Orange Rice Salad

Brighten up your table with this refreshing and vibrant Orange Rice Salad, a perfect fusion of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors. Featuring fluffy long-grain white rice as its base, this salad is elevated with juicy orange segments, a citrusy dressing made with fresh orange juice and zest, and a splash of white wine vinegar for a hint of acidity. Topped with toasted almonds for crunch, dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness, and fresh herbs like parsley and mint for an aromatic twist, this dish offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a versatile side dish or light main that's perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any occasion where you crave a burst of vibrant flavor. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a zesty, wholesome, and crowd-pleasing dish.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water
• 0.25 cup orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1.5 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 0.25 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 0.25 cup cranberries, dried
• 1 fresh orange segments

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Stir in the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and all the water is absorbed.

Step 3

Spread the cooked rice on a large baking tray to cool completely. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.

Step 4

In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rice, chopped parsley, and mint. Add the sliced scallions, toasted almonds, dried cranberries, and fresh orange segments.

Step 6

Drizzle the dressing over the rice mixture and gently toss to combine.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding a pinch more salt or a splash of vinegar for extra brightness.

Step 8

Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 9

Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional herbs or orange zest if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1141.9 grams (1141.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1080

Total Fat 59.30g	76%
Saturated Fat 7.30g	37%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1238mg	54%
Total Carbohydrate 133.40g	49%
Dietary Fiber 13.80g	49%
Total Sugars 57.40g
Protein 16.40g	33%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 376mg	29%
Iron 9mg	47%
Potassium 1405mg	30%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.1%

Protein: 5.8%

Carbs: 47.1%