MEDITERRANEAN RICE SALAD
Fresh, Zesty & Perfect for Meal Prep
QuickBitesByZoe
✨ Looking for a vibrant, colorful dish that tastes like a sunny vacation? This Mediterranean Rice Salad is packed with crisp veggies, salty feta, and a bright lemon-herb dressing. It’s the ultimate make-ahead side dish!
⏱️ Prep Time: 15 mins
🔥 Cook Time: 15 mins (plus cooling time)
🍽️ Servings: 4-6
📝 INGREDIENTS:
For the Salad Base:
- 3 cups cooked long-grain rice (basmati or jasmine work great), cooled completely
- 1.5 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 large English cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
For the Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette:
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
👩 INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Cook and Cool the Rice: Cook your rice according to package instructions. Crucial step:Spread it out on a baking sheet and let it cool completely to room temperature (or chill it in the fridge) so your salad doesn't get mushy!
2. Prep the Veggies: While the rice cools, halve your tomatoes, dice the cucumber, finely chop the red onion, and pit/slice the olives.
3. Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously until emulsified and creamy.
4. Toss It All Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rice, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, parsley, and mint. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to combine.
5. Add the Feta & Chill: Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese (so it doesn't break apart too much). Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
💡 PRO TIPS:
✅ Cool your rice completely: This is the secret to a perfect rice salad. Warm rice will steam the veggies and make the texture gummy.
✅ Make it a main dish: Toss in a can of rinsed chickpeas, grilled chicken strips, or shrimp to turn this side dish into a hearty, protein-packed lunch.
✅ Meal prep superstar:This salad actually tastes better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
✅ Make it vegan: Simply omit the feta cheese or swap it for your favorite plant-based feta alternative.
🍋 Bright, fresh, and ridiculously easy!
📍 QuickBitesByZoe
💾 Save this for your next potluck, picnic, or meal prep Sunday!
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