Cold Rice with Tuna, Zucchini, and Lemon
Category: Main Dishes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arborio rice | 300g |
| Zucchini | 350g |
| Canned tuna in oil | 130g |
| Lemon zest | 1 |
| Lemon juice | 1 |
| Fresh thyme | to taste |
| Oregano | to taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | to taste |
| Salt | to taste |
| Freshly ground black pepper | to taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Begin by cooking the Arborio rice in a pot of boiling salted water. For the best results, follow the cooking instructions on the rice package, ensuring that the rice remains al dente. Once cooked, set it aside to cool.
Step 2: While the rice is cooking, prepare the zucchini. Wash and trim the ends, then slice them in half lengthwise. Cut each half into thin strips, about 1 cm wide.
Step 3: Heat a small amount of extra virgin olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is heated, add the zucchini strips. Sautรฉ for about 2 minutes, just until they begin to soften.
Step 4: While the zucchini is cooking, squeeze the lemon to extract its juice. Use this freshly squeezed juice to deglaze the pan, adding a bright, zesty flavor to the zucchini. Allow the zucchini to cool completely after cooking.
Step 5: Once the rice has cooled, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and further lower its temperature. Let it drain well.
Step 6: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rice and zucchini. Flake the canned tuna and add it to the bowl along with the fresh thyme. Stir gently to combine.
Step 7: Add the zest of the lemon to the mixture, infusing the salad with a refreshing citrus fragrance. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 8: For the final touch, drizzle a bit more extra virgin olive oil over the salad to enhance the flavor. Give everything a good mix, ensuring all the ingredients are well-coated.
Step 9: Serve the cold rice salad chilled, perfect for a light and satisfying meal on warm days. Enjoy the combination of tender zucchini, savory tuna, and zesty lemon in every bite.
This cold rice dish is a perfect blend of flavors, ideal for a light lunch or a picnic, offering a refreshing and satisfying meal thatโs both simple to make and full of vibrant, fresh ingredients.
