If you’re ready for a salad with true personality, the Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Lime Dressing Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. Imagine deeply golden, toasty rice that crackles at each bite, tossed with a confetti of colorful, crunchy veggies, and glossy roasted peanuts. All of that—elevated by a creamy, zingy peanut lime dressing that hits every taste bud just right. Whether you’re after a light main or an irresistible side, this salad delivers flavor, texture, and freshness in every forkful.

Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Lime Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is one of those rare recipes where each simple ingredient truly makes a difference. The beauty of the Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Lime Dressing Recipe lies in a balance of crisp, creamy, tangy, and nutty elements—all easily found in your refrigerator or pantry!

Chilled cooked jasmine or basmati rice: Using cold, day-old rice creates those coveted crispy bits and keeps the salad perfectly textured.
Neutral oil (such as avocado or canola): Helps the rice get beautifully golden without adding extra flavor.
Shredded cabbage: Brings crunch and a hint of sweetness, plus gorgeous color.
Shredded carrots: Adds natural sweetness and a pop of vibrant orange.
Red bell pepper (thinly sliced): Gives juicy, crisp bites and lovely red flecks throughout the salad.
Green onions (sliced): Offers a subtle oniony lift without overpowering the dish.
Fresh cilantro (chopped): Delivers fresh, herbal brightness that enlivens every mouthful.
Roasted peanuts (chopped): Lends nutty flavor and an irresistible crunch; use salted or unsalted as you like.
Toasted sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle for extra depth and a lovely finishing touch.
Peanut butter (for the dressing): Creamy, savory base for this signature sauce.
Lime juice (for the dressing): Adds necessary brightness and tang to cut through the richness.
Soy sauce or tamari (for the dressing): Brings saltiness and earthy depth; use tamari to keep it gluten-free.
Maple syrup or honey (for the dressing): Rounds out the flavors with a touch of sweetness.
Sesame oil (for the dressing): A small but mighty ingredient that adds bold, toasty flavor.
Garlic (minced, for the dressing): Infuses the dressing with sharp, savory undertones.
Water (for the dressing): Thin to your desired drizzle-ready consistency.

How to Make Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Lime Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Crisp the Rice

Start by grabbing your largest non-stick skillet and heat the neutral oil over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, pour in your chilled rice and gently spread it into an even layer. Press it down with a spatula—don’t stir just yet! Let it sizzle, undisturbed, for 5 to 7 minutes, so the bottom gets deliciously golden and crunchy. Flip or toss the rice to crisp more sides for another 3 to 5 minutes. When the grains are beautifully crunchy, remove the skillet from heat and let the rice cool slightly. This step is the game-changer for the entire Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Lime Dressing Recipe.

Step 2: Shake Up the Peanut Lime Dressing

While the rice cools, whisk together the peanut butter, fresh lime juice, soy sauce or tamari, maple syrup or honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of water in a bowl or jar. You want a creamy yet pourable dressing—thin it with a splash more water if it feels too thick. The combination should taste tangy, sweet, nutty, and a bit salty, perfectly designed for this lively salad.

Step 3: Toss the Salad Together

In a roomy mixing bowl, add your crispy rice, shredded cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro. Pour the luscious peanut lime dressing over—and now comes the fun part! Toss and turn everything until each grain glistens and the veggies are evenly coated in flavor. Just seeing all those colors mixing is enough to make your mouth water.

Step 4: Add the Signature Crunchy Toppings

Transfer your gorgeously tossed salad to a serving platter or bowl. Generously sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts and, if you like, toasted sesame seeds across the top. These are more than just garnishes; they add vital crunch and memory-making flavor to the Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Lime Dressing Recipe. Serve it up immediately, or let it rest for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together.

How to Serve Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Lime Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

For that irresistible finishing touch, top your salad with plenty of chopped roasted peanuts, a scattering of toasted sesame seeds, and a few extra cilantro leaves. A wedge of lime on the side invites more citrusy zing for those who crave it—don’t be shy, a fresh squeeze wakes up every other flavor in the bowl!

Side Dishes

This salad makes a satisfying entrée all on its own, but if you’re planning a spread, pair it with miso soup or a platter of fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, serve alongside grilled tofu, teriyaki chicken, or even crispy spring rolls. It balances rich dishes beautifully and brightens up every plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can be half the fun! Pile the salad into bowls lined with tender butter lettuce for handheld lettuce cups, or stuff it inside halved avocados for a more elegant, brunch-ready look. Arrange it family-style on a large platter and let everyone scoop their own. However you serve it, the vibrant colors and aromas will capture attention before the first bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers of your Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Lime Dressing Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will keep well for up to 2 days, though the rice will gradually lose some of its crispiness over time. For best texture, keep garnishes like peanuts and sesame seeds separate and add just before serving again.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the crisp vegetables and rice can become mushy when thawed, and the dressing may separate. If you need to prepare the components in advance, freeze only the cooked rice (before crisping) and defrost fully before proceeding with the recipe fresh.

Reheating

If you want to revive that signature rice crunch, gently reheat the crispy rice alone in a dry skillet over medium heat until it’s warm and crisped again. Add it back to the salad base and toss with fresh dressing and garnishes. Avoid microwaving the entire salad, as this will make the veggies soft and less appealing.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine or basmati?

Absolutely! Brown rice will add a hearty, nutty flavor that pairs really well with the peanut lime dressing. Just be sure the rice is fully chilled before crisping to achieve the best texture.

How can I make this salad gluten-free?

To keep your Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Lime Dressing Recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce in the dressing. Double check any packaged ingredients, but otherwise, this salad is naturally gluten-free!

Is there a way to add more protein?

Yes, and it’s easy! Toss in cubes of crispy tofu, a handful of edamame, or even some shredded rotisserie chicken if you’re not keeping it vegan. Any of these options will play nicely with the existing flavors and make it a more filling meal.

Can I prepare the rice in advance?

Definitely. In fact, using day-old rice is best for creating those irresistibly crispy bits. Cook your rice ahead of time and chill it until you’re ready to crisp it up and make the salad.

What other vegetables could I add?

This recipe is endlessly adaptable! Try thinly sliced snap peas, cucumber, radishes, or shredded napa cabbage. The more color and crunch, the better.

Final Thoughts

With every bite of the Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Lime Dressing Recipe, you’ll taste why it’s worth adding to your regular recipe rotation. It’s bright, bold, and so much fun to eat! Gather up those veggies, crisp up some rice, and treat yourself to a dish that’s as memorable as it is delicious—don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!

Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Lime Dressing Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free

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Description

This Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Lime Dressing is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. Crispy golden rice is paired with crunchy vegetables and a zesty, nutty dressing that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for a light and refreshing meal!

Ingredients

Scale

Main Salad:

3 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice (chilled)
2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as avocado or canola)
1 cup shredded cabbage
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
2 green onions (sliced)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)

For the dressing:

3 tablespoons peanut butter
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 small garlic clove (minced)
1–2 tablespoons water (to thin if needed)

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Instructions

Crisp the Rice: In a large non-stick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the chilled rice and cook until golden and crispy.
Make the Dressing: Whisk together peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, garlic, and water until smooth.
Assemble the Salad: Combine crispy rice with cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat. Top with peanuts and sesame seeds before serving.