Summertime Rice Salad
A vibrant, refreshing rice salad packed with crunchy vegetables and fresh herbs, perfect for summer gatherings and served chilled on crisp lettuce for a light, flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil in a saucepan.
- Stir in rice.
- Cover, remove from heat, and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Add chopped celery, chopped dill pickle, chopped onion, chopped parsley, and dry mustard.
- Mix well, cover, and chill for about 1 hour.
- Add mayonnaise and stir to combine.
- Serve on crisp lettuce.
- Garnish with sliced hard-cooked eggs or olives, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting jasmine or basmati rice for a fragrant twist. You can also replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. If you want a bit of crunch, try adding chopped bell peppers or nuts. Adjust the amount of dry mustard based on your taste preference, and feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like basil or cilantro instead of parsley.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the summertime rice salad on a bed of crisp lettuce for a refreshing dish. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats like Barbecued Spicy Chicken or as a side to Munnie'S Pot Roast. For a complete meal, consider adding a fruit salad or serving with California Fresh Strawberry Pie for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover rice salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain its freshness, avoid adding mayonnaise until you're ready to serve. If you want to reheat the rice before serving, do so gently in the microwave, adding a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Summertime Rice Salad contains roughly 294 calories, with 5g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is a good source of iron (19% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value), and protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 474mg per serving (21% 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, this salad can be made a day in advance. Just prepare the rice and mix in the vegetables, then chill. Add the mayonnaise right before serving to keep the salad creamy and fresh.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a healthier option, Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for mayonnaise. It provides creaminess without the extra calories. You can also try a vegan mayonnaise if you prefer a plant-based alternative.
How do I make this salad more filling?
To make the salad more substantial, consider adding protein such as diced chicken, tuna, or chickpeas. You can also incorporate avocado or cooked quinoa for added texture and nutrition.
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).