Rice Primavera Salad

Rice Primavera Salad Recipe from Italy with Broccoli, Peas, and Parmesan Cheese

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Rice Primavera Salad is a colorful and flavorful dish that combines a variety of vegetables with three different types of rice. This dish is perfect for a light and refreshing meal, and can be served as a side dish or a main course.

History

The term "primavera" means "spring" in Italian, and this dish is inspired by the fresh and vibrant flavors of the season. Rice Primavera Salad is a modern twist on traditional rice salads, incorporating a mix of seasonal vegetables and herbs for a delicious and nutritious meal.

Ingredients

0.25 cup olive oil, divided
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup frozen green peas
0.5 cup chopped yellow pepper
0.5 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup cooked aromatic rice
1 cup cooked medium-grain white rice
1 cup cooked brown rice
1 medium tomato, seeded and chopped
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp dried basil
0.5 tsp ground white pepper
0.25 tsp seasoned salt
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

How to prepare

In a large skillet, stir-fry broccoli in 1 tbsp of olive oil for 3 minutes.
Add peas and peppers to the skillet and continue cooking until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Remove the skillet from heat and add rice and tomatoes.
In a separate bowl, combine vinegar, remaining 3 tbsp of olive oil, basil, pepper, and salt. Toss the mixture to combine.
Sprinkle the dish with Parmesan cheese.
Serve the dish at room temperature or chilled.

Variations

You can add cooked shrimp or tofu for added protein.
Try adding different herbs such as parsley or cilantro for a fresh twist.
Substitute the rice with quinoa or couscous for a different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are tender-crisp to maintain their vibrant colors and fresh flavors.

- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs.

- For a more filling meal, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad.

Serving Suggestions

Rice Primavera Salad can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or as a main course on its own. It pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying the vegetables helps to retain their crunch and vibrant colors.

- Mixing the dressing separately before adding it to the salad ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any combination of vegetables that you prefer in this recipe.

- Substitute the olive oil with avocado oil or grapeseed oil for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the salad up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving. - Serve the salad in individual bowls or on a large platter for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Rice Primavera Salad pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu.

- Serve with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- To reheat, simply microwave the salad for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

290

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 38g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 4g

Fats

- Total Fat: 14g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 6g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15% DV

- Vitamin C: 70% DV

- Calcium: 6% DV

- Iron: 10% DV

Alergens

Contains dairy (Parmesan cheese)

Summary

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

Summary

Rice Primavera Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With a mix of colorful vegetables, three types of rice, and a flavorful dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a sunny afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria for our weekly card game. As I walked into her kitchen, the aroma of fresh herbs and vegetables filled the air. Maria was busy chopping away at a colorful array of bell peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes, her hands moving with the precision of a seasoned chef.

"What are you making, Maria?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"Oh, just a little something I picked up from my Italian neighbor," she replied with a smile. "It's called Rice Primavera Salad - a light and refreshing dish perfect for summer."

I watched intently as Maria cooked the rice and mixed it with the sautéed vegetables, tossing everything together with a homemade vinaigrette. The vibrant colors and fragrant herbs made my mouth water, and I knew I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

After enjoying a delicious lunch of Rice Primavera Salad, I begged Maria to share the recipe with me. She obliged, writing down the ingredients and steps on a scrap of paper, and I tucked it away in my apron pocket with a promise to recreate the dish at home.

Over the next few weeks, I experimented with the recipe, adjusting the seasonings and adding my own twist with some fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Each time I made it, the flavors seemed to come together more harmoniously, and I knew I had found a new family favorite.

As I continued to perfect the Rice Primavera Salad, I couldn't help but think back to the many recipes I had collected over the years. Some came from cookbooks, others from friends and family members, each a precious gem in my culinary treasure trove. But there was something special about this dish - it felt like a gift from Maria, a token of our friendship that I would cherish forever.

I shared the recipe with my own friends and family, serving it at potlucks and gatherings with pride. The colorful medley of vegetables and the light, tangy dressing never failed to impress, and I found joy in watching others savor each bite.

Years passed, and my love for cooking only grew stronger. I continued to seek out new recipes and techniques, always eager to expand my culinary repertoire. But no matter how many dishes I mastered, the Rice Primavera Salad remained a staple in my kitchen, a reminder of the day I discovered a new passion for fresh, wholesome ingredients.

Now, as I sit in my cozy kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of herbs and spices, I can't help but feel grateful for all the recipes I have collected over the years. Each one tells a story, a memory of a special moment shared with loved ones around the table.

And as I take a bite of the Rice Primavera Salad, its flavors bursting with the taste of summer, I am reminded once again of Maria and the bond we share through food. In this simple dish, I find not just a recipe, but a connection to the past, a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing a meal with those we hold dear. And for that, I am truly grateful.