Fresh Italian Rice Salad Recipe

Italian Rice Salad Recipe

Overview

This Italian Rice Salad is a delightful dish perfect for those who enjoy cold salads, especially during warmer weather or as a refreshing side at potlucks and picnics. It’s best prepared ahead, allowing the flavors to meld together overnight in the fridge, enhancing its taste.

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup sliced ripe olives
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped green onion
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup frozen green peas, thawed
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salad dressing (enough to coat, see recipe instructions)

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients:

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   • Cook the rice according to package instructions until tender. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
   • Slice the ripe olives, dice the red bell pepper, finely chop the celery, green onion, and parsley. Thaw the frozen green peas if using.

2. Combine Ingredients:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sliced ripe olives, diced red bell pepper, chopped celery, green onion, parsley, and thawed green peas. Toss them together gently to mix evenly.

3. Prepare Dressing:

   • In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder with your preferred salad dressing. The amount of dressing used should be enough to coat the rice mixture thoroughly. Adjust according to your preference for richness.

4. Mix and Chill:

   • Pour the prepared garlic powder and salad dressing mixture over the rice and vegetable mixture. Toss gently until everything is well coated.
   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to blend beautifully.

5. Serve:

   • Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss to redistribute the dressing.
   • Enjoy chilled as a delicious side dish or a light main course. The salad is ideal for potlucks, picnics, or any occasion where you want a flavorful, healthy option.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 197.4
• Total Fat: 4.4g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.7g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 311.5mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 35.7g
  • Fiber: 3.6g
  • Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 4.6g

Tips for the Perfect Italian Rice Salad

• Make Ahead: This salad tastes best when prepared a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together overnight.
• Variations: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Adding some cherry tomatoes or cucumber can add freshness and color.
• Dressing: Choose a salad dressing that complements the flavors of the vegetables and rice. A light vinaigrette or a creamy dressing works well.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

This Italian Rice Salad recipe is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to make. Whether you’re planning a casual gathering or simply want a healthy dish for lunch, this salad will surely impress with its vibrant colors and fresh flavors.