Rice-Bacon Pineapple Salad
Preparation Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Description:
Embrace the vibrant flavors of spring in the Southern Hemisphere with our Rice-Bacon Pineapple Salad, a delightful creation that perfectly complements sizzling barbecued steaks. This tropical sensation is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a healthy addition to your menu, boasting low protein and low cholesterol content. In under 60 minutes, you can whip up this colorful salad, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a quick and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pineapple
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 3 strips of bacon
- 1 onion
- 1 cucumber
- 1/2 red capsicum (bell pepper)
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 1/4 cup French dressing
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 427.6
- Fat: 18.6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.8g
- Cholesterol: 11.6mg
- Sodium: 277.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 58.9g
- Fiber: 3.7g
- Sugar: 14.8g
- Protein: 8.2g
Instructions:
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Begin by preparing the long-grain rice. Gradually add the rice to a large pot of boiling salted water, allowing it to boil rapidly for 12 minutes. Once cooked, drain the rice well.
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Spread the cooked rice on a tray, ensuring to separate the grains with a fork. This step is crucial for allowing each grain to dry perfectly, resulting in a fluffy and flavorful base for your salad.
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In a pan, fry the bacon and onion until they reach a golden brown perfection. Sprinkle this savory mixture over the rice, adding a delightful layer of flavor and texture.
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Toast the slivered almonds in a separate pan until they turn a beautiful golden brown, enhancing their nutty aroma. These almonds will bring a delightful crunch to your salad.
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Combine the prepared rice, sliced cucumber, toasted almonds, diced red capsicum, and chunks of fresh pineapple in a spacious salad bowl. This medley of ingredients promises a burst of colors and flavors in every bite.
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Drizzle 1/4 cup of French dressing over the salad. Gently toss the ingredients, ensuring an even coating of the dressing that will tie together the diverse elements of the salad.
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Refrigerate the salad until serving time, allowing the flavors to mingle and intensify. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect balance of tastes.
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When ready to serve, plate up this Rice-Bacon Pineapple Salad and savor the harmony of sweet pineapple, smoky bacon, and the nutty crunch of almonds. Each forkful is a celebration of freshness and wholesome goodness.
Additional Notes:
For an added touch of freshness, consider garnishing your salad with a handful of chopped fresh herbs such as cilantro or mint. The herbaceous aroma will elevate the overall dining experience. This recipe, shared with love from Doreen Randal in Wanganui, New Zealand, captures the essence of a sunny day in a bowl. Serve it alongside your favorite grilled meats, and let the flavors transport you to a tropical paradise. Cheers to good food and good company!
