Rice Salad Recipe

If you’re craving a delightful medley of fresh flavors, textures, and vibrant colors that come together effortlessly, this Rice Salad Recipe is exactly what you need to brighten up your meal rotation. It’s a wonderfully easy salad that combines fluffy long-grain rice with crisp veggies, briny olives, creamy feta, and a zingy homemade dressing that all harmonize beautifully. Perfect for a light lunch, a picnic, or a stunning side dish, this Rice Salad Recipe brings a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired twist to your table that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Rice Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of ingredients. Each one adds something special, whether it’s the juicy snap of cherry tomatoes, the cool crunch of cucumber, or the salty richness of feta cheese, all tied together by a lively dressing that wakes up every bite.

• 2 cups cooked long-grain rice (cooled): The fluffy base that soaks up all the vibrant flavors without getting mushy.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: These little bursts of sweetness add color and juiciness.
• 1 cucumber, diced: Offers a refreshing crunch that balances the other ingredients.
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and a vivid pop of red.
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped: Brings a mild sharpness that cuts through the richness elegantly.
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced: Injects a savory, briny bite essential to Mediterranean charm.
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Creamy and tangy, it’s the magic that elevates the salad’s taste.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens everything up with a burst of herbal freshness.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil: A smooth, fruity base for the dressing that coats the ingredients beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Adds a tangy note that balances the richness of the oil and cheese.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Provides depth and helps emulsify the dressing.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic Mediterranean seasoning that complements vegetables perfectly.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle hint of warmth to round out the seasoning.

How to Make Rice Salad Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients

Start by placing the cooled cooked rice in a large mixing bowl. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, sliced black olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped parsley. Gently tossing these together ensures each bite will have a lovely blend of textures and colors right from the start.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until the mixture becomes smooth and emulsified. This dressing is key for tying all the ingredients together and imparting that bright Mediterranean flair that makes this Rice Salad Recipe so distinctive.

Step 3: Toss and Chill

Pour the dressing over the rice and vegetable mixture, then toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Once combined, give it a taste and adjust any seasoning if needed. For best results, cover and chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend and develop fully—this resting time makes all the difference!

How to Serve Rice Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a few fresh garnishes right before serving can make the dish feel even more special. Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or a few crumbles of feta cheese on top for a fresh pop. For a touch of crunch, toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds work beautifully here. These little details add texture and visual appeal to your Rice Salad Recipe.

Side Dishes

This versatile Rice Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or lamb for a heartier meal. It also complements seafood dishes such as baked salmon or shrimp skewers. For a vegetarian spread, serve it alongside warm pita bread and stuffed grape leaves for an authentic Mediterranean experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the bowl by serving the rice salad inside hollowed bell peppers or tomatoes for a fun, handheld style. Alternatively, layer it in clear glasses for an elegant picnic presentation or use it as a vibrant base underneath slices of grilled halloumi cheese. These creative ideas make the Rice Salad Recipe perfect for entertaining guests or casual family dinners alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover rice salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep it chilled to maintain the fresh crunch of the vegetables. Give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing evenly.

Freezing

Because of the fresh vegetables and cheese, freezing this Rice Salad Recipe is not recommended. Freezing tends to alter the texture of these ingredients and may result in a mushy, less enjoyable salad.

Reheating

This salad is designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer, let it sit out at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the flavors but avoid heat that would wilt the vegetables.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of long-grain white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and a bit more chew, which works wonderfully in this Rice Salad Recipe. Just be sure the rice is fully cooked and cooled before using.

Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?

You can easily make this Rice Salad Recipe vegan by omitting the feta cheese or using a plant-based cheese alternative. The dressing is already vegan-friendly, so it’s an easy swap!

How long can I prepare this salad in advance?

This salad can be made up to a day ahead. Just keep it refrigerated and give it a quick toss before serving to freshen it up. The flavors actually improve when allowed to meld together over time.

What are some good protein add-ins for this rice salad?

For extra protein, try adding cooked chickpeas, grilled chicken, or diced avocado. Each option complements the fresh vegetables and feta perfectly without overpowering the salad.

Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Definitely! This Rice Salad Recipe is very versatile. Feel free to add ingredients like corn, spinach, or roasted zucchini to suit your personal taste and what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

This Rice Salad Recipe is a true winner when it comes to effortless meals that don’t compromise on flavor or freshness. With its vibrant ingredients and lively dressing, it’s a colorful, tasty addition to any menu. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own by experimenting with different add-ins—trust me, it’s going to become a favorite in your kitchen too!

Rice Salad Recipe

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3.8 from 27 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 20 minutes plus at least 30 minutes chilling time
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing Mediterranean rice salad featuring cooked long-grain rice tossed with fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Dressed with a tangy olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing infused with Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper. This salad is perfect as a healthy side dish or light meal, served chilled or at room temperature.

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Ingredients

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Salad Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked long-grain rice (cooled)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Dressing Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled long-grain rice, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, sliced black olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.
2. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well emulsified.
3. Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper as preferred.
5. Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a light meal or side dish.

Notes

• This recipe is flexible—try adding chickpeas, grilled chicken, or avocado for extra protein.
• Substitute brown rice, wild rice, or quinoa for a different grain base.
• Make it dairy-free by omitting the feta cheese or using a plant-based cheese alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes (if cooking rice from scratch)
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Mediterranean