Rice and vegetable salad (vegan)

Rice Salad with Vegetables – Delicious Vegan Recipe

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

It's time to bring a splash of color and flavor to your plate with this rice salad with vegetables. It's a simple, healthy dish ideal for fasting days or for those looking to add more vegetables to their diet. This salad can be served as a main course or as a side dish, perfectly adapting to any meal.

About the Recipe

The rice salad with vegetables is a classic combination of healthy ingredients that have been appreciated over time for their versatility. Rice, as a staple ingredient, has been consumed for thousands of years, and fresh or frozen vegetables not only add flavor but also a varied palette of nutrients. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also an excellent way to make use of seasonal or frozen vegetables that retain most of their vitamins.

Ingredients

- 125 g pre-cooked rice (we recommend a Scotti Bob bag with grains)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 400 g frozen vegetable mix (preferably a colorful mix with carrots, peas, corn, and bell peppers)
- A handful of unsalted nuts (optional, but recommended for added crunch)
- 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

Tips on Ingredients

- Rice: Choose pre-cooked rice to reduce cooking time. It will be ready in about 10-12 minutes, so it won’t require much attention.
- Vegetables: Use a rich mix of vegetables to achieve vibrant flavor and color. If you prefer fresh vegetables, you can use diced carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers, steamed.
- Nuts: Adding unsalted nuts will not only enhance the salad's texture but also provide healthy fats essential for the body.

Preparation Techniques

1. Boiling the Rice: Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. When the water begins to boil, add the pre-cooked rice. Cook according to the package instructions, usually between 10-12 minutes. The rice should be slightly chewy, not overcooked.

2. Boiling the Vegetables: While the rice is boiling, place another pot of water and salt to boil. When the water boils, add the frozen vegetable mix. Let them boil according to the time indicated on the package, usually between 5-7 minutes. They should be cooked but remain crisp.

3. Draining: Once the rice and vegetables are cooked, drain them well. Make sure no water remains in the rice to avoid a watery salad.

4. Mixing the Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooked rice and vegetables. Add the nuts, salt, and pepper to taste, then drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

5. Serving: The salad can be served immediately or can be left in the refrigerator for an hour to allow the flavors to meld. You can garnish the plate with fresh parsley or dill leaves for an extra touch of freshness.

Possible Variations

- Adding Spices: Experiment with spices like turmeric or curry to add an exotic note to your salad.
- Proteins: If you're not following a strict vegetarian diet, you can add cubes of tofu or chickpeas to boost protein intake.
- Seasonal Vegetables: Replace frozen vegetables with fresh seasonal ones, such as asparagus or zucchini, for a fresher option.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use brown rice? Yes, you can use brown rice, but the cooking time will be longer, around 30-40 minutes.
- How can I store the salad? The salad can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.
- Is this a good recipe for lunch? Absolutely! This salad is perfect for office lunches or picnics, being easy to transport.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This rice salad with vegetables has a caloric content of approximately 200-250 calories per serving, depending on the amount of olive oil used. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber due to the vegetables and provides complex carbohydrates from the rice, making it ideal for a balanced meal.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, you can accompany this salad with a vegetable soup or a yogurt garlic sauce, which will add a pleasant contrast of flavors. Additionally, a glass of lemonade or iced tea can perfectly complement the meal.

In conclusion, the rice salad with vegetables is a simple and versatile recipe, perfect for any occasion. Whether you prepare it for an everyday meal or for a gathering with friends, it will surely bring smiles to the faces of those who taste it. Enjoy!