Summer Rice Salad
A refreshing summer rice salad with peas, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or light meals on warm days.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cooked rice, cooked and chilled peas, sliced celery, sliced green onions, chopped fresh tomatoes, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Mix mayonnaise and sour cream together and gently fold into the rice mixture until well combined.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can elevate the flavor profile. If you don't have green onions, chopped chives make a great substitute. You can also add diced bell peppers for extra crunch. Make sure the rice is completely cooled before mixing to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect as a side dish for grilled meats or fish, especially during summer barbecues. It pairs beautifully with dishes like Nina Owen'S Lemon Chess Pie for dessert. You can also serve it alongside a light green salad or a platter of fresh vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. If you'd prefer it cold, enjoy it straight from the fridge as a refreshing summer dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Summer Rice Salad contains roughly 424 calories, with 6g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is a good source of calcium (15% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2164mg per serving (94% 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 salad a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, corn, or even diced cucumbers would work well. Adding a variety of colors can make the salad more visually appealing and nutritious.
Is this salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Absolutely! This Summer Rice Salad is a great option for vegetarian recipes. It contains no meat and is packed with veggies, making it both satisfying and healthy. Just ensure that the mayonnaise used is egg-free if desired.
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).