Delicious healthy, Italian Style Rice Salad so easy to make.
Chopped salad with perfectly cooked cold long grain rice mixed with homemade olive oil, lemon, herb and garlic dressing.
This authentic Mediterranean recipe is great served up as a main for vegetarians, vegans, or as a simple side salad in the Spring.
Also a fantastic BBQ or Party cold sharing dish in the Summer.
See our step by step slide show on how we make our rice salad.
Use the below button to jump straight to the recipe card or continue reading for more tips.
HOW TO MAKE RICE SUITABLE FOR A SALAD?
To make rice suitable for a salad, the key is to cook the rice grains in a way that keeps the rice grains separated, so they don't all stick together once cooked.
The correct ratio for making rice suitable for a salad is 1 cup rice to 1 ¼ cup cold water.
It does not matter if you do not own American measurement cups.
You can use a teacup, wine glass or a mug as long as you use the above measurement of 1 rice to 1 ¼ cold water.
Rinse the rice first until the water runs clear to remove starch.
Put the drained rice and the correct amount of water into a pan, and bring to a boil.
Once boiling, place the lid on and time for 8 minutes. Do not lift the lid. The rice will cook perfectly during this time and will not need stirring!
After 8 minutes, turn the heat off and leave the lid on for 2 minutes. Finally use a fork to fluff up the grains.
Transfer to a bowl and place in the fridge to help it cool down quicker while you prepare the rest of your salad!
WHAT TYPE OF RICE CAN BE USED IN A SALAD?
We tend to use long-grain rice, but basmati rice will work for this recipe too.
Alternatively, use brown or wild rice, but you will need to adjust the measurements and cooking times.
HOW TO MAKE A HOMEMADE ITALIAN STYLE RICE SALAD DRESSING?
Italian salad dressings are so simple and easy to make; all you need is to mix the following ingredients!
We use a small clip top jar for quick and easy mixing, seal the lid and shake!
2 tsp garlic puree or four cloves minced
Now it's time to get busy chopping all your salad bits!
WHAT TO PUT INTO AN ITALIAN SALAD?
We used sun-dried tomatoes, orange pepper, cucumber, red onion, plum tomatoes, sweetcorn, green and black olives, pine nuts, fresh basil & parsley. But you can use whatever you like best, or whatever is in your fridge!?
Looks great served up for a BBQ like this for everyone to choose a scoop of whatever they like to add?
Or mix the rice, salad and dressing altogether, and you are ready to serve!
Such a great looking salad!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR RICE SALAD.
If you want to serve it up with meat? Cook some air-fried sausages, chop them up and stir through. Or serve with some chicken kebab skewers.
Stick with the Italian theme and fry up some chopped pancetta with the oil from the sundried tomatoes and mix in the final step!
We also sometimes add tuna to make it into a tasty main course, or for a more substantial meal, try serving with a whole cooked sea bream.
source: https://flawlessfood.co.uk/italian-style-rice-salad/
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