Citrus Rice Salad
A vibrant citrus rice salad combining sweet mandarin oranges, crunchy celery, green onions, and toasted pecans, perfect for light lunches, picnics, or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain oranges; mix juice, water, raisins, salt, and pepper in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil.
- Stir in rice.
- Return to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat; let stand for 5 minutes.
- Spread in a shallow pan; freeze for 10 minutes to quickly cool the rice.
- Toss with remaining ingredients: mandarin oranges, sliced cucumber, sliced celery and green onions, toasted chopped pecans, and plain low-fat yogurt.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the rice. You can substitute the raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dates for a different sweetness. Adding nuts like toasted almonds or walnuts can enhance crunch and texture. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rice can be used as a quick alternative for this Citrus Rice Salad.
Serving Suggestions
This Citrus Rice Salad is perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with Mama'S Cornmeal Mush for a comforting meal. For a vegan twist, omit the yogurt or substitute it with a plant-based alternative. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or mint for an added burst of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will meld together over time, making it even more delicious. To reheat, add a splash of water and microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Citrus Rice Salad contains roughly 341 calories, with 6g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 882mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad can be made a day ahead. Just prepare it and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will develop and intensify, making it even tastier. Just be sure to add the mandarin oranges right before serving to keep them fresh.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, this Citrus Rice Salad is naturally gluten-free since it uses brown rice and no gluten-containing ingredients. Just check the labels on any additional ingredients, like yogurt or nuts, to ensure they are also gluten-free.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Certainly! You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to boost the protein content of this salad. It makes for a more filling meal while maintaining the refreshing quality of the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).