the colours and textures for the most delectable and nutrient-dense meal possible. As a general rule, aim to include all the hues of the rainbow.
Here’s a simple and tasty recipe for a Rice Salad:
Rice Salad Recipe | What Is The Recipe Of Rice Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup Long Grain (Basmati) boiled Rice, left-over
- 1 Apples diced
- 1 cup green peas boiled
- 1 cup corns steam boiled
- Cauliflower florets boiled
- 1 lemon juice
- salad leaves to garnish
- Cabbage for garnishing
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
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After boiling rice.
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In cool rice add apples, green peas, cauliflower florets, corns, salt and pepper.
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Now add lemon juice and toss well and transfer to serving dish lined with salad leaves.
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Garnish rice salad with shredded cabbage and coriander leaves.
Variations:
- Protein-Packed Rice Salad: Add cooked tofu, chickpeas, or beans (like black beans or kidney beans) for a more filling meal.
- Spicy Rice Salad: Add chopped jalapeños, chili flakes, or a drizzle of sriracha to make the salad spicy.
- Fruit Rice Salad: Incorporate fruits like pineapple, mango, or grapes to add sweetness to the salad.
- Greek Rice Salad: Add kalamata olives, feta cheese, and cucumber for a Mediterranean-inspired rice salad.
Health Benefits:
- Rice: A good source of carbohydrates, providing energy. Brown rice, in particular, has additional fiber and nutrients compared to white rice.
- Vegetables: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, helping to support overall health and digestion.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro are packed with antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Olives and Feta: Provide healthy fats and protein, making the salad more satisfying and nutrient-dense.
Tips:
- Make Ahead: This rice salad can be made ahead of time, and the flavors will improve as it sits in the fridge. It lasts for about 2-3 days.
- Rice Type: Feel free to use brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice (for a low-carb version) instead of regular rice.
- Keep it Fresh: Use fresh and crisp vegetables for the best texture and taste.
A Rice Salad is an excellent way to use up leftover rice, and it’s customizable based on what ingredients you have on hand. It’s a perfect dish for potlucks, picnics, or as a healthy meal anytime!
