Classic Italian Rice Salad Recipe
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Description
This classic Italian rice salad is a refreshing, vibrant dish that can be enjoyed on any occasion. It's a perfect side dish for a summer picnic, a barbecue, or a potluck. This salad features a medley of vegetables, fresh herbs, and rice tossed in a zesty dressing. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible.Prep Time
The preparation time for this salad is approximately 20-25 minutes. However, the rice needs to be cooked and cooled before it can be added to the salad. So, you may want to allow an additional 30-45 minutes for this.Cook Time
The cook time for the rice is usually around 18-20 minutes. However, this may vary depending on the type of rice you're using. So, be sure to follow the instructions on the package.Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup pitted black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Equipment
- Large pot for cooking rice
- Strainer or colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Serving bowl
Method
- Cook the rice according to the package instructions, then drain and rinse it under cold water to cool it down.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rice, diced bell peppers, red onion, cucumber, black olives, parsley, basil, and mint.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the dressing to the rice salad and toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a good stir and taste for seasoning. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
- Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and garnish with additional herbs if desired.
- Enjoy!
Notes
This salad is best when it's allowed to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together and develop. You can also make this salad a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight.Nutrition Info
One serving of this classic Italian rice salad (about 1 cup) contains approximately:- 235 calories
- 12g fat
- 27g carbohydrates
- 3g fiber
- 4g protein
- 1g sugar
- 397mg sodium
Recipe Tips
- Use long-grain rice for this recipe. It holds its shape well and has a nice texture.
- Be sure to rinse the cooked rice under cold water to cool it down. This stops the cooking process and prevents the rice from becoming mushy.
- You can use any combination of herbs you like in this recipe. Try using fresh oregano or thyme for a different flavor profile.
- For an extra burst of flavor, add some crumbled feta cheese or chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the salad.
Now that you have the recipe, it's time to get cooking! This classic Italian rice salad is sure to become a favorite in your household. With its bright colors and fresh flavors, it's the perfect dish for any occasion. So, give it a try and let us know what you think!
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