Rice Picnic Salad
A vibrant, refreshing rice salad packed with crunchy vegetables and tangy relish, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual gatherings, offering a delightful blend of flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 cups hot cooked rice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup French dressing ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced onions ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup minced celery ⓘ
- 1/3 cup minced bell pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced sour pickles ⓘ
- 1/3 cup sweet relish ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons minced pimento ⓘ
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Toss lightly with a fork to mix well.
- Chill thoroughly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a variation, you can substitute the French dressing with a vinaigrette for a tangier flavor. If you prefer a creamier texture, increase the mayonnaise slightly. You can also add herbs like dill or parsley for extra freshness. Make sure to use freshly cooked rice for the best texture, and let it cool before mixing to prevent clumping.
Serving Suggestions
This rice picnic salad is perfect for summer gatherings and pairs beautifully with Deviled Eggs(Club Member: Ashley Wilson) or grilled meats. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad for a complete meal. For a fun twist, consider adding diced apples or nuts for added crunch and flavor, making it a delightful addition to any picnic spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover rice picnic salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the freshness of the ingredients, avoid leaving it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. This salad is best served chilled, so you can enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice Picnic Salad contains roughly 975 calories, with 5g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 79g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (67% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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, you can prepare this rice picnic salad a day in advance. Just make sure to keep it refrigerated and mix the ingredients well before serving to ensure everything is evenly distributed. This allows the flavors to meld nicely, enhancing the taste.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise, which will still provide creaminess while adding protein. Alternatively, for a vegan version, try using a plant-based mayo or silken tofu blended until smooth.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the salad by adding vegetables like diced cucumber, corn, or even avocado for creaminess. Just remember to chop them finely to maintain the overall texture of the salad.
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).