Description
This refreshing Mediterranean-inspired Rice Salad is a vibrant and healthy side dish perfect for warm weather gatherings, picnics, and meal prep. Featuring cooked rice tossed with fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, olives, feta cheese, and herbs, all brought together with a tangy lemon and Dijon mustard dressing. It’s quick to prepare, naturally gluten-free, and vegetarian-friendly.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked and cooled rice (white, brown, or wild)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup black olives, sliced
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
For the Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice or red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked and cooled rice, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, sliced black olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil to create the base of your salad.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk or shake together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice or red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the rice mixture. Gently toss all ingredients together to ensure the flavors evenly coat the salad. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary to your preference.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld and enhances the freshness of the dish. Serve cold as a side or light meal.
Notes
- This rice salad is versatile and ideal for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep as it holds up well chilled.
- For added protein, consider mixing in grilled chicken, canned tuna, or chickpeas.
- Feel free to swap out vegetables and herbs depending on what you have available or your personal preference.
- Using pre-cooked and cooled rice speeds up preparation significantly.
