Teresa's Recipes
Mediterranean Rice Salad
Dive into a vibrant Mediterranean Rice Salad that bursts with flavor and color! This refreshing dish combines fluffy cooked rice with an array of crisp vegetables, briny Kalamata olives, and tangy feta cheese, all drizzled with a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for picnics or as a light meal, this salad not only satisfies your hunger but also transports your taste buds to sun-kissed shores. The blend of textures and tastes—crunchy, creamy, and tangy—makes every bite a delightful experience.
Ingredients
- 2 cups, cooled Cooked rice
- 1 cup, diced (mixed colors) Bell peppers
- 1 cup, diced Cucumber
- 1 cup, halved Cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, finely diced Red onion
- 1/2 cup, pitted and sliced Kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup, crumbled Feta cheese
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh parsley
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/4 cup Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 32g
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Sugar: 3g
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled cooked rice, diced bell peppers, cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create the vinaigrette dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the rice salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled and enjoy the burst of Mediterranean flavors!
Tips
- For added protein, consider adding chickpeas or grilled chicken.
- You can substitute quinoa for rice for a gluten-free option.
- Feel free to incorporate seasonal vegetables like artichokes or zucchini.