Rice Salad Ii
A vibrant rice salad featuring crunchy vegetables, mushrooms, and peas, perfect for light meals or gatherings, offering fresh flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring 1 cup of water to a boil and add the instant rice.
- Simmer for about 5 minutes until the water is absorbed.
- Let the rice cool completely.
- Add chopped cucumber, chopped green onions, mushroom pieces, chopped water chestnuts, remaining chopped green onions, and thawed peas to the cooled rice.
- Mix well to combine.
- Refrigerate before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a refreshing twist, consider adding diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes. If you're short on time, substitute instant rice with pre-cooked rice. For a vegan option, ensure the canned mushrooms are not packed in any animal-derived broth. This salad can also be enhanced with a splash of lemon juice or your favorite vinaigrette for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this rice salad as a light lunch or as a side dish for grilled meats or seafood. It pairs beautifully with Spiced Peaches With Currant Jelly, making for a delightful meal. For a complete dinner, complement it with a fresh green salad or some crusty bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To enjoy it again, simply take it out and allow it to come to room temperature, or gently reheat in the microwave. Be cautious not to overheat, as it can change the texture of the rice.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice Salad Ii contains roughly 77 calories, with 4g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (66% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use brown rice instead of instant rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and water quantity according to the package instructions. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so be sure to let it cool completely before mixing with the other ingredients.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make the salad more filling, consider adding canned beans like chickpeas or black beans. You can also incorporate diced cooked chicken or tofu for added protein. This can turn your rice salad into a satisfying main dish.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This rice salad is perfect for meal prep. It holds up well in the refrigerator and flavors deepen over time. Just make sure to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.
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).