Crispy Rice Salad

Crispy Rice Salad is a delightful dish that’s both simple and satisfying. Featuring crispy rice and a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, this salad is the perfect go-to for busy days or light meals. Its customizable nature allows you to adjust ingredients to suit your taste, making it a favorite for everyone.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 250
Protein: 7g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 500mg

Why Make Crispy Rice Salad

Crispy Rice Salad is not just delightful in taste but also packed with nutrition. The array of fresh vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers, combined with protein-rich edamame, makes this dish a great source of vitamins and minerals. This recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy healthy eating throughout the week.

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 enjoyed on its own or paired with grilled chicken for a heartier meal. It also works wonderfully as a side dish alongside Asian-inspired entrees. For a refreshing twist, consider adding a side of spicy avocado sauce to elevate the flavors.

How to Store Crispy Rice Salad

To keep your Crispy Rice Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheating the rice in a pan can restore its crunch. However, if you enjoy it cold, just give it a toss before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the vegetables may become mushy once thawed.

Expert Tips for Cooking Crispy Rice Salad

• Use day-old rice for the best crispy texture, as it dries out slightly and fries better.
• Experiment with different types of rice, such as wild rice or quinoa, for a unique flavor.
• Make it spicy by adding chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
• For added crunch, toss in some nuts or seeds, like almonds or sunflower seeds.
• Don’t forget the garnish! A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nice finishing touch.

Delicious Variations of Crispy Rice Salad

For those looking to mix things up, try a spicy version with Sriracha or chili oil for heat. An herbed variation could include fresh basil or mint to infuse aromatic flavors. For a citrusy twist, add orange segments along with the lime for a refreshing burst.

Crispy Rice Salad is a dish bursting with flavor and texture, inviting you to experiment with different ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch or as a dinner side, this salad will soon become a regular in your kitchen. Its ease of preparation and deliciousness make it a must-try!

Crispy Rice Salad

A delightful and nutritious salad featuring crispy rice and a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, perfect for busy days or light meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Light Meal, Salad

Cuisine: Asian, Healthy

Calories: 250

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 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.

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

Notes

Crispy Rice Salad can be enjoyed on its own or paired with grilled chicken for a heartier meal. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Use day-old rice for the best crispy texture. Consider adding chopped jalapeños for spice or nuts for crunch.