Twice As Nice Rice Salad
A vibrant rice salad featuring fresh vegetables and herbs, dressed in Italian-inspired flavors. Perfect for light lunches, picnics, or casual gatherings with a refreshing taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Use any combination of chopped or shredded fresh vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, green pepper, mushrooms, radishes, tomato, or zucchini.
- Combine Wish-Bone Italian dressing, mayonnaise, chopped fresh parsley, basil or dill, and chopped onion in a bowl.
- Add the cooked rice and chopped vegetables to the dressing mixture.
- Mix well and chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant twist, consider adding a mix of chopped bell peppers, shredded carrots, or diced cucumbers. If you want to make it vegan, substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan alternative. Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can also elevate the flavor profile. Adjust the dressing to your taste; for a tangier salad, add more Italian dressing or a splash of lemon juice.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect as a side dish for grilled meats or as a light lunch option. It pairs beautifully with Lemon Sesame Dressing drizzled on top for added flavor. Consider serving it alongside Mediterranean recipes for a well-rounded meal or as part of a picnic spread. Garnish with additional fresh herbs for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together over time, making it even tastier. When reheating, add a splash of water to prevent the rice from drying out, and microwave in short bursts, stirring in between until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Twice As Nice Rice Salad contains roughly 666 calories, with 16g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (51% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 920mg per serving (40% 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 use leftover rice for this salad?
Absolutely! Using leftover rice is a great way to save time and reduce food waste. Just ensure it's well-cooked and cooled before mixing it with the dressing and vegetables. This adds convenience and enhances the texture of the salad.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to get creative! Chopped tomatoes, shredded zucchini, or even diced avocado can add great flavor and nutrition. You can also consider adding cooked green beans or peas for extra color and crunch.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Twice As Nice Rice Salad is excellent for meal prep! It holds up well in the fridge, making it an ideal choice for lunches throughout the week. Just keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain the freshness of the vegetables.
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).