Olive Rice Salad Recipe from Italy

Olive Rice Salad

Olive Rice Salad Recipe from Italy
Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Olive Rice Salad
Olive Rice Salad

Olive Rice Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. This salad is packed with flavor and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

Olive Rice Salad has been a popular dish for many years, with its origins dating back to Mediterranean cuisine. The combination of rice, olives, and Italian dressing creates a unique and tasty flavor profile that is loved by many.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. In a large bowl, combine rice, celery, olives, onion, and pimientos.
  2. In a small bowl, combine salad dressing and mayonnaise using a fork; mix well.
  3. Pour the dressing mixture over the rice mixture and toss lightly.
  4. Serve on lettuce leaves.

Variations

  • Add in diced tomatoes or cucumbers for extra freshness.
  • Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of this salad.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to let the cooked chicken broth cool to room temperature before adding it to the salad to prevent the rice from becoming mushy.

- You can customize this salad by adding in your favorite vegetables or protein, such as diced tomatoes or grilled chicken.

- For a more tangy flavor, you can add a splash of lemon juice to the dressing mixture.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or as a light lunch on its own.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making this salad is to let the flavors meld together by allowing it to sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Italian salad dressing on hand, you can use a homemade vinaigrette or a simple olive oil and vinegar dressing.

Make Ahead Tips

This 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.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this salad on a bed of lettuce leaves for a beautiful and colorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or a simple sandwich for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This salad is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 200 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 8g per serving

Saturated Fat: 1g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 5g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is a good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin A.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (mayonnaise) and gluten (Italian salad dressing).

Summary

Olive Rice Salad is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a meal or side dish.

Summary

Olive Rice Salad is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

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The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a warm summer day, and I had been invited to a friend's barbecue party. As I walked into the backyard, the aroma of grilled meat filled the air, and the sound of laughter and chatter greeted me. I made my way to the food table, where a colorful array of dishes was laid out for everyone to enjoy.

Among the dishes was a large bowl of Olive Rice Salad. The vibrant colors of the ingredients immediately caught my eye - bright green parsley, juicy red tomatoes, and plump black olives all mixed in with fluffy white rice. It looked so fresh and inviting, a perfect side dish for a summer gathering. I scooped a generous portion onto my plate and took my first bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - tangy olives, sweet tomatoes, and the earthy taste of parsley all combined perfectly with the fluffy rice. I was hooked.

I made my way over to my friend's mother, who had made the salad, and asked her for the recipe. She smiled and gladly shared it with me. As I listened to her instructions, I realized how simple and versatile the dish was. It could be served warm or cold, as a side dish or a main course - the possibilities were endless. I knew I had to add this recipe to my collection.

Over the years, I have made the Olive Rice Salad countless times, tweaking and perfecting the recipe to suit my taste. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about its deliciousness. But the story of how I learned to make this dish goes beyond just a simple summer barbecue.

As a young girl growing up in a small village, my mother was my first teacher in the kitchen. She was a skilled cook, able to create delicious meals out of the most basic ingredients. I would watch her as she chopped, stirred, and seasoned, learning the art of cooking by observation. One day, she handed me a knife and a cutting board and told me to make a salad for dinner. I was nervous, but I followed her instructions carefully, chopping the vegetables into small, uniform pieces and mixing them with a simple vinaigrette dressing. When we sat down to eat, my mother praised my salad, saying it was just as good as hers. I beamed with pride, knowing that I had created something delicious with my own hands.

As I grew older, I continued to learn from my mother, adding more and more recipes to my repertoire. I would spend hours in the kitchen with her, soaking up her wisdom and experience. But it wasn't just my mother who taught me how to cook - I also learned from my neighbors, my aunts, and even strangers I met along the way. Each person had their own unique way of doing things, their own secret ingredients and techniques that they were willing to share with me.

One summer, I spent a week in the countryside with my grandmother, a woman with a passion for cooking and a treasure trove of recipes. She taught me how to make traditional dishes like stews, pies, and pastries, each one more delicious than the last. But it was her Olive Rice Salad that captured my heart. She showed me how to cook the rice just right, so it was fluffy and light. She taught me the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients, like ripe tomatoes and briny olives. And she showed me how to balance the flavors, adding just the right amount of acidity and herbs to make the dish sing.

As I watched my grandmother work her magic in the kitchen, I realized that cooking was more than just following a recipe - it was a form of art, a way of expressing love and creativity. I saw how much joy she took in preparing meals for her family, how she poured her heart and soul into every dish she made. And I knew that I wanted to do the same.

When I returned home from my visit with my grandmother, I immediately set to work perfecting her Olive Rice Salad recipe. I experimented with different types of olives, tried various herbs and spices, and played around with the proportions of the ingredients. After much trial and error, I finally found the perfect combination that made my taste buds dance with delight.

Now, whenever I make this salad, I think of my grandmother and all the women who have taught me how to cook. I think of the laughter and chatter of that summer barbecue, the warm sun on my skin, and the delicious flavors that exploded in my mouth. And I am grateful for the knowledge and wisdom that has been passed down to me through generations. Cooking is not just about feeding the body - it is about nourishing the soul, connecting us to our past and present, and bringing joy and love to those we share our meals with. And for that, I am forever thankful.

So the next time you make my Olive Rice Salad, remember the stories and the love that have gone into this dish. And enjoy every bite, knowing that you are experiencing a little piece of my culinary journey. Buon appetito!

Categories

| Celery Recipes | Italian Recipes | Italian Salads | Olive Recipes | Rice Recipes |

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