Rice salad

Rice Salad with Fresh Vegetables and Flavorful Dressing

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2

Welcome to the world of fresh salads, where every ingredient tells its story! In this recipe, I will teach you how to prepare a delicious rice salad that will not only delight your taste buds but also provide a considerable nutritional boost. Rice salad is an excellent choice for quick lunches, light meals, or even as a side dish for an elegant dinner.

A little story about rice salad

Rice salad is a versatile dish with a rich history. Over time, it has been adapted into numerous variations, with each culture adding its personal touch. This dish is perfect for customization, allowing you to add your favorite ingredients. So, don’t hesitate to let your imagination run wild!

Necessary ingredients

- 40 grams of rice (ideally a mix of white and wild rice, but you can also use brown rice for extra nutrients)
- 1 piece of fresh cucumber, 10 cm long
- 3 ripe and juicy tomatoes
- 1/2 red onion
- 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of fresh oregano, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of fresh mint, chopped

For the dressing:

- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 small clove of garlic, crushed
- Salt and pepper to taste

Let’s start preparing!

1. Cook the rice: Start by cooking the rice according to the instructions on the package. Often, rice mixes require special attention, so make sure to follow the cooking time. Once the rice is cooked, drain it well and let it cool. A helpful trick is to rinse the rice under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent the grains from sticking together.

2. Prepare the vegetables: Meanwhile, remove the seeds from the cucumber and cut it into small cubes. The tomatoes can be sliced or cubed, depending on your preference. The red onion, with its sweet flavor, should be finely chopped. These vegetables will add freshness and texture to your salad.

3. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled rice with the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and chopped herbs (parsley, oregano, and mint). Gently mix all the ingredients so that the flavors combine. This salad can be customized according to the season; for example, you can add olives or bell peppers for an extra pop of color and taste.

4. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, mix the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and crushed garlic. This dressing will add a burst of flavor and tie all the ingredients together. Make sure to mix well so that all the flavors blend harmoniously. Taste the dressing and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.

5. Finalizing the salad: Pour the dressing over the rice and vegetable mixture, mixing well. Let the salad sit for a few minutes for the flavors to develop. You can add a handful of nuts or seeds for extra crunch.

6. Serving: The rice salad can be served both cold and at room temperature, making it perfect for a picnic or a summer meal. You can garnish with a few fresh mint leaves or thin slices of lemon for a more attractive presentation.

Helpful tips

- Vegan option: This salad is already vegan, but you can add marinated tofu or chickpeas for an extra protein boost.
- Prepare in advance: The rice salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavor improves as the spices meld together.
- Cook in large batches: Preparing a larger quantity of rice will make cooking easier on future days. You can use the leftover rice in other dishes, such as soups or stews.

Nutritional benefits

This rice salad is not only tasty but also healthy. Rice is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy. Fresh vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, contributing to overall health. Extra virgin olive oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and heart benefits.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use instant rice?: While possible, the taste and texture will not be as good as when using freshly cooked rice.
- How can I freeze rice salad?: It’s better not to freeze the salad with dressing, as the vegetables will become soft. You can freeze only the rice and combine it with fresh vegetables later.
- What other dressings can I use?: You can experiment with yogurt-based dressings or Asian sauces to add a different twist.

Delicious pairings

To turn this salad into a complete meal, you can pair it with grilled steak or fish. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine will perfectly complement the fresh flavors of the salad.

I hope this recipe inspires you to cook and enjoy a fresh, flavorful rice salad! Be creative, and remember, cooking is an art, and every meal is an opportunity to create something special. Bon appétit!