Mediterranean Rice Salad
Bright, fresh, and bursting with bold flavors, this Mediterranean Rice Salad is the perfect fusion of wholesome ingredients and vibrant Mediterranean-inspired flair. Made with fluffy basmati rice, crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and briny black olives, this salad is elevated with tangy feta cheese and a zesty homemade dressing featuring olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and a hint of garlic. Easy to prepare in just 35 minutes, this gluten-free dish is ideal as a light lunch, a hearty side, or a showstopping addition to your next potluck. Serve it chilled for a refreshing burst of flavor, making it a go-to recipe for summer gatherings or meal prepping.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups water
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium cucumber
- 1 medium red bell pepper
- 0.5 medium red onion
- 0.5 cup black olives
- 0.5 cup feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and spread it out on a baking sheet to cool completely.
While the rice is cooling, prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Chop the cherry tomatoes in halves, dice the cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion, and slice the black olives. Crumble the feta cheese and finely chop the parsley.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rice, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until evenly coated.
Add the crumbled feta cheese and give the salad a final gentle toss.
Cover the bowl and let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve the Mediterranean Rice Salad cold or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1045 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 67.5 g | 87% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.5 g | 92% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 67 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 2574 mg | 112% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 89.7 g | 33% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.2 g | 33% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.6 g | ||
| Protein | 23.7 g | 47% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 589 mg | 45% | |
| Iron | 10.8 mg | 60% | |
| Potassium | 1255 mg | 27% | |
*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.
