Caleen's Patio Rice Salad

Bright, refreshing, and packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, Caleen's Patio Rice Salad is the ultimate go-to dish for al fresco dining. This vibrant recipe combines fluffy, aromatic basmati rice with crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet red bell peppers, and zesty red onion, all tossed in a tangy homemade dressing featuring lemon juice, white wine vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil. Fresh parsley adds a pop of herbaceous flavor, while optional crumbled feta cheese gives a creamy, salty kick. Perfect as a chilled side dish or a light main course, this rice salad is quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for warm-weather gatherings or busy weeknights. Pair it with grilled meats or enjoy it solo for a healthy, satisfying bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 2 cups Water
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup Cucumber, diced
• 0.5 cup Red bell pepper, diced
• 0.25 cup Red onion, finely chopped
• 0.25 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon White wine vinegar
• 1 clove Garlic, minced
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 0.5 cup Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring the water and salt to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.

Step 3

Once cooked, remove the rice from the heat and let it cool completely to room temperature.

Step 4

While the rice cools, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, red bell pepper, and chop the red onion and parsley.

Step 5

In a small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, and black pepper.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rice, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to combine.

Step 7

If desired, fold in the crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor and creaminess.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 9

Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1482.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1090.8

Total Fat 72.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 24.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 106.8mg	0%
Sodium 3779.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 86.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.5g	0%
Total Sugars 17.1g
Protein 31.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 869.7mg	0%
Iron 9.3mg	0%
Potassium 1721.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 57.7%

Protein: 11.3%

Carbs: 31.0%