Spring Vegetable And Rice Salad Recipes

SPRING VEGETABLE RICE SALAD (INSALATA DI RISO)

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rice, stir, and adjust heat to maintain a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally to prevent any grains from sticking to the pot, until the rice is just barely done, about 15 minutes. It will continue to cook as it cools. Drain the rice well and spread it out on a tray to cool quickly.
• Bring another large pot of salted water to a boil. Holding an asparagus spear in both hands, bend the spear until it breaks naturally at the point where it becomes tough. Repeat with the remaining spears. Discard the tough ends and cut the tender part into 1/3-inch lengths. Blanch asparagus and peas together in the boiling water for 1 minute and 30 seconds, then lift out with a strainer and transfer to a paper towel lined baking sheet to cool.
• Shell the fava beans, then blanch the unpeeled beans in the same boiling water for about 3 minutes. Drain, transfer them to a paper towel lined baking sheet to cool. Peel the fava beans by pinching open the loose skin; the peeled bean should slip out easily.
• Put the lemon juice in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in the olive oil.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooled rice, asparagus, peas, fava beans, basil, parsley, lemon zest, ham and cheese. Toss with your hands to blend. Pour the dressing over the salad (you may not need it all) and toss gently. Taste and adjust seasoning.

MEDITERRANEAN RICE SALAD WITH VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Bring water and rice to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and liquid has been absorbed, 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat and pour enough cold water on top of the cooked rice to cover it. Stir to cool. Drain well; transfer rice into a bowl. Stir in 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with herb salt.
• Mix capers, parsley, and lemon zest in a small bowl; add to rice. Mix in zucchini, carrots, yellow bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Season with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.

SPRING VEGETABLE-RICE SALAD

Steps:

• Combine rice, tomatoes and asparagus in medium bowl.
• Mix remaining ingredients until well blended.
• Add to rice mixture; toss to coat.

SPRING VEGETABLE SALAD

Steps:

• Whisk 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar and 1 teaspoon each dijon mustard and honey in a large bowl; whisk in 1/4 cup olive oil. Shave or thinly slice 1 bunch baby carrots, 6 radishes and 1/4 red onion; add to the bowl along with 6 cups torn lettuce and 1/4 cup each sunflower seeds and torn mint; season with salt and pepper and toss.

SPRING VEGETABLE SALAD WITH HORSERADISH AND LEMON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• For the dressing, combine the white wine vinegar, horseradish and lemon extract in a mixing bowl and stir to combine. Whisk in the olive oil and season to taste with salt.
• Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Set up a bowl of ice water next to the stove and set a colander inside the ice water (so no ice is inside the colander). Stir a little salt into the water.
• Add the vegetables in separate groups to the boiling water and cook each batch until just tender, about a minute; each vegetable should still have a little snap. Leave all the vegetables to cool and mix in the ice water after cooking.
• Drain the vegetables well and pat dry. Add the cooked vegetables, radishes and cucumber to the bowl with the dressing and toss well to combine. Season to taste with salt. Transfer to a platter and garnish with the dill and mint or pea tendrils.

SPRING RICE SALAD WITH LEMON-DILL DRESSING

Steps:

• Prepare rice according to package directions using stock instead of water and omitting salt and butter. Set aside when done.
• Meanwhile, chop vegetables and bring saucepan 3/4 full of water to boil. Add green beans and snow peas and blanch for about 4-5 minutes or until desired tenderness. Remove with slotted spoon and let cool.
• Add asparagus to reserved water in saucepan and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes or until desired tenderness. Drain and let cool with other vegetables.
• In large bowl wisk together lemon juice, olive oil, dill, garlic, salt and pepper.
• Add rice and vegetables and toss.
• Garnish with dill sprigs and lemon wedges if desired.