Indonesian Rice Salad with Fresh Dates
If you’re on the lookout for a vibrant and refreshing salad that makes the most of fresh dates and leftover rice, this Indonesian Rice Salad is your new go-to recipe. 🌿🥗 Whether you’re preparing for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this dish is both easy to make and deliciously healthy. Perfectly suited for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness mixed with savory flavors, it’s an ideal choice for a simple yet satisfying meal.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked brown rice (cooled)
- 1/2 cup fresh dates, pitted and chopped
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup sherry wine (or use white wine vinegar as a substitute)
- 1 tablespoon brandy (optional)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
Instructions:
-
Combine the Salad Ingredients:
Begin by placing the cooked brown rice into a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped fresh dates, sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, diced green pepper, and finely chopped celery. Gently mix these ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed. -
Prepare the Dressing:
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the sherry wine, brandy (if using), minced garlic, and minced fresh ginger until well combined. This mixture will act as your flavorful dressing for the salad. -
Dress the Salad:
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together gently to ensure the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly, enhancing the flavors of the rice and fresh dates. -
Serve:
To serve, arrange the salad on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves for a crisp and visually appealing presentation. You may choose to offer hoisin sauce or chutney on the side for added flavor, allowing guests to customize their salad experience to their liking. -
Enjoy:
This Indonesian Rice Salad can be enjoyed immediately or chilled for a bit to allow the flavors to meld even further. It’s a versatile and delightful dish that brings together the sweet taste of fresh dates with the savory elements of rice and vegetables.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 664.5
- Fat Content: 21.9g
- Saturated Fat: 3.1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 17.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 102.4g
- Fiber: 6.8g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 10.7g
This recipe is not only a great way to use up leftover rice but also an opportunity to enjoy a dish that’s packed with flavors and textures. The combination of fresh dates, crunchy vegetables, and savory seasoning makes it a unique and delightful addition to any meal. 🌟🍚🥒 Enjoy this salad as a main dish or as a flavorful side, and revel in the perfect balance of sweetness and savory goodness!