Description
This refreshing Mediterranean Rice Salad is a vibrant mix of cooked white rice, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Perfect as a light side dish or a wholesome lunch, it combines cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and parsley with a tangy dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Optional additions like crumbled feta cheese or chickpeas add extra protein, making it a versatile and nourishing salad best served chilled.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and cooled white rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Protein Additions
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- or 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas
Instructions
- Combine Vegetables and Rice: In a large bowl, mix the cooked and cooled white rice with cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and fresh parsley to create the base of the salad.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the rice and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Add Optional Protein: If desired, fold in crumbled feta cheese or cooked chickpeas to boost the salad’s protein content and add more texture.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side or light meal.
Notes
- For added texture and nutritional value, substitute white rice with brown rice or wild rice.
- This salad can be prepared a day in advance and stores well in the refrigerator.
- Enhance the salad by adding grilled chicken or tuna for a more substantial meal.
