Mississippi Rice Salad

Prep: 15 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Southern

A creamy, tangy rice salad with chopped eggs, pickles, and mayonnaise, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or family dinners with a Southern flair.

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked rice
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
  • 1/2 cup sweet pickles
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
  • 1 (2 oz.) can diced pimentos
  • 4 hard-cooked eggs, chopped

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.
  2. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider incorporating diced celery or bell peppers for a crunchier texture. You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter option. If you prefer a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. This salad can be customized with your favorite ingredients, making it versatile for any occasion.

Serving Suggestions

Mississippi Rice Salad makes a delightful side dish for barbecues or potlucks, pairing nicely with grilled meats or vegetarian recipes. Serve it alongside dishes like Amaretto Mushrooms or California Quiche Lorraine for a complete meal. For a refreshing touch, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture, avoid freezing the salad, as the rice may become mushy. When ready to serve leftovers, stir well and allow it to come to room temperature or gently reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mississippi Rice Salad contains roughly 173 calories, with 4g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (116% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1482mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).

173 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.3g 9% DV
Total Fat 2.7g 3% DV
Carbs 35g 13% DV
Fiber 4.9g 18% DV
Sugar 12.1g 24% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1481.6mg 64% DV
Potassium 513.1mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 51.6mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 84.8mcg 9% DV
Vitamin C 104.1mg 100% DV
Calcium 83.9mg 6% DV
Iron 1.6mg 9% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg

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, you can prepare Mississippi Rice Salad a day in advance. It actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld together in the refrigerator. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.

What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Any type of cooked rice will work, but long-grain rice such as basmati or jasmine is recommended for its fluffy texture. Brown rice can also be used for a nuttier flavor and added nutrients.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for the eggs?

Absolutely! You can replace the chopped eggs with diced avocado or cooked chickpeas for a similar texture and added creaminess. This makes the dish completely vegetarian while still being satisfying.

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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