Rice Salad With Cilantro Vinaigrette Recipes

CILANTRO RICE SALAD

Steps:

• Cook rice according to package directions, either on stove top or in rice cooker.
• Once rice is cooked, transfer to a large bowl and allow to cool, tossing with a rubber spoon until at room temperature.
• Wisk together ingredients for the dressing: oil, vinegar, salt and pepper in a bowl.
• Fold tomatoes, onion, cilantro and olives into the cooled rice.
• Add vinaigrette and toss to combine.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• **Notefor Leftovers: Leftover rice salad can be tossed with a can or two of white tuna, drained and flaked.
• Makes a nice lunch!

RICE SALAD WITH CILANTRO VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a bowl, combine rice, beans, peppers and cilantro. Combine the remaining ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid; shake well. Pour over rice mixture and toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving.

THE WORLD OF RICE SALADS

Steps:

• Put the rice and all the vegetables in a large bowl. Drizzle with vinaigrette and use two big forks to combine, fluffing the rice and tossing gently to separate the grains.
• Stir in the parsley, taste, and adjust the seasoning or moisten with a little more dressing. Serve at room temperature or refrigerate for up to a day, bringing the salad back to room temperature before serving.
• Variations:
• Rice Salad, Japanese Style: Use brown or white short-grain rice. Halve the amount of celery and carrot and finely chop them or shred them on a grater. Add 1 cup cubed firm tofu (preferably baked). Instead of the vinaigrette, toss with 1/4 cup or so of Simple Miso Dipping Sauce (made by whisking together 6 tablespoons miso paste, 3/4 cup warm water or sake, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 tablespoon mirin or honey, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar plus more to taste, and salt to taste). Instead of the parsley, crumble 2 sheets of nori over the rice salad and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons black or white sesame seeds.
• Rice Salad, Mexican Style: Long-grain or medium-grain, white or brown, all work well here. When blending the vinaigrette, add 1 tablespoon chili powder and 2 tablespoons Mexican crema or mayonnaise. Instead of celery and carrot, add 1 cup chopped fresh tomato. Substitute chopped fresh cilantro for the parsley and, at the same time, add 2 chopped hard-cooked eggs and chopped jalapeño chiles if you like. Serve with lime wedges.
• Rice Salad, Indian Style: Use brown or white basmati rice. When making the vinaigrette, use rice wine vinegar, replace the oil with coconut milk, and add 1 tablespoon curry powder, or more to taste. Instead of the bell pepper, celery, and carrot, add 1/2 cup each cubed cooked potato, cooked cauliflower florets, and green peas (cooked frozen are fine). Substitute cilantro for the parsley.
• Citrus Rice Salad: Use any rice. Instead of red wine vinegar, make the vinaigrette with freshly squeezed citrus juice-choose from lemon, lime, orange, blood orange, tangerine, pink grapefruit, or a combination. Whatever you use, add 2 tablespoons of the grated zest and 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey to the blender. Do not include the scallion or the vegetables. (You might want to use a little less dressing.) Instead of the parsley, use mint if you like. A handful of chopped almonds or pecans make a nice addition.
• Tomato Rice Salad: Use any kind of brown or white rice. When making the vinaigrette, eliminate the vinegar and add 1 medium tomato to the blender. Instead of the scallion and other vegetables, add 2 cups chopped fresh tomato (a mixture of heirloom varieties is nice).Instead of the parsley, use chopped fresh basil or mint, or 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives, chervil, dill, or about a tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves.

BROWN RICE SALAD

Steps:

• Place rice and water in a medium saucepan, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 45 to 60 minutes.
• In a medium bowl, mix the sour cream, red wine vinegar, lime juice, honey, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• Place bacon in a skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble, and set aside.
• In a large bowl, mix the rice, dressing mixture, bacon, bell pepper, green onions, peas, almonds, and cilantro. Chill at least 1 hour before serving.

SPICY RICE SALAD WITH CHILI VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Combine rice, bell pepper, jicama, tomato, jalapenos, and cilantro in a medium salad bowl.
• Whisk together ingredients for the vinaigrette and pour over salad, stirring to mix thoroughly.
• Refrigerate several hours before serving (marinate time develops flavors).