Description
This Italian Rice Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light meal. Packed with Mediterranean flavors, it’s a satisfying vegetarian option that can be easily customized with added protein.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked and cooled long grain rice
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup canned artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1/2 cup black or green olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup diced mozzarella cheese or mini mozzarella balls
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons capers (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Rice Salad:
Dressing:
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rice, cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, olives, mozzarella, roasted red peppers, red onion, capers (if using), and parsley.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well emulsified.
- Pour the dressing over the rice mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
- Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- This salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep.
- You can add diced salami, grilled chicken, or tuna for extra protein.
- Use arborio or brown rice if preferred, but make sure it’s cooled before mixing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (for rice, if not pre-cooked)
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
