Refreshing Rice Salad

Brighten up your table with this Refreshing Rice Salad, a vibrant and healthy dish bursting with Mediterranean flavors! Featuring fluffy long-grain white rice, crisp cucumber, sweet cherry tomatoes, and aromatic red bell pepper, this salad is elevated by the tangy zing of lemon juice and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Fresh parsley, basil leaves, and savory feta cheese add layers of flavor, while olives provide a delightful briny kick. Perfect as a light main course or a side dish, this rice salad is quick to prepare, easy to customize, and can even be made ahead for convenience. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, this colorful dish is a summer favorite that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 medium cucumber
• 1 medium red bell pepper
• 0.5 medium red onion
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley
• 10 leaves fresh basil leaves
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup feta cheese
• 0.25 cup olives

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Step 2

Add the rice and water to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.

Step 4

Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Step 5

Allow the rice to cool to room temperature by spreading it out on a baking sheet.

Step 6

While the rice cools, halve the cherry tomatoes, and finely dice the cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion.

Step 7

Chop the fresh parsley and tear the basil leaves roughly.

Step 8

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.

Step 9

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and basil.

Step 10

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.

Step 11

Crumble the feta cheese over the salad and scatter the olives.

Step 12

Toss lightly again and serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1438.9 grams (1438.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	999

Total Fat 63.70g	82%
Saturated Fat 17.20g	86%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.70g
Cholesterol 67mg	22%
Sodium 3509mg	153%
Total Carbohydrate 92.40g	34%
Dietary Fiber 8.80g	31%
Total Sugars 15.60g
Protein 21.80g	44%

Vitamin D 12IU	60%
Calcium 557mg	43%
Iron 8mg	44%
Potassium 1318mg	28%

*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: 55.7%

Protein: 8.5%

Carbs: 35.9%