Golden Rice Salad
Golden Rice Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining hot cooked rice with crisp vegetables, tangy olives, and a savory mustard vinaigrette. Perfect for picnics or light lunches, its balanced flavors and colorful presentation make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup salad oil ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 4 1/2 cups hot cooked rice, cooked in chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 cup ripe olives, cut in large pieces ⓘ
- 2 hard-cooked eggs, diced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups celery, diced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dill pickles, chopped ⓘ
- 1 small onion, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup margarine ⓘ
Instructions
- Blend together salad oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over hot rice; toss and set aside to cool.
- Add remaining ingredients and toss gently.
- Chill thoroughly before serving.
- Serve on lettuce leaf and garnish with extra sliced eggs.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter dressing, consider using olive oil instead of salad oil. If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth or water can be used for cooking the rice. To enhance flavor, add herbs like dill or parsley. Make sure the rice is hot when adding the dressing to better absorb the flavors. For a unique twist, try adding diced bell peppers or corn.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Golden Rice Salad on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves for an elegant presentation. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a delightful addition to summer barbecues. You can also serve it alongside dishes like Ham, Cheese & Broccoli Fondue for a complete meal. Garnish with extra sliced eggs or fresh herbs for added color.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld even more as it sits. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to avoid uneven heating. If the salad seems dry after reheating, add a splash of olive oil or broth to moisten it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Golden Rice Salad contains roughly 628 calories, with 7g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (16% of the Daily Value), protein (15% of the Daily Value), and iron (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1770mg per serving (77% 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 make sure to refrigerate it and let it chill thoroughly before serving. The flavors will develop nicely as it sits. If you're serving it for a gathering, prepare it the night before to save time on the day of the event.
What can I substitute for the olives?
If you’re not a fan of olives, you can substitute them with artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile. You can also omit them entirely and add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or carrots to maintain texture.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the Golden Rice Salad is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or fish. It can easily fit into vegetarian recipes. Just ensure that any broth used is vegetable-based. Additionally, you can replace the hard-cooked eggs with avocado for a vegan version.
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).