Cold Rice And Green Peas
A refreshing cold rice and green pea salad with fresh herbs, tangy tarragon vinegar, and ripe tomato, perfect for warm days and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the rice according to the package directions and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, frozen peas, minced onion, diced tomato, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the oil and tarragon vinegar to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the rice mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Refrigerate the salad for a few hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best texture, ensure the rice is completely cooled before mixing. If you prefer a milder flavor, consider using green onions instead of minced onion. You can also substitute the tarragon vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a different taste. Adding chopped bell peppers can enhance the dish's color and crunch, making it reminiscent of recipes like Gelatin Macaroni Salad.
Serving Suggestions
This cold rice salad is a perfect side dish for grilled meats or a light lunch option. It pairs beautifully with Jim'S Apple Pie for dessert or can be served alongside Delores' Winter Salad for a refreshing meal. Garnish with extra parsley or cherry tomatoes for an appealing presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To refresh the salad, you can add a splash more of oil or vinegar before serving. If you want to enjoy it warm, gently reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally, but be cautious not to overcook the peas.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cold Rice And Green Peas contains roughly 1287 calories, with 10g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 123g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (57% of the Daily Value), iron (54% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as brown rice typically takes longer to cook than white rice. The texture may also be a bit chewier, which can add a nice contrast to the salad.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This cold rice and green peas salad is ideal for meal prep. It keeps well in the fridge and the flavors improve as it sits. Just make sure to store the dressing separately if you plan to keep it for more than a couple of days to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Certainly! You can incorporate cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. This will make the dish more filling and transform it into a complete meal. Consider adding these proteins just before serving to keep everything fresh and flavorful.
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).