🌿 Vibrant Cilantro Rice Salad: Bursting with Summer Flavors! 🥗

Cilantro Rice Salad Recipe

✨ Description: This is a delightful summer salad, bursting with vibrant colors and a satisfying medley of textures. Originally discovered in Food and Wine magazine, this recipe has been tailored to perfection. The versatility shines through; I’ve personally tried it with “brown” basmati rice, which not only worked wonders but also infused a delightful nutty undertone.

🕒 Cook Time: 20 minutes
🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 30 minutes

🍚 Ingredients:

🌱 Keywords:
Vegetable, Vegan, Free Of…, Potluck, Summer, < 30 Mins

🔪 Instructions:

1. Cook Rice: Begin by cooking the basmati rice according to the package directions. You can use a stove top or a rice cooker for this step.

2. Cool and Toss: Once the rice is perfectly cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and allow it to cool. Toss gently with a rubber spoon until it reaches room temperature.

3. Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful vinaigrette.

4. Combine Ingredients: Fold in the diced tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, freshly chopped cilantro, and the kalamata olives into the cooled rice.

5. Add the Vinaigrette: Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the rice and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together gently to combine, ensuring each grain of rice is coated with the delicious dressing.

6. Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper as needed, adjusting the seasoning to your preference.

7. Serve and Enjoy! This vibrant Cilantro Rice Salad is now ready to be enjoyed. It makes for a delightful side dish or a light and refreshing main course on a warm summer day.

🥗 Optional Serving Idea:

• Note for Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), you can repurpose this salad into a satisfying meal. Simply toss the leftover rice salad with a can or two of white tuna, drained and flaked. This creates a whole new dish that makes a perfect, flavorful lunch option!

🍽️ Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 252.2
• Fat: 9.1g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 79.5mg
• Carbohydrates: 38.9g
  • Fiber: 2.5g
  • Sugar: 1.8g
• Protein: 4.2g

🌿 Recipe Notes:
This Cilantro Rice Salad is not just a feast for the taste buds, but also for the eyes with its vibrant colors. The combination of fresh vegetables, aromatic cilantro, and tangy olives creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simply as a refreshing side dish to accompany any meal. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or herbs, making it your own signature dish! 💚