Rice Summer Salad

Rice Summer Salad Recipe with Fresh Veggies and Tangy Cider Dressing

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours to chill | Servings: 4

Introduction

Rice Summer Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that is perfect for warm weather. Packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, this salad is a great way to enjoy the flavors of summer.

History

Rice Summer Salad has been a popular dish for many years, especially during the summer months when fresh produce is abundant. This recipe is a modern twist on traditional rice salads, incorporating a variety of colorful vegetables and herbs.

Ingredients

4 cups cooked short grain brown rice
0.5 cup cider or wine vinegar
1 green pepper, chopped
0.25 tsp mustard powder
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 large tomato, chopped
6 green onions, finely chopped
1 tsp tarragon
1 small zucchini, chopped
5 tbsp diced pimento
1 cup cooked green peas
0.25 cup chopped parsley

How to prepare

Serve the dish plain as a main course, or stack it on lettuce leaves and garnish with tomatoes and watercress. The preparation time is 30 minutes, with an additional 2 hours required for chilling. This recipe is reprinted with permission from HealthRecipes.com.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by adding different vegetables such as cucumbers, bell peppers, or corn. You can also add different herbs such as basil, mint, or cilantro for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the rice according to package instructions to ensure it is the right texture for the salad.

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

- For added flavor, you can also add some cooked chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Rice Summer Salad can be served as a main dish or as a side dish to grilled meats or seafood. It pairs well with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Rice Summer Salad is to cook the rice just right and to chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have brown rice, you can use white rice or quinoa instead. You can also substitute the vegetables with whatever you have on hand.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make this salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.

Presentation Ideas

To make this salad look more appealing, you can garnish it with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika. You can also serve it in a large bowl or on a platter for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Rice Summer Salad pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. It also goes well with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.

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.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Rice Summer Salad contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

One serving of Rice Summer Salad contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

One serving of Rice Summer Salad contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

One serving of Rice Summer Salad contains approximately 8 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Rice Summer Salad is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe does not contain any common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

Rice Summer Salad is a healthy and balanced dish that is low in fat and calories but high in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Rice Summer Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for summer. Packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, this salad is a great way to enjoy the flavors of the season.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Sarah for our weekly cooking exchange. Sarah had just returned from a trip to Italy and brought back with her a recipe for a delicious Rice Summer Salad that she had learned from a local chef.

As soon as she handed me the recipe card, I could feel the anticipation building in me. The ingredients were simple yet flavorful - Arborio rice, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella cheese, and a tangy balsamic dressing. I knew this salad would be a hit at my next family gathering.

I followed the instructions carefully, cooking the Arborio rice to a perfect al dente and letting it cool before mixing in the other ingredients. The burst of colors and aromas as I tossed the salad together brought a smile to my face. I could already imagine the delight on my family's faces as they took their first bite.

The first time I made the Rice Summer Salad for my family, it was an instant hit. My husband declared it his new favorite dish, and my grandchildren couldn't get enough of the cheesy, tangy flavors. From that day on, it became a staple at our summer gatherings, bringing joy and laughter to our table.

Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times, each time adding my own twist or variation. Sometimes I would swap out the mozzarella for feta cheese for a salty kick, or add in some grilled shrimp for a protein boost. No matter the iteration, the Rice Summer Salad was always a crowd-pleaser.

As I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, I received glowing reviews and requests for the recipe. I was proud to pass on this delicious dish to others, knowing that it brought people together and created lasting memories.

One summer, as I was preparing the Rice Summer Salad for a neighborhood barbecue, I received a surprise visitor. It was Sarah, the friend who had introduced me to the recipe all those years ago. She had heard about the popularity of the salad and wanted to taste it once again.

As we sat down to enjoy the salad together, reminiscing about the day she had shared the recipe with me, Sarah shared a secret with me. The recipe for the Rice Summer Salad had been passed down in her family for generations, originating from her great-grandmother who had learned it from a traveling chef in Italy.

I was moved by the history and tradition behind the recipe, knowing that it had brought joy and nourishment to so many people over the years. I felt honored to be a part of its legacy, and grateful to Sarah for sharing it with me.

As I continue to make the Rice Summer Salad for my loved ones, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to pass on traditions. Each time I toss together the vibrant colors and flavors of the salad, I am filled with a sense of pride and joy, knowing that I am carrying on a culinary legacy that spans generations.

And so, as I sit down to enjoy a bowl of Rice Summer Salad with my family, I am grateful for the journey that brought this recipe into my life and for the joy and connection it has brought to those around me. Cheers to good food, good friends, and good memories.