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Mediterranean Rice Salad

Mediterranean Rice Salad: A Fresh Twist on Classic Flavors

Discover the vibrant Mediterranean Rice Salad, a gluten-free delight brimming with flavors and versatility.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup Basmati Rice or couscous
  • 1 cup Persian Cucumbers or any crunchy cucumber
  • 1 cup Grape Tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
  • 0.5 cup Red Onion or green onions
  • 0.5 cup Kalamata Olives or black olives
  • 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley or mint
For the Zesty Dressing
  • 0.25 cup Olive Oil or avocado oil
  • 1 medium Lemon Juice or lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon Mustard or yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano or dried Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon Cumin optional
  • to taste Salt & Black Pepper adjust to taste

Equipment

  • Medium pot
  • bowl
  • whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Rinse 1 cup of basmati rice under cold water until clear. In a medium pot, combine with 2 cups water, boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Fluff and cool in a large bowl.
    Mediterranean Rice Salad
  2. Wash and dice 1 cup of Persian cucumbers and halve 1 cup of grape tomatoes. Finely chop half a red onion and roughly chop a handful of Kalamata olives and fresh parsley. Mix with cooled rice.
    Mediterranean Rice Salad
  3. In a bowl, combine 0.25 cup olive oil, juice of 1 lemon, 2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp oregano, and 0.5 tsp cumin. Whisk until emulsified.
    Mediterranean Rice Salad
  4. Pour the dressing over the rice and vegetable mixture. Toss for 1-2 minutes until evenly coated.
    Mediterranean Rice Salad
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Alternatively, serve immediately at room temperature.
    Mediterranean Rice Salad
  6. Before serving, toss again gently and check seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper if needed. Enjoy as a side or light meal.
    Mediterranean Rice Salad

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 120mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The salad tastes better the next day as flavors meld.

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