If you are looking for a vibrant, fresh, and utterly delicious dish that bursts with Mediterranean charm, then this Italian Rice Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. This salad is a perfect harmony of flavors and textures—tangy dressing, crisp vegetables, sweet corn, and the aromatic touch of fresh basil. Whether you’re after a light lunch, a side for dinner, or a picnic favorite, this recipe combines simplicity with incredible taste to become an instant classic you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Italian Rice Salad Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a dish full of color and flavor. Each component is essential, bringing its unique texture and taste that elevate the salad from ordinary to unforgettable.
- Red wine vinegar: Adds a pleasant acidity that helps brighten the entire salad.
- Lemon juice: Contributes fresh citrus notes that balance richness beautifully.
- Garlic clove: Provides a subtle kick for depth and complexity.
- Olive oil: Brings richness and smoothness, marrying all ingredients together.
- Dijon mustard: Gives the dressing a gentle tangy creaminess that enhances flavor.
- Dried oregano: Infuses a touch of traditional Italian herbiness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all flavors.
- Cooked rice: The salad’s hearty base, perfect for soaking up the dressing’s vibrant taste.
- Baby plum tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they add pops of fresh color and flavor.
- Red onion: Offers a crisp, slightly sharp bite for contrast.
- Black olives: Bring a salty, briny depth to the dish.
- Cucumber: Adds refreshing crunch and lightness.
- Cooked sweetcorn: Sweet, tender kernels that contribute a delightful texture and flavor.
- Fresh basil: Sliced to sprinkle a fragrant, herbaceous finish.
How to Make Italian Rice Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by whisking together the red wine vinegar, lemon juice, finely chopped garlic, Dijon mustard, olive oil, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and black pepper in a small bowl. This dressing is the heart of your salad, delivering all those wonderful tangy and herbal notes. Let it sit for a few minutes so the flavors can meld perfectly.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, gather the cold cooked rice, quartered baby plum tomatoes, diced red onion, halved black olives, diced cucumber, cooked sweetcorn, and freshly sliced basil. Each ingredient plays a vital role—from the softness of the rice to the crisp freshness of the veggies.
Step 3: Toss and Season
Pour your prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together until each bite is beautifully coated. Taste and add extra salt and pepper if desired. The key is to balance all the fresh and zesty components while keeping the textures delightful.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the Italian Rice Salad Recipe into a pretty serving dish or individual bowls. This salad looks as good as it tastes when presented with a little extra basil on top!
How to Serve Italian Rice Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves scattered on top provide a pop of green and an aromatic burst that complements every forkful. For added texture, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or a grating of Parmesan cheese to elevate this salad’s appeal and taste.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, seafood, or even a simple crusty baguette. The Italian Rice Salad Recipe is versatile enough to accompany almost any main course, especially during warmer months when you want something cool and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this salad in hollowed-out bell peppers or large lettuce leaves for individual portions that double as edible bowls. It’s also fantastic layered in a clear glass bowl to showcase all the vibrant colors, making it the centerpiece on your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Italian Rice Salad Recipe keeps very well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and toss it gently before serving again to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended because the fresh vegetables and dressing can lose their texture and brightness. For the best experience, enjoy it fresh or within a couple of days of preparation.
Reheating
This salad is intended to be served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, you can bring it to room temperature by leaving it out for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving, but avoid microwaving as it alters the vibrant flavors and crisp textures.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and chewy texture that pairs beautifully with the fresh vegetables and herbs in this Italian Rice Salad Recipe. Just ensure the rice is cooked and completely cooled before using.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad is a fantastic option for meal prep. It holds up well in the fridge for a couple of days, making it perfect for quick lunches or light dinners throughout the week.
Can I add protein to make it a complete meal?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas make excellent additions. They complement the flavors and textures nicely, transforming the salad into a satisfying and hearty meal.
How spicy is the salad?
This Italian Rice Salad Recipe is mild and fresh without any spiciness. If you want to add a bit of heat, consider mixing in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
What’s the best way to cook the rice for this salad?
The rice should be cooked thoroughly and then cooled completely—using pre-cooked microwave rice works perfectly for convenience. Make sure it’s fluffy and not sticky to achieve the best texture in your salad.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and exciting about this Italian Rice Salad Recipe that makes it a true crowd-pleaser. I hope you’ll give it a try and discover how easy it is to bring authentic, fresh Italian flavors into your kitchen. It’s fresh, colorful, and adaptable, perfect for any occasion you want to impress or simply enjoy a delightful meal with your loved ones.
Print
Italian Rice Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Italian Rice Salad featuring a tangy red wine vinegar and lemon dressing combined with fresh vegetables, olives, and aromatic basil. This easy-to-make cold salad is perfect as a light meal or a side dish, ready in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
Salad
- 250 g cooked rice, cold (microwave rice suggested)
- 200 g baby plum tomatoes, cut into quarters
- 1 red onion, diced
- 100 g black olives, halved
- 100 g cucumber, diced
- 200 g sweetcorn, cooked and cooled
- 20 g fresh basil, sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar, lemon juice, finely chopped garlic, Dijon mustard, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cold cooked rice, quartered baby plum tomatoes, diced red onion, halved black olives, diced cucumber, cooked and cooled sweetcorn, and fresh sliced basil. Gently toss these ingredients to mix evenly.
- Add the dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss carefully to ensure every component is coated evenly with the flavorful dressing.
- Season and serve: Transfer the salad to a serving platter or portion into individual bowls. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if necessary. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked and chilled rice to save time and ensure the salad stays cool and fresh.
- For added protein, consider mixing in cooked chicken or cannellini beans.
- The salad tastes even better if allowed to sit for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop fully.
- Feel free to substitute fresh oregano for dried for a more vibrant herb flavor.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
