Eggstravaganza Rice Salad
Eggstravaganza Rice Salad Recipe - Vegetarian Salad from USA
Introduction
Eggstravaganza Rice Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. This salad is packed with protein from the hard-boiled eggs and rice, and the addition of vegetables adds a refreshing crunch. The Italian salad dressing gives the salad a tangy and flavorful kick.
History
The origins of Eggstravaganza Rice Salad are not clear, but it is a popular dish in many households and is often served at potlucks and picnics. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover hard-boiled eggs and rice, making it a budget-friendly and easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
- 8 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 4 cups cooked rice, cooled to room temperature
- 1 package (10 oz or 283 g) frozen peas, thawed
- 1 cup diced red pepper
- 0.75 cup sliced green onions
- 0.67 cup italian salad dressing
- spinach or lettuce leaves (optional)
How to prepare
- Reserve 4 slices of the center of the egg.
- Chop the remaining eggs.
- Lightly toss the chopped eggs with rice, peas, red pepper, green onions, and salad dressing in a large bowl until evenly coated with the dressing.
- Cover and chill for several hours to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve on spinach or lettuce leaves, if desired.
- Garnish with the reserved egg slices.
Variations
- Add diced avocado or cherry tomatoes for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Mix in cooked and crumbled bacon for a smoky and savory twist.
- Substitute quinoa or couscous for the rice for a different texture and taste.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to cool the rice to room temperature before mixing it with the other ingredients to prevent the salad from becoming mushy.
- Thaw the frozen peas before adding them to the salad to ensure they mix evenly with the other ingredients.
- For a creamier texture, you can add a dollop of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the salad dressing before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Eggstravaganza Rice Salad can be served on a bed of spinach or lettuce leaves for a fresh and colorful presentation. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking Techniques
To hard-boil eggs, place them in a pot of cold water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover and remove from heat. Let sit for 10-12 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath to cool before peeling.
- To cook rice, use a 2:1 ratio of water to rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 18-20 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork and let cool before using in the salad.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use any color bell pepper in place of the red pepper for a different flavor profile.
- Substitute green peas for the frozen peas for a pop of color and sweetness.
- Use your favorite vinaigrette or homemade dressing in place of the Italian salad dressing for a personalized touch.
Make Ahead Tips
Eggstravaganza Rice Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld together, making it even more delicious.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the Eggstravaganza Rice Salad with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a pop of color and flavor. Serve in a large bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer like a pilsner. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with a splash of citrus juice.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Eggstravaganza Rice Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Eggstravaganza Rice Salad contains approximately 300 calories. This makes it a light and satisfying meal option that won't weigh you down.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Eggstravaganza Rice Salad contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and are essential for overall health.
Fats
Each serving of Eggstravaganza Rice Salad contains approximately 10 grams of fat. The fats in this dish come from the eggs and salad dressing, which provide essential fatty acids that are important for brain health and hormone production.
Proteins
Each serving of Eggstravaganza Rice Salad contains approximately 15 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, making this salad a great option for those looking to increase their protein intake.
Vitamins and minerals
Eggstravaganza Rice Salad is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron. Vitamin A is important for eye health, vitamin C boosts the immune system, and iron helps transport oxygen throughout the body.
Alergens
This recipe contains eggs and may contain gluten if the Italian salad dressing contains wheat-based ingredients. Be sure to check the labels of all ingredients if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.
Summary
Eggstravaganza Rice Salad is a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a nutritious and delicious option for a light meal or side dish.
Summary
Eggstravaganza Rice Salad is a versatile and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, this salad is a nutritious and satisfying option for a light meal or side dish. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
How did I get this recipe?
I have a clear memory of the first time I discovered this recipe for Eggstravaganza Rice Salad. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the ways of the kitchen from my own grandmother. She was a master chef, known throughout our small town for her delicious and inventive dishes.
One day, while visiting her in her cozy kitchen, I watched with fascination as she whipped up a batch of Eggstravaganza Rice Salad. I had never seen anything like it before – a colorful medley of fluffy rice, crunchy veggies, and creamy eggs, all tossed together in a tangy dressing. It looked like a work of art, and I couldn't wait to taste it.
As I helped my grandmother prepare the salad, she shared with me the story of how she had come to learn the recipe. It was many years ago, she said, when she was a young bride just starting out in her own kitchen. She had been invited to a potluck picnic by some of the ladies in town, and she wanted to impress them with her cooking skills.
She had asked around for a good recipe to bring to the picnic, and a friend had recommended this Eggstravaganza Rice Salad. My grandmother had never heard of it before, but she was intrigued by the name and decided to give it a try. She had followed the instructions carefully, adding her own twist here and there, and the result had been a hit at the picnic.
Ever since then, my grandmother had made the Eggstravaganza Rice Salad for special occasions and family gatherings. It had become a beloved staple in our household, a symbol of her culinary prowess and creativity.
As we sat down to enjoy the salad together that day, I marveled at the flavors and textures that danced on my tongue. The fluffy rice was a perfect canvas for the vibrant veggies and creamy eggs, while the tangy dressing tied everything together in a harmonious melody of taste.
My grandmother smiled at me as I savored each bite, knowing that she had passed down not just a recipe, but a piece of her own legacy. She told me that cooking was not just about following instructions, but about infusing each dish with love and care. It was a way of expressing creativity and connecting with those we shared it with.
From that day on, I made it a point to learn as much as I could from my grandmother in the kitchen. I watched her closely as she cooked, absorbing her techniques and tips like a sponge. I tried my hand at making the Eggstravaganza Rice Salad on my own, adding my own twist to the recipe just as she had done.
Over the years, I perfected my version of the salad, tweaking the ingredients and dressing to suit my own tastes. I made it for family gatherings, potluck parties, and even just for myself on lazy Sunday afternoons. Each time I took a bite, I felt a sense of connection to my grandmother, a bond that transcended time and distance.
Now, as I sit here recalling that magical day in my grandmother's kitchen, I realize that the recipe for Eggstravaganza Rice Salad is more than just a dish – it is a story, a memory, a tradition. It is a testament to the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting bonds and cherished moments.
And I am grateful to my grandmother for passing down this recipe to me, for instilling in me a love of cooking and a passion for creating delicious dishes. I will always hold dear the memories of our time in the kitchen together, and I will continue to share the joy of the Eggstravaganza Rice Salad with those I hold dear.
For in every bite of that salad, I taste not just the flavors of the ingredients, but the love and wisdom of my grandmother, a culinary maestro whose legacy lives on in every dish I create. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
Categories
| American Recipes | American Salads | Egg Recipes | Lettuce Recipes | Pea Recipes | Red Bell Pepper Recipes | Rice Recipes | Spinach Recipes | Vegetarian Recipes |