Minted Corn & Rice Salad

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Mediterranean

A fresh, vibrant salad combining sweet corn, rice, radishes, and herbs, perfect for summer gatherings or light, healthy meals with bright citrus and herb flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. long-grain white rice
  • 1-1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 c. fresh lemon juice
  • 3 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp. coarsely ground pepper
  • 8 medium ears corn
  • 1 bunch radishes
  • 3/4 c. fresh peas or frozen peas
  • 1/2 c. fresh mint leaves
  • 2 Tbsp. snipped fresh chives

Instructions

  1. Prepare rice as label directs, but do not add margarine and use only 1/2 tsp. salt.
  2. While rice is cooking, prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, with a wire whisk, mix lemon juice, oil, pepper, and remaining 3/4 tsp. salt until blended.
  3. Add hot rice to the dressing and toss to coat.
  4. Cool slightly, about 30 minutes, tossing occasionally.
  5. Meanwhile, in a 5-quart Dutch oven, heat 3 quarts water to boiling over high heat.
  6. Add corn and cook for 5 minutes. Drain.
  7. When corn is cool enough to handle, cut kernels from the cob.
  8. Add corn to rice with radishes, peas, mint, and chives.
  9. Toss until evenly mixed.
  10. If not serving right away, cover and refrigerate up to 8 hours.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider grilling the corn instead of boiling it, which will enhance its sweetness. If fresh peas are unavailable, frozen peas work just as well and save prep time. You can also substitute the fresh mint with basil for a different taste. To make this a heartier dish, add some White Beans, Yellow Squash And Tomatoes Stew for a nutritious twist.

Serving Suggestions

This Minted Corn & Rice Salad is perfect as a light main dish or a refreshing side. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it ideal for summer barbecues. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a light soup or a salad from Mediterranean recipes, such as Rice And Garbanzo Salad, for a balanced feast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad can be kept for up to 2 days. If you notice that the rice has absorbed too much dressing, add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice before serving to revive the flavors. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the rice and vegetables may suffer.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Minted Corn & Rice Salad contains roughly 411 calories, with 11g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (136% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (69% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (66% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2245mg per serving (98% of the Daily Value).

411 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.3g 23% DV
Total Fat 23g 29% DV
Carbs 50.9g 19% DV
Fiber 19.2g 69% DV
Sugar 7g 14% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2244.7mg 98% DV
Potassium 1554mg 33% DV
Cholesterol 1.1mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 591.4mcg 66% DV
Vitamin C 122.6mg 100% DV
Calcium 376.6mg 29% DV
Iron 8.2mg 45% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

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

How can I adjust the flavor if it's too tangy?

If the salad is too tangy for your taste, you can balance it by adding a bit more olive oil or a pinch of sugar to the dressing. Taste and adjust gradually until you reach your desired flavor profile.

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).

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