Vegetable Rice Ring
A colorful vegetable rice ring with fresh flavors, perfect for potlucks or light lunches, combining crunchy vegetables, creamy dressing, and a visually appealing presentation.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Italian salad dressing ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced radishes ⓘ
- 1 medium cucumber, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 2 small tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion ⓘ
- leaf lettuce
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine cooked rice and Italian salad dressing; cover and chill several hours or overnight.
- Add mayonnaise to the undrained rice mixture and stir until combined.
- Fold in radishes, cucumber, chopped tomato, green pepper, celery, and green onion.
- Press the mixture into a 5 1/2 cup ring mold.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 to 3 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a zesty vinaigrette instead of Italian dressing. You can also substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. If you prefer a crunchier texture, try adding diced bell peppers or shredded carrots. This dish can be customized with any leftover vegetables you have on hand, making it a great way to use up extras from meals like Spareribs, Sauerkraut And Potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Vegetable Rice Ring on a bed of leaf lettuce, garnished with cherry tomatoes for a colorful presentation. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of Marinated Mushroom Bites or a light cucumber salad for a refreshing meal. Consider offering crusty bread or a light soup to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It's best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there's no need to reheat. If you do choose to warm it, do so gently in the microwave to prevent the ingredients from becoming mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetable Rice Ring contains roughly 383 calories, with 5g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (155% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1130mg per serving (49% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, this Vegetable Rice Ring can be made a day in advance. Just prepare it and refrigerate overnight. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even tastier when served the next day.
What can I substitute for the rice?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, quinoa or cauliflower rice can be great substitutes for the cooked rice. Both alternatives offer a different texture and flavor while maintaining a similar structure in the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This Vegetable Rice Ring is vegetarian-friendly, as it contains no meat or animal products. It's a colorful and nutritious option for anyone looking to enjoy a meatless meal.
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).