Vegetable And 5 Way Rice Casserole
A vibrant, protein-packed rice salad featuring a mix of beans, vegetables, and zesty Italian dressing, perfect for a refreshing side or light meal. Appeals to veggie lovers and salad enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 15 oz. can yellow hominy, drained ⓘ
- 15 oz. can black-eyed peas, drained ⓘ
- 15 oz. can red beans, drained ⓘ
- 4 green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large tomato, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced ⓘ
- 1 cup Zesty Italian salad dressing ⓘ
- tortilla chips ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the cooked rice, drained hominy, drained black-eyed peas, drained red beans, chopped green onions, chopped tomato, chopped garlic, diced green pepper, and minced jalapeno in a large bowl.
- Pour the Zesty Italian salad dressing over the mixture.
- Toss gently to combine everything thoroughly.
- Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator.
- Before serving, toss the salad again and serve with tortilla chips or as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the Zesty Italian salad dressing with a homemade vinaigrette or a different store-bought dressing. You can also mix in other vegetables like corn or zucchini based on what you have on hand. If you prefer a spicier kick, leave some seeds in the jalapeno or add a dash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole as a hearty side dish or a light main course. It pairs beautifully with tortilla chips for scooping and can be complemented by a refreshing salad or a bowl of Chilled Cranberry Soup for a vibrant meal. For a complete spread, consider serving it alongside grilled vegetables or a fruit salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If the mixture appears dry, add a splash of dressing or a little water before reheating to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetable And 5 Way Rice Casserole contains roughly 435 calories, with 16g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (99% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1005mg per serving (44% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this casserole a day in advance. Simply follow the steps and refrigerate it until you're ready to serve. Just remember to toss it again before serving to combine the flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. All the ingredients, including the canned beans and hominy, are plant-based, making it a great option for those following vegan recipes.
Can I use fresh beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer using fresh beans, be sure to cook them beforehand and adjust the quantity to match the drained weight of the canned beans. This will enhance the texture and flavor of your casserole.
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).