Mediterranean Rice Salad

Ingredients

Cooked rice

2 cups, cooled

Bell peppers

1 cup, diced (mixed colors)

Cucumber

1 cup, diced

Cherry tomatoes

1 cup, halved

Red onion

1/2 cup, finely diced

Kalamata olives

1/2 cup, pitted and sliced

Feta cheese

1/2 cup, crumbled

Fresh parsley

1/4 cup, chopped

Salt

to taste

Black pepper

to taste

Olive oil

1/4 cup

Fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons

Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon

Instructions

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Pour the dressing over the rice salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
5. Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled and enjoy the burst of Mediterranean flavors!