Get ready to indulge in a culinary delight! I’m thrilled to share with you a treasure trove of rice salad recipes that will tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your cravings. As a self-proclaimed fan of these versatile dishes, I’ve curated a selection of 14 quick and easy-to-make recipes that cater to diverse palates and preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and sweet or hearty and savory, there’s a recipe here for everyone.
What sets these rice salads apart is their ability to transform leftover rice into a delicious and satisfying meal. Simply cook your rice, prepare the dressing of your choice, combine the ingredients, stir, and serve. Voilà! You’re treated to a flavorful and filling meal that’s perfect for any time of day. These recipes are not just limited to traditional dishes; they also include creative twists and international inspirations.
Imagine the excitement of discovering new flavors and textures in every bite. From the sweet and nutty Trail Mix Rice Salad to the bold and aromatic Italian-style Rice Salad, each recipe is a journey of culinary discovery that will leave you wanting more.
Trail Mix Salad
Transforming a beloved snack into a satisfying meal is a great idea. One rice salad recipe that particularly stood out to me features a delightful textural contrast from a nut mixture. The combination of tangy vinegar and lime, balanced by coconut sugar, creates a harmonious flavor profile. Moreover, the addition of dried fruits makes this recipe an excellent option for those seeking to reduce their carb intake. For added depth, simply toast walnuts before incorporating them into the dish.
Roasted Butternut Squash Wild Rice
Indulge in the delightful combination of roasted butternut squash and wild rice, perfect for your holiday gatherings. Despite its seemingly complex ingredients, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser from start to finish – the salad, the dressing, and every bite in between are all winners. And the best part? It’s just as delicious when served warm, but chilling it also brings out unique flavors that will leave your guests asking for more.
Orange Rice Salad
For those who savor the harmonious union of brown rice and orange flavors, a culinary delight awaits. This delectable rice salad brings together an eclectic mix of ingredients – including crunchy celery, sweet dried fruits, tangy vinegar, fresh parsley, pungent onions, juicy oranges, and satisfying chopped nuts. The end result is a refreshing, crispy meal that’s as effortless to prepare as it is to devour.
Simply combine all the elements, refrigerate, and you’re ready to indulge in a flavorful treat.
Fresh Corn-Rice Salad
The star of this rice salad is undoubtedly the corn, which brings a sweet flavor and satisfying crunch. Its subtle sweetness harmonizes beautifully with the mild taste of rice. While the corn takes center stage, the dish also boasts a delightful medley of flavors from tomatoes, peppery arugula, pungent onion, and spicy jalapeno. To tie everything together, be sure to drizzle the salad with a tangy vinegar and rich olive oil.
Rice & Fruit Salad
This rice and fruit salad recipe is a delightful accompaniment to light fish, pork chops, or poultry, but it also shines on its own. Its vibrant flavors are sure to please! The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, with flexible ingredients that allow for serving warm like a pilaf or chilled as desired.
While the combination of fresh berries, toasted almonds, sweet peach, caramelized shallots, and tangy orange juice is already a winner, the addition of butter takes it to the next level, infusing the dish with a luxurious richness.
Cowboy Brown Rice Salad
Transform plain rice into a culinary masterpiece by combining it with an array of fresh vegetables and aromatic spices! This Cowboy brown rice salad boasts a tantalizing dressing crafted from the harmonious blend of lime juice, maple syrup, chili powder, and cumin. The addition of crunchy corn kernels beautifully complements the nutty flavor of brown rice, creating a delightful texture that will leave you wanting more.
And don’t worry about leftovers – with proper storage, this salad remains fresh for up to four days.
Jeweled Black Rice Salad
This jewel-toned black rice salad is a showstopper for any holiday gathering. Its subtle sweetness and complex flavors are the result of a masterful combination of ingredients, including forbidden rice, roasted butternut squash, crisp apples, fragrant fresh mint, and tangy pomegranate arils. A hint of warmth from cinnamon and a kick from cayenne pepper add depth to this dish, while crunchy chopped pecans provide a satisfying texture. One of the best parts?
This salad can be prepared ahead of time, with one important exception: wait until just before serving to toss in the fresh mint for maximum flavor and freshness.
Cranberry Pecan Sweet Potato Wild Rice Pilaf
This indulgent recipe is a masterclass in fall flavors and textures, making it an ideal centerpiece for your Thanksgiving celebrations. The harmony of savory notes stems from the synergy between pecans, cranberries, sweet potatoes, wild rice, and fragrant herbs. While these key ingredients lay the foundation for this delectable dish, supporting players like parsley, oregano, and thyme also contribute to its rich flavor profile.
Million Dollar Rice Salad
Planning a family gathering and looking for a delicious recipe? Look no further! This million-dollar recipe is perfect for serving up all year round. I adore how the combination of cream cheese, sugar, mayonnaise, pineapple, and oranges brings a creamy and sweet flavor to the table. The addition of miniature marshmallow and chopped nuts adds an intriguing fluffy and crunchy texture that will have your guests raving.
Plus, feel free to get creative by adding any fresh fruit to your salad, such as grapes or bananas – it’s the perfect way to make this recipe all your own.
Moroccan Chickpea Rice Salad
Get ready for a game-changing rice salad that’s perfect for your next outdoor gathering! The star ingredients are simple yet powerful: tender chickpeas and fluffy rice. When combined, they create a flavor profile that’s both fresh and satisfying. But what really takes this dish to the next level is the addition of crunchy veggies, plump raisins, a squeeze of zesty lemon juice, and a drizzle of rich olive oil.
To cut through the earthiness of the chickpeas, we’ve added a sprinkle of bright, citrusy cilantro for good measure. This salad is sure to be a hit at your summer BBQ or family potluck – it’s the perfect combination of textures, flavors, and freshness.
Curried Wild Rice Salad
Transform your love for a bowl of rice and curry into a refreshing rice salad! By combining these two favorites, you’ll create a dish that’s equal parts flavorful and healthy. The star of the show is a savory curry-based vinaigrette made with white wine vinegar, olive oil, granulated sugar, curry powder, and black pepper. This harmonious blend not only complements the rice but also pairs well with other ingredients.
A quick tip to elevate your salad game: chill it after preparation to allow the flavors to meld together even more. The result is a delightful medley of tastes and textures that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Lemon Rice Salad
While lemon is certainly an important component of this rice salad, it’s not the only player that shines. The parmesan cheese adds a subtle yet transformative quality to the dish, imbuing it with a delicate sweetness and buttery notes. Meanwhile, cooking the rice with chicken broth, sautéed shallots, and olive oil yields a perfectly cooked, firm, and slightly chewy texture – a true delight for the palate.
Brown Rice Salad
This standout rice salad recipe takes pride of place among easy and delicious options. A harmonious blend of nutty brown rice, crunchy fresh vegetables, and a creamy vegan sour cream-based dressing yields a satisfying meal. Feel free to customize the flavor profile with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or mint, or get creative by incorporating your favorite kitchen ingredients. For an added kick, consider adding some chopped chilies or chili flakes for a bold and zesty twist.
Italian-style Rice Salad
Infuse your mealtime gatherings with an authentic Italian flair by whipping up this scrumptious rice salad. Its versatility makes it a perfect accompaniment to a variety of Greek or Italian-inspired dishes and main courses. To prepare, start by cooking the rice, followed by crafting a tangy Italian dressing. Then, simply combine the cooked rice with all the ingredients for a hassle-free meal that’s sure to please.
A crucial tip: opt for long grain rice to prevent the grains from sticking together once cooked.
The bottom line
What’s caught your eye so far? Have you decided on a recipe to give a try? Personally, I’m quite fond of the Rice & Fruit Salad from CookingChew – it’s a versatile dish that pairs well with any protein, with just a hint of sweetness that complements its other flavors.