Rice salad with vegetables and shrimp

Rice salad with vegetables and shrimp: a feast of flavors and colors

Who doesn't love a fresh salad, full of nutrients and intense flavors? The rice salad with vegetables and shrimp is an excellent option for a quick lunch or a light yet filling dinner. This recipe, which combines rice with fresh vegetables and juicy shrimp, is perfect for hot summer days or as a comforting meal in winter. With a preparation time of about 30 minutes, you'll have a delicious salad that will impress family and friends.

Total time: 45 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 cup of long-grain rice (or wild rice for extra flavor)
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 clove of garlic
- 5 green onions or 1 small white onion
- 50 g peas (fresh or frozen)
- 200 g cooked shrimp
- 1-2 beaten eggs
- A handful of corn (canned or fresh)
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of curry (optional, for extra flavor)

Cooking the rice: the secret to perfect rice
The first step in preparing this salad is cooking the rice. It is essential to achieve rice that is cooked grain by grain, which does not stick together. Here's how:

1. In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil (use the same cup you measured the rice with), add a pinch of salt and, if desired, a pinch of curry for an exotic touch.
2. When the water starts to boil, add the washed and drained rice. Stir once to distribute it evenly.
3. Cover the pot with aluminum foil and put the lid on top. This trick will help keep the steam in the pot, ensuring that the rice cooks evenly.
4. Set the heat to low and let the rice simmer for 15 minutes. When the time is up, turn off the heat but do not lift the lid immediately! Leave the aluminum foil on the pot for another 10 minutes. This way, the rice will 'rest', and the grains will remain firm and separate.

Cooking the vegetables and shrimp
While the rice is cooking, you can prepare the vegetables and shrimp:

1. In a pan, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion. If using green onions, slice them into thin rounds. Cook until translucent.
2. Add the well-drained peas and continue to sauté the vegetables for a few minutes until the peas become vibrant and slightly crunchy.
3. In another pan, add the remaining olive oil and fry the shrimp for a few minutes until they turn pink and juicy. Here, you can add a crushed clove of garlic for extra flavor.
4. If desired, you can fry the eggs at the same time, so they become tender scrambled eggs. Use a non-stick pan and fry them until well cooked.

Assembling the salad
Now that all the ingredients are prepared, it's time to assemble the salad:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled rice, sautéed vegetables, shrimp, and corn.
2. Add the soy sauce and gently mix to combine all the ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, as desired.
3. If you want to add a touch of freshness, you can add a few fresh coriander leaves or chopped parsley.

For a special presentation, you can serve the salad in a large bowl or in individual portions, garnished with lemon slices and a few leaves of green salad.

Nutritional benefits
This rice salad is not only tasty but also healthy. Long-grain rice is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy. Shrimp are rich in protein and contain omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for heart health. The vegetables add essential vitamins and fiber, contributing to healthy digestion.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use brown rice?
Yes, brown rice is a healthy option, but it will require a longer cooking time. Make sure to adjust the amount of water and cooking time accordingly.

2. How can I make this salad vegetarian?
Replace the shrimp with tofu or sautéed mushrooms. You can also add more vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers.

3. Can I prepare the salad in advance?
Yes, the rice salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Make sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out.

Delicious combinations
This rice salad with vegetables and shrimp pairs perfectly with a yogurt sauce with dill or a refreshing lemonade. You can also accompany it with a serving of fresh fruit for a light and healthy dessert.

In conclusion, the rice salad with vegetables and shrimp is a simple, quick, and flavorful recipe. With the right ingredients and proper cooking techniques, you'll create a delicious and healthy meal that will bring joy to your table. I encourage you to experiment with the ingredients and customize the recipe to your taste. Enjoy your meal!