Crispy Rice Salad

Crispy Rice Salad is a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It combines the satisfying crunch of crispy rice with fresh, vibrant vegetables. This salad is not only simple to make but is also customizable to fit your taste. It’s an ideal choice for busy days when you want something tasty and healthy without spending hours in the kitchen.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 230
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 450mg

Why Make Crispy Rice Salad

Crispy Rice Salad is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s also packed with nutrition. The combination of rice and fresh vegetables makes it a wholesome meal that keeps you full and satisfied. Whether you choose white, brown, or jasmine rice, this dish promotes a healthy lifestyle while being colorful and loaded with vitamins. It’s versatile too—easily adjust the ingredients to cater to your preferences or to use up what’s in your fridge.

How to Make Crispy Rice Salad Step by Step

Ingredients

1 cup rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cucumber, diced
1 carrot, julienned
1 bell pepper, diced
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup edamame, shelled
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari

Directions

1. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add the olive oil.
2. Add the rice to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice becomes golden and crispy.
3. Prepare a large salad bowl for mixing the veggies and rice together.
4. In the salad bowl, combine the cucumber, carrot, bell pepper, red onion, edamame, and cilantro.
5. Once the rice is crispy, add it to the salad bowl and toss everything together gently.
6. Drizzle the lime juice and soy sauce (or tamari) over the salad and toss again to coat everything evenly.
7. Serve immediately as a light meal or side dish, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.

How to Serve Crispy Rice Salad

Crispy Rice Salad can be served on its own or as a side dish to grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with a tangy dressing or a side of avocado slices for added creaminess. For a refreshing twist, consider adding slices of fresh mango or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.

How to Store Crispy Rice Salad

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just a quick toss is usually all you need when serving leftovers, as the flavors continue to meld. Reheating is simple; you can warm it up in the microwave, but be cautious not to overcook the crispy rice. If you want to save it longer, the salad can be frozen, but keep in mind that the crispiness may be lost once thawed.

Expert Tips for Cooking Crispy Rice Salad

• Use day-old rice for an even crispier texture and ease of cooking.
• Feel free to add any seasonal vegetables or proteins like grilled shrimp or chickpeas for added nutrition.
• For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Substitute lime juice with lemon or rice vinegar for a different flavor profile.
• Ensure your frying pan is hot enough before adding rice to achieve that irresistible crunch.

Delicious Variations of Crispy Rice Salad

To switch things up, try adding a spicy version of Crispy Rice Salad by incorporating Sriracha or chili oil. For a herbed variation, mix in fresh parsley, basil, or mint for an aromatic twist. You can also make a citrusy version by adding orange or grapefruit segments for a refreshing contrast.

Conclusion

Try making Crispy Rice Salad today and indulge in its flavorful and refreshing ingredients. This salad is not only quick to prepare, but it also offers endless possibilities to customize according to your taste. Elevate your meal or impress your guests with this delicious and healthy dish!

Crispy Rice Salad

A delightful and customizable salad featuring crispy rice and fresh vegetables, perfect for a quick and healthy meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 minutes mins

Total Time 17 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Light Meal, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Healthy

Calories: 230

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup edamame, shelled
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari

Method

 

Cooking the Rice

1. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add the olive oil.
2. Add the rice to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice becomes golden and crispy.

Mixing the Salad

1. Prepare a large salad bowl for mixing the veggies and rice together.
2. In the salad bowl, combine the cucumber, carrot, bell pepper, red onion, edamame, and cilantro.
3. Once the rice is crispy, add it to the salad bowl and toss everything together gently.
4. Drizzle the lime juice and soy sauce (or tamari) over the salad and toss again to coat everything evenly.

Serving

1. Serve immediately as a light meal or side dish, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.

Notes

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to maintain crispiness. Use day-old rice for a crispier texture.