Tomato Rice Salad

Bright, fresh, and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this Tomato Rice Salad is a perfect harmony of simplicity and taste. Fluffy white rice serves as the base, tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and the subtle bite of red onion. A zesty olive oil and lemon juice dressing ties it all together, while fresh parsley and basil add an aromatic touch that elevates every bite. For an extra layer of creaminess, optional crumbled feta cheese can be sprinkled on top. Ready in just 40 minutes, this versatile salad is perfect as a light lunch, a refreshing side, or a vibrant potluck dish. Packed with wholesome ingredients and easy to make, this Tomato Rice Salad is your go-to for a healthy, garden-fresh dish that’s full of flavor!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup white rice
• 2 cups water
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 medium-sized cucumber
• 0.5 medium red onion
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley
• 0.25 cup fresh basil
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup feta cheese (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step helps remove excess starch for fluffy rice.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice and 0.5 teaspoon of salt.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is fully absorbed.

Step 4

Remove the cooked rice from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and allow it to cool completely.

Step 5

While the rice is cooling, wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in halves.

Step 6

Peel the cucumber and slice it into small cubes.

Step 7

Finely chop the red onion, fresh parsley, and fresh basil.

Step 8

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

Step 9

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rice, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and basil. Toss well to combine.

Step 10

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and mix gently, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 11

If desired, crumble the feta cheese and sprinkle it over the salad.

Step 12

Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1412.2 grams (1412.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1028

Total Fat 69.20g	89%
Saturated Fat 24.70g	123%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 107mg	36%
Sodium 2581mg	112%
Total Carbohydrate 78.00g	28%
Dietary Fiber 7.00g	25%
Total Sugars 17.00g
Protein 26.70g	53%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 754mg	58%
Iron 4mg	23%
Potassium 1398mg	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: 59.8%

Protein: 10.3%

Carbs: 30.0%