Greek Rice Toss

Greek Rice Toss Recipe with Artichoke Hearts, Feta, and Black Olives

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

Introduction

Greek Rice Toss is a refreshing and flavorful salad that combines the Mediterranean flavors of artichokes, feta cheese, olives, and fresh vegetables with rice. This dish is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Greek cuisine, which is known for its use of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The combination of rice with artichokes, feta cheese, and olives is a classic Greek flavor profile that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

3 cups of cooked rice
2 x 6 oz (170 g) jars of marinated artichoke hearts, with reserved liquid and coarsely chopped
1 large tomato, seeded and chopped
1 medium cucumber, seeded and chopped
1 medium-sized red onion, chopped
1 cup of crumbled feta cheese
1 x 2.25 oz (64 g) can of sliced black olives, drained
0.25 cup of chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp of lemon juice
0.5 tsp of oregano
0.5 tsp of lemon pepper
lettuce leaves

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine rice, artichoke hearts, tomato, cucumber, onion, cheese, olives, parsley, lemon juice, oregano, and lemon pepper.
Chill the mixture for 1 hour.
Just before serving, drizzle the reserved artichoke liquid over the salad.
Spoon the mixture into individual salad plates lined with lettuce.

Variations

Add grilled shrimp or chicken for a protein boost.
Substitute quinoa or couscous for the rice for a different texture.
Mix in roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the rice according to package instructions and allow it to cool completely before mixing it with the other ingredients.

- For added flavor, you can marinate the artichoke hearts in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before adding them to the salad.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other Mediterranean ingredients such as roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or grilled chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Greek Rice Toss can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoyed on its own as a light lunch. It pairs well with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the rice until it is tender but still slightly firm, as it will continue to absorb flavors as it chills.

- Use a sharp knife to chop the vegetables evenly for a uniform texture in the salad.

- Drizzle the reserved artichoke liquid over the salad just before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Kalamata olives instead of black olives for a more authentic Greek flavor.

- Substitute goat cheese for feta cheese for a tangier taste.

- Use red or yellow bell peppers instead of tomatoes for a different color and flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Greek Rice Toss can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply cover the salad with plastic wrap and chill until ready to serve. Just before serving, drizzle the reserved artichoke liquid over the salad for added flavor.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Greek Rice Toss on a bed of lettuce leaves for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a variety of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, such as grilled lamb chops, tzatziki sauce, or hummus. For a complete meal, serve with a side of pita bread and a Greek salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Greek Rice Toss can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad for 1-2 minutes or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Greek Rice Toss contains approximately 250 calories. This makes it a light and satisfying dish that is perfect for a healthy meal or snack.

Carbohydrates

This recipe is a good source of carbohydrates, with each serving containing approximately 30 grams of carbs. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and are essential for overall health.

Fats

Greek Rice Toss is a moderate source of fats, with each serving containing approximately 10 grams of fat. The fats in this dish come primarily from the feta cheese and olives, which are sources of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

Proteins

This recipe provides a moderate amount of protein, with each serving containing approximately 8 grams. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, making it an important nutrient for overall health.

Vitamins and minerals

Greek Rice Toss is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and calcium. These nutrients are important for supporting immune function, bone health, and overall well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (feta cheese) and tree nuts (artichoke hearts), so it may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients. Be sure to check for any allergens before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, Greek Rice Toss is a nutritious and delicious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great option for a light and refreshing meal that is full of Mediterranean flavors.

Summary

Greek Rice Toss is a delicious and nutritious salad that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. With its bold Mediterranean flavors and fresh ingredients, this dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Greek Rice Toss. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a small village in Greece with my husband. We had been walking through the bustling markets, admiring the vibrant colors of the fresh fruits and vegetables, when we stumbled upon a small, unassuming food stand tucked away in a corner.

The scent of garlic and olive oil wafted through the air, drawing us closer to the stand. As we approached, we saw a kind, elderly woman stirring a large pot of rice with a wooden spoon. Her weathered hands moved with such grace and precision that it was clear she had been doing this for years.

Intrigued by the delicious aroma coming from the pot, I struck up a conversation with the woman. She told me that she had been making this traditional Greek dish for her family for generations, and that it was a recipe passed down to her from her own grandmother.

As she spoke, I could see the passion and love she had for cooking reflected in her eyes. She graciously offered to share her recipe with me, and I eagerly accepted.

The ingredients were simple yet flavorful – rice, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a generous amount of olive oil. The key, she explained, was to cook the rice slowly and allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.

I watched intently as she demonstrated the cooking process, taking note of every step and technique she used. The way she sautéed the onions until they were golden brown, the way she added the tomatoes and garlic just at the right moment, and the way she stirred the rice with such care and attention to detail.

After she had finished cooking, she handed me a small bowl of the Greek Rice Toss to try. The flavors exploded on my taste buds – the tanginess of the tomatoes, the sweetness of the onions, and the richness of the olive oil all came together in perfect harmony.

I knew in that moment that I had discovered something truly special. This recipe was more than just a dish – it was a piece of history, a connection to a culture and tradition that had been passed down through generations.

I thanked the woman profusely for sharing her recipe with me and promised to carry on the tradition in my own home. As we said our goodbyes and continued on our journey through the village, I couldn't stop thinking about the Greek Rice Toss and the incredible woman who had shared it with me.

When we returned home, I wasted no time in recreating the dish in my own kitchen. I followed the recipe to a tee, using the freshest ingredients I could find and channeling the same passion and love that the woman had shown me.

As the rice cooked and the aroma filled the air, I felt a sense of pride and connection to the woman in Greece who had so generously shared her recipe with me. When I finally tasted the finished dish, it was like taking a trip back to that small village – the flavors transported me to a place of warmth, hospitality, and tradition.

From that day on, the Greek Rice Toss became a staple in my household. I shared the recipe with my children and grandchildren, passing on not just a delicious dish, but a piece of history and culture as well.

Every time I make the Greek Rice Toss, I think of the kind woman in Greece who opened her heart and her kitchen to me. Her recipe has become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire, a reminder of the power of food to connect us to one another and to our shared humanity.

And so, as I prepare the Greek Rice Toss once again, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit of reverence for the traditions and stories that have been woven into this simple yet extraordinary dish.