Best 2 Flavorful Rice Salad Recipes

Rice salad, a vibrant and delectable dish, offers a refreshing and flavorful twist to traditional salads. Its versatility allows for an array of ingredients, flavors, and textures, making it a perfect accompaniment to summer barbecues, picnics, potlucks, or as a light and healthy meal on its own. With its ability to absorb the flavors of herbs, spices, and dressings, rice salad is a culinary canvas for experimenting with different taste combinations.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

FLAVORFUL RICE SALAD

Flavorful Rice Salad image

"I started with a basic bean, rice and onion medley and added veggies and a lighter dressing to make it healthier. You can substitute brown rice for the long grain if you like." -Kim Cook, Dade City, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1-1/2 cups cold cooked long grain rice
1-1/2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (about 4 medium)
4 green onions, chopped
1 celery rib, chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
1/2 cup fat-free Italian salad dressing
1 cup (4 ounces) crumbled feta cheese

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine the beans, rice, tomatoes, onions, celery, spinach and cilantro. Drizzle with dressing; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour., Just before serving, sprinkle with cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 181 calories, Fat 3g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 11mg cholesterol, Sodium 617mg sodium, Carbohydrate 27g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

FLAVORFUL CRANBERRY RICE SALAD

Flavorful Cranberry Rice Salad image

I came up with the recipe because I wanted something different to take to picnics beside potato or macaroni salad. It goes great with grilled chicken or fish.-Jennifer Addotta, New Freedom, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 1h

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
1/2 cup uncooked brown rice
1 celery rib, thinly sliced
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries
3 tablespoons fat-free mayonnaise
4-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
4-1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Steps:

Cook long grain rice and brown rice according to package directions. Transfer to a large bowl; cool. Add the celery, onion and cranberries., In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, parsley, oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper. Stir into rice mixture. Cover and refrigerate until chilled. , Just before serving, stir in almonds and sprinkle with paprika.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 191 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 1mg cholesterol, Sodium 267mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

Tips for Making the Best Rice Salad:

Choose the right rice. Short-grain rice, such as sushi rice or arborio rice, is best for rice salad because it holds its shape and doesn't get mushy.
Cook the rice perfectly. Follow the package directions for cooking the rice. Be sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove any starch.
Let the rice cool completely. This will prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
Add your favorite ingredients. Rice salad is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Some popular ingredients include vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and cheese.
Dress the salad with a flavorful dressing. A simple vinaigrette or lemon-herb dressing is a good option. You can also use a store-bought dressing if you're short on time.
Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. Rice salad is a great dish to make ahead of time and serve at your next potluck or party.

Conclusion:

Rice salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or a snack. With a few simple tips, you can make the best rice salad that your friends and family will love. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give rice salad a try!