Crunchy Rice Salad
A vibrant, crunchy rice salad with citrus, vegetables, and savory soy dressing, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or light summer meals for 10 to 12 people.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook rice, omitting salt.
- Cool the cooked rice.
- Combine the cooled rice with drained mandarin oranges, chopped green onion, sliced celery, sliced water chestnuts, and sliced mushrooms.
- Mix rice vinegar, vegetable oil, and soy sauce in a separate bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the rice mixture.
- Toss lightly to combine.
- Chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added crunch, consider using cooked quinoa or bulgur wheat in place of rice. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rice or frozen rice can be convenient substitutes. Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, and for a protein boost, add cooked chicken or tofu. This salad can be customized to fit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this crunchy rice salad as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled meats or as a light lunch on its own. It pairs beautifully with Apple-Candy Bar Salad for a delightful summer meal. For a heartier option, consider adding shredded rotisserie chicken or chickpeas for extra protein. Garnish with sesame seeds for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat gently, adding a splash of water if needed to retain moisture. This salad is also delicious served cold, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crunchy Rice Salad contains roughly 70 calories, with 2g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (26% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 732mg per serving (32% 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?
Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance. Just keep it stored in the refrigerator and give it a gentle toss before serving. The flavors will meld nicely overnight, enhancing the overall taste. However, if using fresh ingredients, such as celery, consider adding them closer to serving time for optimal crunch.
What can I substitute for rice vinegar?
If you don't have rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as alternatives. Both options will provide a similar acidity and flavor profile. Adjust the amount to taste, as some vinegars can be more potent than others. For a sweeter note, a splash of lemon juice can also work well.
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this crunchy rice salad is entirely vegan as it contains no animal products. The ingredients are all plant-based, making it a healthy choice for those following vegan recipes. You can enhance it further with additional vegetables or plant-based proteins to suit your dietary needs.
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).