Hawaiian Rice Salad

Hawaiian Rice Salad Recipe - A Taste of the Tropics

Region / culture: Hawaii | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Hawaiian Rice Salad is a refreshing and tropical dish that combines the flavors of pineapple, mango, and walnuts with a tangy dressing. This salad is perfect for a summer picnic or barbecue, as it is light and flavorful.

History

Hawaiian Rice Salad is inspired by the traditional flavors of Hawaiian cuisine, which often feature tropical fruits and nuts. This dish is a modern twist on classic Hawaiian dishes, incorporating ingredients like pineapple, mango, and walnuts into a rice salad.

Ingredients

1 cup long grain rice
2 cups vegetable stock
0.5 tsp turmeric powder
0.75 cup pineapple chunks
0.5 cup mango chunks
0.25 cup walnuts, coarsely crushed
0.33 cup raisins
0.5 cup chopped cucumbers
0.5 stalk chopped celery
For the dressing
4 tbsp lemon juice
3 tbsp honey
2 tbsp pineapple juice
1 clove garlic
crushed salt
crushed pepper

How to prepare

Thoroughly wash the rice.
In a pan, bring the stock and turmeric powder to a boil.
Add the rice and simmer until it is cooked.
Drain the rice, rinse it, and spread it on a tray to cool.
In a bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.
Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed.
In a separate bowl, mix the rice with pineapple, mango, walnuts, raisins, cucumber, and celery.
Gently fold in the dressing.
Serve.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or red onions for extra crunch and flavor.
Substitute the walnuts with macadamia nuts for a more traditional Hawaiian twist.
Use quinoa or couscous instead of rice for a different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch.

- Use vegetable stock instead of water to cook the rice for added flavor.

- Allow the rice to cool completely before mixing it with the other ingredients to prevent it from becoming mushy.

- Adjust the seasoning of the dressing to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Hawaiian Rice Salad can be served as a side dish or a main course. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish, and can also be enjoyed on its own as a light lunch.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the rice in vegetable stock to infuse it with flavor.

- Mix the dressing separately before adding it to the salad to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use brown rice or wild rice instead of long grain rice for a nuttier flavor.

- Replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option.

Make Ahead Tips

Hawaiian Rice Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to add the dressing right before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Hawaiian Rice Salad in a hollowed-out pineapple for a fun and festive presentation. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Hawaiian Rice Salad with a glass of chilled white wine or a tropical fruit smoothie for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Hawaiian Rice Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad for a few minutes or enjoy it cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 15g

Fats

- Total Fat: 6g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 3g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 20% DV

- Vitamin A: 6% DV

- Iron: 4% DV

Alergens

Contains nuts (walnuts)

Summary

Hawaiian Rice Salad is a nutritious dish that is rich in carbohydrates, healthy fats, and vitamins. It is a great option for a light and satisfying meal.

Summary

Hawaiian Rice Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a summer gathering or a light lunch. With its tropical flavors and crunchy texture, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Hawaiian Rice Salad. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in Hawaii with my family. My mother had a friend who was a fantastic cook and would often invite us over for dinner. One evening, she served us this amazing salad that was bursting with flavors and textures, unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

I was captivated by the combination of sweet pineapple, crunchy vegetables, tender rice, and a tangy dressing that tied it all together. I asked my mother's friend for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me. From that moment on, I was hooked. I made the salad for my family every chance I got, and it quickly became a favorite in our household.

As the years went by, I continued to make the Hawaiian Rice Salad for special occasions and family gatherings. It became a signature dish of mine, and everyone always looked forward to it. I perfected the recipe over time, tweaking it here and there to suit my taste and experimenting with different ingredients to make it my own.

One day, as I was preparing the salad for a family reunion, my aunt asked me where I had learned to make such a delicious dish. I told her the story of how I discovered the recipe and how it had become a cherished part of our family traditions. My aunt was impressed and suggested that I start writing down all of my recipes so that they could be passed down through the generations.

And so, I began to compile all of my favorite recipes into a handwritten cookbook. Each page was filled with memories and stories of how I had come to learn each dish, including the Hawaiian Rice Salad. I wrote down the ingredients and step-by-step instructions, making sure to include all of the tips and tricks that I had picked up along the way.

Over the years, my cookbook grew thicker and thicker, filled with recipes that had been passed down through my family, shared by friends, or discovered through my own culinary adventures. It became a treasure trove of delicious dishes that I could always turn to when I needed to whip up a meal for my loved ones.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the comforting aromas of herbs and spices, I can't help but feel grateful for all of the recipes that have brought joy and nourishment to my family over the years. The Hawaiian Rice Salad will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the day I first stumbled upon its delicious flavors and the journey I took to make it my own.

As I flip through the pages of my cookbook, filled with handwritten notes and splattered with food stains, I am reminded of the love and care that went into each and every dish. And as I continue to cook and create, I know that these recipes will live on, cherished and shared by those who come after me.