Crispy Rice Salad with Veggies and Peanut Dressing

Looking for a fun, flavorful dish that’s both fresh and filling? Meet Crispy Rice Salad with Veggies and Peanut Dressing—a dish that combines the perfect balance of crunchy, savory, and creamy all in one bowl. Imagine crispy rice nuggets tossed with fresh, vibrant veggies, all drizzled in a rich, tangy peanut dressing that will make your taste buds do a happy dance. It’s refreshing yet hearty, with the perfect textures to keep every bite interesting. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, a side dish, or a main course, this salad is guaranteed to impress. Believe me, once you get a taste of the crispy rice and that luscious peanut dressing, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Crispy Rice Salad with Veggies and Peanut Dressing

Here’s why this salad will become your new favorite go-to recipe:

• Crunchy & Savory Rice: The crispy rice adds a satisfying crunch, giving the salad an exciting texture contrast that’s both fun and delicious.
• Fresh Veggies: The crisp vegetables bring a burst of freshness and color to the dish, making each bite feel light and energizing.
• Creamy Peanut Dressing: The peanut dressing is the real star of the show—creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of sweetness to complement all the savory ingredients.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or proteins (tofu, chicken, or shrimp would be perfect) to make this salad your own.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad is great for meal prep, and the crispy rice holds up well without getting soggy.

Ingredients in Crispy Rice Salad with Veggies and Peanut Dressing

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this amazing salad to life:

For the Salad:

• Cooked Rice: The base of the salad. Use any variety of rice you like—white, brown, jasmine, or basmati all work well.
• Cucumber: Fresh, crisp, and cool, cucumbers add a nice crunch to the salad.
• Carrot: Thinly sliced or julienned carrots bring a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
• Bell Pepper: Colorful bell peppers (any variety) add a juicy, crisp bite to the salad.
• Red Cabbage: For a pop of color and a slight tangy crunch.
• Green Onions: A bit of sharpness and freshness to balance out the other flavors.
• Cilantro: Optional, but it adds a fresh, herby note that really lifts the dish.
• Sesame Seeds: For an extra layer of crunch and flavor.

For the Peanut Dressing:

• Peanut Butter: The creamy, rich base of the dressing.
• Soy Sauce: For that salty umami punch.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy, slightly sweet note to the dressing.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: To balance out the flavors with a bit of sweetness.
• Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice gives the dressing a refreshing citrusy zing.
• Ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds warmth and depth of flavor.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds a savory, aromatic kick to the dressing.
• Water: To thin out the dressing to your desired consistency.

(Note: The full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make this tasty, crispy rice salad:

Prepare the Rice

Start by cooking your rice according to package instructions. Once it’s cooked, let it cool completely. You can even refrigerate it for a couple of hours to make it easier to crisp up.

Make the Crispy Rice

Once the rice is cooled, heat a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat. Add a small drizzle of oil (like vegetable oil or olive oil). Once the pan is hot, add the rice in an even layer. Press it down lightly with a spatula and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the bottom is golden and crispy. Stir and repeat until the rice is crispy all over. Set the crispy rice aside.

Make the Peanut Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, lime juice, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Add water a little at a time to thin the dressing to your desired consistency—thicker for a dip, or thinner for drizzling over the salad. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more soy sauce, lime juice, or honey to your liking.

Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooked, crispy rice with the fresh veggies—cucumber, carrot, bell pepper, red cabbage, and green onions. Toss everything together to mix.

Drizzle the Dressing

Pour the peanut dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle the sesame seeds and fresh cilantro on top as a garnish.

Serve & Enjoy

Serve this delicious, fresh, and crispy rice salad immediately, or chill it for a bit before serving for an even cooler, refreshing bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 320
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 650mg
Total Carbohydrates: 33g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 7g
Vitamin D: 0µg
Calcium: 60mg
Iron: 2mg
Potassium: 350mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Crispy Rice Salad with Veggies and Peanut Dressing

This salad is a great standalone dish, but here are some ideas for pairing it:

• Protein Add-ins: Top it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
• Side Dish: Serve it as a side dish with grilled meats or as part of a larger Asian-inspired spread.
• Rice or Noodles: For a heartier meal, serve it with a side of steamed rice or some cold noodles.
• Avocado: Sliced avocado on top adds a creamy texture and richness that complements the salad perfectly.

Additional Tips

• Rice Tip: For best results, use day-old rice. Fresh rice can be a little too soft to crisp up well, so let it sit in the fridge for a few hours before cooking.
• Veggie Variations: Feel free to swap out the veggies for others you prefer, such as shredded zucchini, snap peas, or cherry tomatoes.
• Dressing Storage: Store the peanut dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It’s great for drizzling on other salads or as a dipping sauce for veggies or spring rolls.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the peanut dressing.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A1: Absolutely! Brown rice will give the salad a chewier texture and a nuttier flavor, making it a great option for those who prefer whole grains.

Q2: Can I make the crispy rice in advance?
A1: Yes, you can make the crispy rice ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. Just reheat it in a hot pan before serving to bring back that crispy texture.

Q3: Is this salad gluten-free?
A3: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce in the dressing.

Q4: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
A1: You can! Crunchy peanut butter will add more texture to the dressing, but smooth peanut butter creates a creamier consistency.

Q5: How can I make this salad vegan?
A5: This salad is already vegan, but make sure the peanut butter you’re using is free from added honey (or just swap it out with maple syrup for sweetness).

Q6: Can I add cooked chicken or tofu to this salad?
A6: Yes, grilled chicken or pan-fried tofu would be a delicious addition for extra protein!

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The crispy rice will lose its crunch, but the flavors will still be amazing.

Q8: Can I make the peanut dressing ahead of time?
A8: Yes! You can make the dressing in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using.

Q9: What other vegetables can I add to this salad?
A9: Try adding shredded cabbage, edamame, or even roasted sweet potatoes for extra flavor and texture.

Q10: How can I make this salad spicier?
A10: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili flakes to the peanut dressing for an extra kick of heat.

Conclusion

This Crispy Rice Salad with Veggies and Peanut Dressing is everything you want in a salad—crunchy, fresh, savory, and just a little bit indulgent thanks to that creamy peanut dressing. It’s the perfect dish for when you want something light but satisfying, and it’s easily adaptable to suit your taste. Plus, it’s a breeze to make! Enjoy every flavorful bite, and get ready to make this your go-to salad.

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