Description
A vibrant and refreshing Italian Rice Salad featuring cooked rice tossed with fresh vegetables, mozzarella, olives, and herbs, dressed in a zesty olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. Perfect as a light main or a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and cooled long-grain white rice (or arborio for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup canned or jarred artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella pearls or cubed mozzarella
- 1/4 cup black or green olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set the dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled cooked rice. Then incorporate the cherry tomatoes, chopped artichoke hearts, fresh mozzarella, sliced olives, diced roasted red peppers, finely chopped red onion, chopped fresh basil, and parsley.
- Toss the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the rice and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Chill before serving: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Serve cold or at room temperature as a side dish or a light main meal.
Notes
- For added texture and a nuttier flavor, substitute brown rice or a wild rice blend for the white rice.
- To make this a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken or canned tuna.
- This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and tastes great when flavors have mellowed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook (after rice is cooked)
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
