Mississippi Rice Salad

Mississippi Rice Salad Recipe - Delicious American Cuisine

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Mississippi Rice Salad is a classic Southern dish that is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. This creamy and flavorful salad is a crowd-pleaser and is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

History

Mississippi Rice Salad has its roots in Southern cuisine, where rice is a staple ingredient. The combination of rice, eggs, pickles, and mayonnaise creates a delicious and satisfying dish that has been enjoyed by generations of families in the South.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked rice, cooled
4 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
0.5 cup finely chopped onion
0.5 cup chopped sweet pickles
1 x 2 oz (57 g) jar diced pimento (0.25 cup)
1 tsp salt
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp prepared mustard
lettuce leaves

How to prepare

Blend together rice, eggs, onion, pickles, pimento, salt, pepper, mayonnaise, and mustard. Chill the mixture.
Serve the mixture on lettuce leaves.

Variations

Add in some cooked bacon or ham for a smoky flavor.
Mix in some chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and sweetness.
Use different types of pickles or relish for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

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 a more flavorful salad, you can add in some chopped celery, bell peppers, or even cooked shrimp.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or mustard as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Mississippi Rice Salad can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, or fried fish. It also makes a great addition to a picnic or potluck spread.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Mississippi Rice Salad is to ensure that the rice is cooked perfectly and cooled before mixing it with the other ingredients. Be sure to blend the ingredients together gently to avoid mashing the rice.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have sweet pickles on hand, you can use dill pickles or relish instead. You can also substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version of the salad.

Make Ahead Tips

Mississippi Rice Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the flavors.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Mississippi Rice Salad on a bed of lettuce leaves for a beautiful presentation. You can also garnish the salad with some chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This creamy and flavorful salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or even a simple sandwich. It also goes well with a glass of sweet tea or lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Mississippi Rice Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mississippi Rice Salad contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mississippi Rice Salad contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mississippi Rice Salad contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Mississippi Rice Salad contains approximately 6 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Mississippi Rice Salad is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and mayonnaise, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Mississippi Rice Salad is a delicious and satisfying dish that is relatively high in fat and calories, but also provides a good amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Mississippi Rice Salad is a classic Southern dish that is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can whip up this delicious salad in no time. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Mississippi Rice Salad. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in Jackson, Mississippi. Martha was known for her delicious Southern cooking, and I always looked forward to trying out her new recipes.

As soon as I walked into Martha's kitchen, I was greeted by the enticing aroma of spices and herbs. She was busy chopping vegetables and stirring a pot of rice on the stove. Curious, I asked her what she was making, and she replied with a smile, "Mississippi Rice Salad."

I had never heard of this dish before, and I was intrigued by the combination of ingredients Martha was using. She explained that Mississippi Rice Salad was a popular side dish in the South, perfect for picnics and barbecues. It was a refreshing and light salad made with cooked rice, vegetables, and a tangy dressing.

Martha generously shared her recipe with me, and I eagerly wrote down the ingredients and instructions. I watched as she assembled the salad, mixing the cooked rice with diced bell peppers, onions, celery, and cherry tomatoes. She then added a homemade dressing made with olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and a dash of hot sauce for a bit of a kick.

After letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for a couple of hours, Martha served it alongside grilled chicken and cornbread. I took a bite of the Mississippi Rice Salad, and I was instantly hooked. The flavors were bright and zesty, with a satisfying crunch from the vegetables.

I knew that I had to recreate this dish for my family back home. When I returned from my trip to Mississippi, I gathered all the ingredients and got to work in my own kitchen. As I chopped and stirred, the memories of my time with Martha flooded back to me. I could almost hear her laughter and feel the warmth of her hospitality.

When I served the Mississippi Rice Salad to my family, they were delighted by the new dish. They couldn't get enough of the refreshing flavors and the unique twist on a traditional rice salad. I felt proud to have learned this recipe from my friend Martha and to be able to share it with my loved ones.

Over the years, I have made Mississippi Rice Salad countless times, each batch bringing back fond memories of my time in the South. I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who have all raved about its deliciousness. It has become a staple at our family gatherings and a dish that everyone looks forward to.

As I look back on that hot summer day in Jackson, Mississippi, I am grateful for the chance to learn new recipes and explore different cuisines. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and I cherish the moments spent in the kitchen, creating dishes that bring joy and comfort to those I love.

The recipe for Mississippi Rice Salad will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the friendship and camaraderie that food can bring. I am grateful for the connections I have made through cooking and for the memories that each dish holds. And as I continue to explore new recipes and flavors, I know that the spirit of Martha and her Mississippi Rice Salad will always be with me.