Green Rice Salad
A vibrant and refreshing green rice salad featuring fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette, perfect for summer gatherings and healthy meals.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups uncooked long grain rice ⓘ
- 3 1/2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 5 tablespoons white wine vinegar ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons mustard ⓘ
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups diced celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced green onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 10 ounces frozen peas, thawed ⓘ
Instructions
- Bring rice, water, and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil.
- Cover and reduce heat; simmer 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let stand 20 minutes.
- Beat together vinegar and mustard; beat in oil, then sugar, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Add cooked rice to the dressing and toss until well coated.
- Add diced celery, sliced green onion, chopped dill, chopped mint, and chopped parsley; toss again.
- Add thawed peas and toss again.
- Serve at room temperature.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting some of the vegetable oil with olive oil. Fresh herbs can be adjusted based on your preference; basil or cilantro would also work well. If you're short on time, you can use instant rice, but the texture may differ. This salad can be enhanced by adding chopped bell peppers or using a different vinegar like apple cider.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Green Rice Salad at room temperature as a light main dish or as a side. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish. For a more substantial meal, consider adding chickpeas or tofu for protein. This dish is perfect for picnics or potlucks, and it complements Mediterranean recipes beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day. To reheat, briefly microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or serve cold for a refreshing dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Rice Salad contains roughly 392 calories, with 15g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (204% of the Daily Value), iron (71% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1382mg per serving (60% 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 is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it a day in advance, allowing the flavors to develop. Just keep it refrigerated and give it a good toss before serving.
What can I substitute for fresh herbs?
If you don't have fresh herbs on hand, dried herbs can be used, though the flavor will be less vibrant. Use about one-third of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. Alternatively, you could skip the herbs altogether for a simpler flavor.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Yes, this salad is suitable for vegans as it contains no animal products. It’s a great choice for a plant-based meal. For added protein, consider mixing in some roasted chickpeas or tofu.
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).