Rice salad

Rice salad recipe with sausages and vegetables

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

We offer you a simple and delicious rice salad recipe, perfect for warm days or a quick lunch. This salad is not only tasty but also versatile, allowing you to add your favorite ingredients. Rice salad is a popular choice in many cuisines, being an easy-to-make and very filling dish.

Necessary ingredients:
- 250 g rice
- 100 g sausages
- 100 g cheese
- 50 g artichokes in oil
- 3-4 pickled cucumbers
- 3 pieces of pickled bell peppers
- 50 g green olives
- 1 can of tuna in oil (80 g)
- salt
- pepper
- olive oil

Preparation steps:

1. Cook the rice:
Start by boiling a pot of water with a pinch of salt. When the water reaches boiling point, add the rice. Make sure to use quality rice, preferably long-grain that doesn’t stick together. Cook the rice according to the package instructions, usually between 10-15 minutes, until it becomes soft but not sticky. Once cooked, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and let it drain well.

2. Prepare the ingredients:
While the rice is cooling, you can start chopping the other ingredients. Slice the sausages into rounds and cube the cheese. These will add a savory flavor to your salad. If you want a stronger taste, you can opt for smoked cheese. Then, slice the cucumbers and bell peppers into rounds and cubes, respectively. Don’t forget to drain the artichokes and olives from the oil to prevent the salad from becoming too greasy.

3. Mix everything in a bowl:
Add all the chopped ingredients into a large bowl. The sausages, cheese, drained rice, artichokes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and olives combine perfectly, giving a crunchy texture and varied flavor. Add the drained tuna and mix gently to avoid crushing the ingredients.

4. Season the salad:
Finally, add olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. If you wish, you can experiment with various spices or fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for an extra freshness. Mix everything well, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

5. Serve and enjoy:
The rice salad is served cold, making it ideal for hot summer days. You can use it as a main dish or as a side dish alongside grilled meats, fish, or other barbecue dishes. It’s perfect for picnics, parties, or even as a snack at the office.

Useful tips and variations:
- You can replace the cheese with any other type of cheese you prefer, such as feta or goat cheese, for a different taste.
- If you don’t like cucumbers or bell peppers, you can add canned sweet corn or marinated mushrooms in oil for a different flavor.
- To make the salad spicier, add a few slices of hot pepper or spices like smoked paprika.
- The rice salad can be prepared a few hours before serving, allowing the flavors to blend better.

Nutritional benefits:
This rice salad is rich in complex carbohydrates, providing you with energy throughout the day. The sausages and tuna bring essential proteins, while the vegetables add important vitamins and minerals for health. Olive oil is a good source of healthy fats, beneficial for the heart.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use brown rice? Yes, brown rice is a healthier option, but it will require a longer cooking time.
- Can I make a vegan salad? Absolutely! Replace the sausages and cheese with plant-based alternatives, such as smoked tofu or vegan cheese.
- What other dressings can I use? You can experiment with yogurt-based dressings or soy sauces for an Asian taste.

We wish you a good appetite and can’t wait to hear how your rice salad turned out! This is a recipe that can easily be adapted to your tastes, so don’t hesitate to be creative and add your favorite ingredients. Bon appétit!