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Delish Fresh Rice Salad Ideas

Delish Fresh Rice Salad Ideas

A bright, crunchy rice salad loaded with veggies, chickpeas, herbs, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing. Perfect for meal prep, picnics, and potlucks.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 4 cup cooked long-grain white rice, cooled day-old rice works best
  • 1.5 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup English cucumber, diced seeded
  • 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 0.5 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup sweet corn kernels thawed if frozen
  • 15 oz chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 0.5 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • 0.5 cup green onions, thinly sliced
  • 0.75 cup feta cheese, crumbled optional
  • 0.5 cup sliced almonds, toasted optional
  • 0.25 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 0.25 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 0.75 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 0.5 tsp ground cumin optional

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • If starting with uncooked rice, cook according to package directions, then spread on a sheet pan to cool completely. For best texture, refrigerate until cold.
  • Toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring, until fragrant and lightly golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.
  • Chop the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Slice the green onions and chop the parsley. Rinse and drain the chickpeas well.
  • Whisk the dressing: in a small bowl combine olive oil, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, Dijon, honey, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and cumin until emulsified.
  • In a large bowl, add the cooled rice. Gently break up clumps with a fork. Add tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, corn, chickpeas, parsley, and green onions.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated. Fold in feta and toasted almonds.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice. Chill for 15 to 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve cold or at cool room temperature.

Notes

Make-ahead friendly: keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For a heartier main, add diced grilled chicken or shrimp. Swap feta for diced avocado for a dairy-free option and add salt to taste at serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 200g | Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 120g | Protein: 120g | Fat: 120g | Saturated Fat: 120g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 120g | Monounsaturated Fat: 120g | Trans Fat: 120g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 120mg | Potassium: 120mg | Fiber: 120g | Sugar: 120g | Vitamin A: 120IU | Vitamin C: 120mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 120mg