Encore Rice Salad

Encore Rice Salad Recipe - Rice, Apple, Red Grapes, Pecans, and More

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Encore Rice Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for a summer picnic or a light lunch. This salad is a combination of cooked rice, crunchy apples, sweet grapes, and savory pecans, all tossed in a creamy mayonnaise dressing. It is a simple yet flavorful dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

Encore Rice Salad has been a popular dish for many years, with its origins dating back to the mid-20th century. This salad was originally created as a way to use up leftover rice and other ingredients, making it a budget-friendly and practical dish. Over the years, the recipe has evolved to include a variety of different ingredients, but the basic concept of combining rice with fruits, nuts, and a creamy dressing has remained the same.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked rice, cooled
1 small tart red apple, cored and chopped
0.5 cup seedless green or red grapes, halved
0.5 cup chopped pecans
0.5 cup chopped celery
0.25 cup sliced green onions
0.75 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp sugar
2 tsp lemon juice
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp ground ginger
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
lettuce leaves
grape clusters for garnish (optional)

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine rice, apple, grapes, pecans, celery, and onions.
In a separate bowl, blend mayonnaise, sugar, lemon juice, salt, ginger, and pepper.
Toss the rice mixture with the mayonnaise blend. Chill in the refrigerator.
Serve the chilled rice mixture on lettuce leaves and garnish with grapes, if desired.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by adding different fruits, nuts, or vegetables to suit your taste preferences. Some popular variations include adding dried cranberries, mandarin oranges, or toasted almonds.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cool the cooked rice completely before mixing it with the other ingredients to prevent the salad from becoming mushy.

- You can customize this salad by adding your favorite fruits, nuts, or vegetables to suit your taste preferences.

- For a healthier version, you can use Greek yogurt or a light mayonnaise in place of the regular mayonnaise.

- This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Encore Rice Salad can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or as a light lunch on its own. It pairs well with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a successful Encore Rice Salad is to cook the rice properly and cool it completely before mixing it with the other ingredients. Be sure to toss the salad gently to avoid crushing the ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pecans, you can use walnuts or almonds instead. You can also use Greek yogurt or a light mayonnaise in place of the regular mayonnaise for a healthier version of this salad.

Make Ahead Tips

Encore Rice Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving. Just be sure to keep it covered to prevent it from drying out.

Presentation Ideas

To make this salad look more appealing, you can garnish it with grape clusters or fresh herbs before serving. You can also serve it in a decorative bowl or on a bed of lettuce leaves for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Encore Rice Salad pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp. It also goes well with a variety of wines, such as a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Encore Rice Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply let it come to room temperature or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Encore Rice Salad contains approximately 300 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie dish that is perfect for a light meal or side dish.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Encore Rice Salad contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy and are essential for fueling your daily activities.

Fats

Each serving of Encore Rice Salad contains approximately 20 grams of fat. The fats in this dish come from the mayonnaise and pecans, which provide flavor and richness to the salad.

Proteins

Each serving of Encore Rice Salad contains approximately 4 grams of protein. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body, making it an essential nutrient for overall health.

Vitamins and minerals

Encore Rice Salad is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the apples and grapes, vitamin E from the pecans, and vitamin K from the celery. These nutrients are important for supporting the immune system and promoting overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (pecans) and eggs (mayonnaise), which are common allergens. If you or your guests have allergies to these ingredients, be sure to use substitutions or omit them from the recipe.

Summary

Encore Rice Salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a well-balanced meal that is perfect for a light lunch or a side dish for a summer picnic.

Summary

Encore Rice Salad is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its combination of sweet and savory flavors, crunchy textures, and creamy dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Try making this recipe today and enjoy a taste of summer in every bite!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with excitement. It was a warm summer day, and I was at a potluck picnic with some friends from my cooking club. As we all shared our dishes and recipes, one of the ladies handed me a small scrap of paper with the words "Encore Rice Salad" written on it in beautiful cursive.

I had never heard of this dish before, but the ingredients listed sounded intriguing. Rice, bell peppers, olives, tomatoes, and a zesty dressing made with vinegar and herbs. It sounded like the perfect dish to bring to a summer gathering, so I made a mental note to try it out soon.

When I got home that evening, I dug through my recipe box to find the scrap of paper with the Encore Rice Salad recipe. As I read through the instructions, I realized that it was a simple and versatile dish that could be easily customized to suit my taste.

I followed the recipe to a T, cooking the rice to perfection and chopping up the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. The dressing came together quickly, and I was impressed by how the flavors melded together to create a refreshing and satisfying dish.

I brought the Encore Rice Salad to another potluck picnic the following week, and it was a hit. My friends raved about the dish, asking for the recipe and marveling at how delicious and unique it was.

From that moment on, the Encore Rice Salad became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family dinners, holiday gatherings, and even just as a quick and healthy lunch option. It was a dish that never failed to impress, and I was proud to have discovered it.

Over the years, I continued to make the Encore Rice Salad, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my mood or the occasion. I added grilled chicken for a heartier meal, swapped out the bell peppers for cucumbers for a refreshing twist, and even experimented with different herbs and spices to create new flavor profiles.

But no matter how I altered the recipe, the Encore Rice Salad always remained a crowd favorite. It was a dish that brought people together, sparked conversations, and created lasting memories.

As I look back on the first time I saw the recipe for the Encore Rice Salad, I can't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous moment that brought it into my life. It was a dish that not only satisfied my hunger but also nourished my soul, connecting me to a community of food lovers and inspiring me to continue exploring new flavors and cuisines.

So, the next time you find yourself in need of a dish that's sure to impress, give the Encore Rice Salad a try. I guarantee you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe you'll discover a new favorite recipe that will become a beloved tradition in your own kitchen.