Description
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This Mediterranean Crispy Rice Salad is a fresh, zesty, and satisfying dish that combines the bold flavors of the Mediterranean with crispy golden rice. It features a mix of crunchy vegetables, fresh herbs, tangy feta, and lemony dressing tossed with rice that’s pan-fried until crispy. It’s perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or even a vegetarian main course. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
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For the crispy rice:
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2 cups cooked and chilled white or brown rice
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt, to taste
For the salad:
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cucumber, diced
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1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
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1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
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1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
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1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
For the dressing:
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1 small garlic clove, minced
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Instructions
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Crisp the rice: Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cooked rice in an even layer and press down gently. Let it cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes or until golden and crispy on the bottom. Stir and crisp for another 2–3 minutes. Season with salt and let cool slightly.
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Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
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Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crispy rice, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta, and fresh herbs.
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Toss and serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately or let sit for 10–15 minutes for the flavors to meld.
Notes
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Use day-old rice for the best crispy texture. Jasmine, basmati, or short-grain rice all work well.
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Add chickpeas, grilled chicken, or tuna for extra protein.
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This salad is meal prep–friendly. Store the crispy rice separately and combine before serving to maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Salad
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg