Insalata di Riso Venere: A Vibrant Black Rice Salad Recipe

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with the vibrant colors and refreshing flavors of Insalata di Riso Venere—a delightful black rice salad that’s perfect as a light lunch or a stunning side dish. This dish combines the nutty richness of black Venus rice with crisp vegetables and fresh fruit, brought together by a zesty lemon dressing. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare this delicious recipe, presented in a detailed and structured format for Love With Recipes.

Ingredients and Nutritional Information

Below is a list of ingredients along with their quantities, ensuring you have everything you need to recreate this refreshing dish for four servings.

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Black Venus rice (Riso Venere)	200 g	Nutty and aromatic rice, ideal for salads.
Evelina apples	150 g	Adds a sweet-tart flavor; keep the skin for texture and color.
Carrots	80 g	Grated to lend a crunchy texture.
Peas	100 g	Sweet, tender peas; blanched for freshness.
Cherry tomatoes	150 g	Juicy and tangy, cut into wedges.
Soybean sprouts	40 g	Adds a fresh and crisp element.
Fresh mint leaves	3 sprigs	For garnishing and a hint of herbal aroma.
Extra virgin olive oil	35 g	A rich and fruity oil for the dressing.
Lemon juice	½ lemon	Provides tanginess and brightness to the dressing.
Fine salt	To taste	Enhances the flavors.
Black pepper	To taste	Freshly ground, for a subtle kick.

Instructions for Preparing Insalata di Riso Venere

Step 1: Cook the Black Rice

Begin by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the black Venus rice and cook according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 35–40 minutes.
Once the rice is cooked to perfection, drain it thoroughly and set it aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients

Evelina Apple: Wash and dry the apple thoroughly. Without peeling, cut it into thin slices, then dice into small cubes for a delightful crunch in each bite.
Cherry Tomatoes: Rinse and pat dry the cherry tomatoes. Slice them into quarters to highlight their juicy interiors.
Carrots: Peel the carrots and grate them finely. This adds a vibrant orange color and a delicate crunch.
Soybean Sprouts: Give the sprouts a quick rinse under cold water and let them drain well.

Step 3: Blanch the Peas

Bring another pot of water to a boil and add the peas. Allow them to cook for 5 minutes until they are tender yet vibrant in color.
Drain the peas and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice-cold water. This halts the cooking process and locks in their bright green hue.
Once cooled, drain the peas thoroughly.

Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Dressing

Juice half a lemon and pour the fresh juice into a small bowl.
Add a pinch of fine salt and freshly ground black pepper to the lemon juice.
Gradually drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking vigorously with a fork or a small whisk. This creates a smooth and emulsified dressing.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled black Venus rice with the grated carrots, cherry tomatoes, blanched peas, apple cubes, and soybean sprouts.
Pour the prepared lemon dressing over the ingredients, tossing gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a burst of color and fragrance.
Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for up to an hour to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Rice Texture: Black Venus rice retains a firm, slightly chewy texture. Ensure it’s not overcooked to preserve its unique quality.
Apples: Evelina apples are preferred for their crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor, but you can substitute with Fuji or Honeycrisp apples if unavailable.
Custom Additions: Feel free to add toasted nuts, seeds, or a handful of arugula for extra layers of flavor and texture.
Make Ahead: This salad can be prepared in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container and refrigerate. Add the mint garnish just before serving to keep it fresh.

Nutritional Highlights

Nutrient	Approximate Value (Per Serving)	Benefits
Calories	220 kcal	Light yet nourishing, perfect for a healthy meal.
Protein	6 g	Sourced from peas and rice, ideal for vegetarians.
Carbohydrates	36 g	Complex carbs from black rice for sustained energy.
Fats	7 g	Healthy fats from extra virgin olive oil.
Fiber	4 g	Promotes digestion and a feeling of fullness.

By combining the wholesome qualities of black rice with the refreshing crispness of fresh fruits and vegetables, Insalata di Riso Venere offers a delightful balance of flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday meal or a dish that impresses at gatherings, this recipe promises satisfaction in every bite!