Lemon Rice Salad
Bright, zesty, and irresistibly refreshing, this Lemon Rice Salad is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Fluffy basmati rice serves as the perfect canvas for a medley of crisp, colorful vegetables like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red bell pepper, all brought to life with a tangy lemon dressing infused with zest and fresh herbs like parsley and dill. A sprinkle of creamy, crumbled feta adds a savory richness, while the chilled preparation makes this dish ideal for sunny picnics, light lunches, or as a vibrant side dish. Ready in just 30 minutes of prep and cook time, this easy, gluten-free salad is a perfect marriage of simplicity and flavor—your go-to recipe for a healthy, Mediterranean-inspired meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Basmati rice
- 2 cups Water
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
- 1 medium Cucumber, diced
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium Red bell pepper, diced
- 2 stalks Green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Fresh dill, chopped
- 0.5 cup Feta cheese, crumbled
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
In a medium pot, bring the 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the 1 teaspoon of salt and the rinsed rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 12-15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and allow it to cool completely to room temperature.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of black pepper to make the dressing. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rice, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, sliced green onions, chopped parsley, and chopped dill.
Pour the lemon dressing over the rice and vegetables. Gently toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
Fold in the crumbled feta cheese, making sure not to overmix to keep the cheese intact.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy this refreshing Lemon Rice Salad!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
232 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 13.6 g | 17% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.7 g | 19% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 13 mg | 4% | |
| Sodium | 656 mg | 29% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 24.1 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.1 g | ||
| Protein | 5.1 g | 10% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 119 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 1.4 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 407 mg | 9% | |
*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.
