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Italian Rice Salad

Italian Rice Salad
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This Italian Rice Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish combining tender rice, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing. Ready in under 30 minutes, it makes a perfect healthy lunch, colorful side dish, or quick meal packed with bright flavors and balanced textures. Easily customizable and great for make-ahead meals, enjoy this naturally gluten-free Italian-inspired salad anytime.

Ingredients

Scale

Base

  • 1 cup long-grain or medium-grain rice

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional

  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Rice: Rinse your rice under cold water until it runs clear to remove excess starch. Cook the rice in salted boiling water according to package instructions, usually around 15 minutes. Once tender, drain and rinse with cold water to cool and stop cooking, ensuring fluffy and separate grains.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the rice cools, chop the cherry tomatoes into halves or quarters, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and roughly chop fresh basil leaves. Pit and slice black olives as needed to have all components ready.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the vinegar or seasoning to your preference. The dressing should be light yet flavorful to complement the fresh ingredients.
  4. Combine and Toss: In a large bowl, combine the cooled rice with all prepared vegetables, olives, and basil. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. For extra flavor, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and enhance the overall taste.

Notes

  • Use white or brown rice, avoiding sticky varieties for best texture.
  • Rinse cooked rice immediately with cold water to prevent clumping.
  • Adjust dressing vinegar and oil ratio based on ingredient freshness.
  • Cut vegetables into uniform sizes for consistent texture and appearance.
  • Serve the salad chilled to bring out the best flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian rice salad, quick rice salad, healthy lunch, gluten free salad, vegetarian salad, summer salad

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/italian-rice-salad/