Victory Rice Salad

Victory Rice Salad Recipe - A Delicious and Nutritious Meal from USA

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 6

Introduction

Victory Rice Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for a summer picnic or barbecue. This salad is a great way to use up leftover rice and is packed full of flavor.

History

Victory Rice Salad has its roots in American cuisine, with its origins dating back to the mid-20th century. The name "Victory" is a nod to the victory gardens that were popular during World War II, where people grew their own fruits and vegetables to help support the war effort.

Ingredients

0.75 cup sour cream
0.33 cup italian salad dressing
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp ground black pepper
0.5 tsp sugar
0.33 cup finely chopped onion
1 x 1 lb (454 g) can cut green beans, drained
3 cup cooked rice
0.33 cup crumbled cooked bacon
3 small tomatoes, quartered

How to prepare

In a blender, combine sour cream, dressing, salt, pepper, and sugar.
Pour the mixture over onion, green beans, rice, and bacon; toss gently.
Chill the salad.
Transfer the salad to a salad bowl and garnish with tomato wedges.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add in some grilled tofu or chickpeas for protein.
Add in some chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for extra flavor.
Swap out the Italian salad dressing for a homemade vinaigrette for a lighter option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the rice according to package instructions and allow it to cool completely before making the salad.

- For a healthier version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

- Feel free to add in additional vegetables such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or olives for extra crunch and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Victory Rice Salad as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or burgers. It also makes a great addition to a potluck or picnic spread.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Victory Rice Salad is to ensure that the rice is cooked and cooled properly before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will help the flavors meld together and create a delicious dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Italian salad dressing on hand, you can use a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

Victory 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 dressing.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with some fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color. You can also serve it in a large lettuce leaf for a fun and festive presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats such as chicken, steak, or pork chops. It also goes well with a side of corn on the cob or a fresh green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Victory Rice Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Victory Rice Salad contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Victory Rice Salad is a carbohydrate-rich dish, with the main sources of carbs coming from the rice, green beans, and tomatoes.

Fats

The fats in this salad come from the sour cream, bacon, and Italian salad dressing. While these ingredients do add flavor, it's important to enjoy them in moderation.

Proteins

The protein in Victory Rice Salad comes from the bacon and sour cream. If you're looking to boost the protein content, you can add in some grilled chicken or tofu.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is a good source of vitamins and minerals, particularly from the tomatoes, green beans, and onions. These ingredients provide essential nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream) and pork (bacon), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or pork allergies.

Summary

Overall, Victory Rice Salad is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Victory Rice Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. Packed full of fresh ingredients and bold flavors, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Victory Rice Salad. It was during the final days of World War II, and food was scarce. My family had to make do with whatever ingredients we could find, rationed or otherwise. It was a time of uncertainty and fear, but also a time of innovation and creativity in the kitchen.

I learned this recipe from my neighbor Mrs. Jenkins, who had a knack for making delicious meals out of the most basic ingredients. She invited me over one afternoon to help her prepare dinner for her family, and that's when I first laid eyes on the recipe for Victory Rice Salad.

As Mrs. Jenkins chopped vegetables and boiled rice, she told me the story behind the recipe. During the war, food shortages were common, and families had to make do with whatever they had on hand. The Victory Rice Salad was a way to stretch out a small amount of rice and make it into a filling and nutritious meal for the whole family.

The key to the recipe was the addition of colorful vegetables and a zesty dressing made from vinegar, oil, and herbs. Mrs. Jenkins explained that the bright colors and bold flavors of the salad were meant to bring a sense of joy and hope to those who ate it, even in the darkest of times.

I watched intently as Mrs. Jenkins mixed the ingredients together, tasting and adjusting the seasonings until the flavors were just right. I could see the pride in her eyes as she served the salad to her family, knowing that she had created something delicious and nourishing out of almost nothing.

After that day, I made Victory Rice Salad a regular part of our family's meals. It became a symbol of resilience and resourcefulness for us, a reminder that even in the toughest of times, we could still enjoy a tasty and satisfying meal together.

Over the years, I have added my own twist to the recipe, incorporating different vegetables and herbs depending on what I have on hand. Each time I make Victory Rice Salad, I remember Mrs. Jenkins and the lessons she taught me about making the most out of what we have.

Now, as I pass this recipe down to my own grandchildren, I hope that they will carry on the tradition of making Victory Rice Salad in times of need. It may seem like a simple dish, but to me, it represents so much more - resilience, creativity, and the power of food to bring comfort and joy to those who enjoy it.

I am grateful for the lessons I learned from Mrs. Jenkins all those years ago, and I will always cherish the memories of making Victory Rice Salad with her in her cozy kitchen. It may have been a wartime recipe, but to me, it will always be a symbol of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.