Best 2 Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad Recipes

Embark on a culinary journey to the shores of the Mediterranean, where flavors dance in harmony and vibrant ingredients come together to create a delightful symphony of taste. In this article, we present a collection of tantalizing recipes for Mediterranean brown rice salad, a versatile dish that blends the wholesome goodness of brown rice with the vibrant colors and bold flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Whether you're looking for a light and refreshing lunch or a hearty side dish to complement your next meal, these recipes offer a delightful fusion of textures and flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

MEDITERRANEAN BROWN RICE SALAD

Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad image

My family and friends all love this salad, which they've referred to as "the Greek salad." The recipe makes enough to feed a crowd, so it's a perfect bring-along for a big party. No matter what you're looking for-something with the Greek flavors you love, or just a healthy, simple salad-it will not disappoint! If you'd like, substitute orzo for the rice. -Sarah Hawkins, Wanatah, Indiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 1h5m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups uncooked long grain brown rice
3-1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons white vinegar
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
3/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
6 ounces fresh baby spinach (about 8 cups), coarsely chopped
16 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
6 green onions, thinly sliced
2 cups (8 ounces) crumbled feta cheese

Steps:

In a saucepan, combine rice and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, 35-40 minutes., Meanwhile, place vinegars, garlic, pepper and salt in bowl and whisk together. While whisking, gradually add oil in a steady stream. Stir in basil., Place spinach in a large bowl; add cooked rice. Stir in tomatoes, green onions and dressing; toss until spinach is wilted. Gently stir in feta. Loosely cover and refrigerate 2 hours or until cold.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 55 calories, Fat 3g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 291mg sodium, Carbohydrate 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

MEDITERRANEAN BROWN RICE SALAD

Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad image

This is a favorite of mine! My stepmom and I first made this my freshman year in college as an experiment, and I have been making it ever since. May be served hot or cold.

Provided by Anne

Categories Salad Grains Rice Salad Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 ½ cups uncooked brown rice
3 cups water
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup frozen green peas, thawed
½ cup raisins
¼ sweet onion (such as Vidalia®), chopped
¼ cup chopped Kalamata olives
½ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
1 ¼ teaspoons Dijon mustard
salt and ground black pepper to taste
¼ cup feta cheese

Steps:

Bring brown rice and water to a boil in a saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer until rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, 45 to 50 minutes.
Combine red bell pepper, peas, raisins, onion, and olives in a bowl.
Whisk vegetable oil, vinegar, and mustard together in a separate bowl for the balsamic dressing.
Stir brown rice and balsamic dressing into vegetable mixture. Season with salt and black pepper.
Top brown rice and vegetables with feta cheese before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 451.4 calories, Carbohydrate 54.6 g, Cholesterol 9.3 mg, Fat 23.5 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 7.1 g, SaturatedFat 4.4 g, Sodium 273.4 mg, Sugar 12.4 g

Tips:

Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make all the difference in your salad. Look for ripe vegetables, tender herbs, and flavorful rice.
Cook the rice properly: Brown rice can be tricky to cook, but it's worth the effort. Be sure to rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking, and use a ratio of 1 cup rice to 2 cups water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the water has been absorbed.
Let the salad cool completely before serving: This will help the flavors to meld and the rice to firm up.
Serve the salad with a variety of toppings: This is a great way to add extra flavor and texture. Some popular options include grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, feta cheese, and nuts.

Conclusion:

This Mediterranean brown rice salad is a delicious and healthy meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner. It's packed with fresh vegetables, tender herbs, and flavorful rice. Plus, it's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you're looking for a light and refreshing meal, give this salad a try.