Mediterranean Shrimp and Rice Salad

Mediterranean Shrimp and Rice Salad Recipe with Fresh Herbs and Olives

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Mediterranean Shrimp and Rice Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean region with the succulent taste of shrimp. This salad is perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

History

This recipe draws inspiration from the traditional flavors of Mediterranean cuisine, which is known for its use of fresh herbs, olive oil, and seafood. The combination of shrimp, rice, and a variety of vegetables creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

Recipe default

0.25 cup of lightly packed parsley
0.25 cup of lightly packed mint leaves
2 sliced green onions
2 crushed garlic cloves
1 tsp of red pepper flakes
0.25 cup of olive oil
2 tbsp of cider or balsamic vinegar
0.5 tsp of salt
3 cups of cooled cooked rice
0.5 lb (227 g) of peeled, deveined, cooked shrimp
1 15 oz (425 g) can of drained and rinsed garbanzo beans
1 2-0.25 oz (7 g) can of sliced black olives
1 medium-sized julienned red pepper
0.5 cup of slivered red onion
lettuce leaves
cooked shrimp for garnish
mint leaves for garnish

How to prepare

Combine parsley, mint, onions, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a food processor or blender. Process until minced.
Add olive oil, vinegar, and salt to the food processor or blender. Process until well blended and smooth.
Combine rice, shrimp, beans, red pepper, and onion in a large bowl. Toss with the herb mixture just before serving.
Serve on lettuce leaves garnished with shrimp and mint sprigs, if desired.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or cucumbers for extra freshness.
Substitute quinoa or couscous for the rice for a different texture.
Use different herbs such as basil or cilantro for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the rice ahead of time and allow it to cool completely before assembling the salad.

- For best results, use fresh herbs for the herb mixture to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Feel free to customize the salad by adding your favorite vegetables or protein sources.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a main dish or as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. It pairs well with a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade.

Cooking Techniques

The key to this recipe is to cook the shrimp and rice separately and allow them to cool before assembling the salad. This helps to prevent the salad from becoming soggy and ensures that the flavors are well-balanced.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe by substituting ingredients based on your preferences. You can use different types of beans, vegetables, or herbs to create a unique variation of this salad.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply assemble the salad without the shrimp and garnishes, and add them just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this salad on a large platter or individual plates lined with lettuce leaves for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with additional shrimp and mint leaves for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled seafood, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. It also goes well with a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers 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 as a refreshing leftover meal.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 300 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 12 grams of fats per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 15 grams of proteins per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (shrimp) and may not be suitable for individuals with shellfish allergies.

Summary

This Mediterranean Shrimp and Rice Salad is a well-balanced dish that provides a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a meal.

Summary

Mediterranean Shrimp and Rice Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. With its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was a talented cook who had traveled all over the world and collected recipes from every corner of the globe. That day, she decided to treat me to a special dish she had learned to make during her travels in the Mediterranean: Shrimp and Rice Salad.

As Maria worked her magic in the kitchen, I watched in awe as she effortlessly combined fresh ingredients with exotic spices. The aroma that filled the room was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the final result. When the dish was finally ready, Maria served me a generous helping of the shrimp and rice salad, topped with a tangy lemon dressing and sprinkled with feta cheese and olives. With the first bite, I was transported to a sunny beach in Greece, surrounded by the sounds and scents of the Mediterranean.

I couldn't believe how delicious the dish was. The flavors were bold and vibrant, the textures perfectly balanced. I begged Maria to share the recipe with me, and she graciously agreed. She handed me a worn-out notebook filled with handwritten notes and scribbles, telling me that the recipe had been passed down through generations in her family.

I thanked Maria profusely and left her house that day with a heart full of gratitude and a mind full of inspiration. I couldn't wait to recreate the dish in my own kitchen and share it with my loved ones. And so, my journey with the Mediterranean Shrimp and Rice Salad began.

The first step was to gather all the necessary ingredients. I made a shopping list and headed to the local market, where I carefully selected the freshest shrimp, ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fragrant herbs. I also stocked up on high-quality olive oil, lemons, feta cheese, and olives. As I walked through the aisles, I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation building inside me.

Back in my kitchen, I laid out all the ingredients on the counter and read through Maria's recipe one more time. I followed her instructions to the letter, cooking the rice until it was fluffy and aromatic, sautéing the shrimp until they were pink and tender, and tossing everything together with the fresh vegetables and herbs. The final touch was the lemon dressing, which added a zesty and refreshing flavor to the dish.

When the Mediterranean Shrimp and Rice Salad was finally ready, I couldn't wait to dig in. I plated it carefully, garnishing it with a sprinkle of feta cheese and a few olives. The colors of the dish were vibrant and inviting, and the aroma that wafted from the plate made my mouth water.

As I took my first bite, I closed my eyes and savored the flavors dancing on my tongue. The shrimp were succulent and juicy, the rice fluffy and fragrant, and the vegetables crisp and refreshing. The lemon dressing tied everything together beautifully, adding a bright and tangy note to the dish. I couldn't believe how closely my version of the recipe mirrored Maria's – it was like she was there with me in spirit, guiding my every move.

From that day on, the Mediterranean Shrimp and Rice Salad became a staple in my household. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and quiet nights at home. Each time I prepared the dish, I felt a sense of connection to Maria and the rich culinary heritage she had shared with me. The recipe became more than just a dish – it became a symbol of friendship, of tradition, of love.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks and adjustments to the recipe, adding my own personal touch to it. Sometimes I swap out the shrimp for grilled chicken or tofu, depending on my mood and dietary preferences. Other times I experiment with different herbs and spices, creating new and exciting flavor combinations. But no matter how much I tweak the recipe, the essence of the dish remains the same – a celebration of the flavors and aromas of the Mediterranean.

As I sit here, writing this story and reminiscing about my journey with the Mediterranean Shrimp and Rice Salad, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences and memories that have shaped me as a cook. The recipe may have come from Maria, but it has become a part of me – a reflection of my love for food and my desire to share that love with others.

And so, I will continue to make the Mediterranean Shrimp and Rice Salad for years to come, passing it down to the next generation and sharing the story of how I discovered this delicious dish on a sunny summer day in Maria's kitchen. It is a recipe that has brought me joy, comfort, and connection – and for that, I am eternally grateful.