6+ Best Rice Salad Recipes You’ll Want to Make for Every Occasion!

Rice salads are the unsung heroes of the culinary world, offering delightful flavors and satisfying textures that can brighten any meal. They’re versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for gatherings, picnics, or even a cozy night in. If you’re curious about creating something delicious and fresh, you’re in the right place!

Mediterranean Quinoa Rice Salad

Quinoa Salad from Love and Lemons

Rating: 5. Ingredients: Italian dressing, feta cheese, pine nuts, arugula, roasted tomatoes Total Time: 40 mins.

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: Feta cheese, balsamic vinegar, cooked chicken breasts, kalamata olives, green bell pepper Total Time: 30 mins.

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad from cooktoria

Rating: 4.6. Ingredients: Red wine vinegar, feta cheese crumbles, black olives, red onion, roasted peppers Total Time: 10 mins.

This vibrant dish combines the nutty charm of quinoa with fluffy rice, loaded with colorful veggies and zesty Mediterranean flavors. Picture a bowl bursting with juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and briny olives, all tossed together in a light lemon vinaigrette. What makes this salad a standout is its refreshing taste and the way it transports you to sun-soaked shores with every bite!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Combine the cooked quinoa and brown rice in a large bowl. Add in the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and feta cheese. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over your salad and toss everything together until well mixed. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle.

Spicy Thai Rice Salad

Nam Khao Tod (Thai Crispy Rice Salad Recipe) from Hungry in Thailand

Rating: 5. Ingredients: 40 min Total Time: 40 min.

Rainbow Rice Salad – Kao Yum – ข้าวยำ from Hot Thai Kitchen

Rating: 5. Ingredients: 5, 0(3)

Crispy Rice Salad with Chili Crisp Tahini from Dishing Out Health

Rating: 4.5. Ingredients: 1 h

Get ready for a flavor explosion with this spicy Thai rice salad! The combination of jasmine rice, crunchy veggies, and a kick of chili creates a delightful dance of tastes. This salad shines with its bold flavors and is truly special because you can adjust the spice level to suit your palate, making it a crowd-pleaser for everyone!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup shelled edamame
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon chili paste (adjust to taste)
• Peanuts for garnish

Instructions:

In a large bowl, mix together the jasmine rice, shredded carrots, bell pepper, edamame, and cilantro. In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, lime juice, sesame oil, and chili paste. Pour the dressing over the rice mixture and toss to combine. Top with peanuts for that extra crunch!

Cilantro Lime Rice Salad

Cilantro Lime Rice from Love and Lemons

Rating: 5. Ingredients: 25 min Total Time: 25 min.

Cilantro Lime Rice (Easy Rice Bowl Recipe) from Jar Of Lemons

Rating: 5. Ingredients: 25 min Total Time: 25 min.

Cilantro Lime Rice from Simply Recipes

Rating: 5. Ingredients: 35 min Total Time: 35 min.

This refreshing salad is like a fiesta in a bowl! The combination of fluffy rice with zesty lime and fresh cilantro creates a bright, uplifting dish that’s perfect for summer. What makes it so popular is its simplicity and how well it pairs with grilled meats or can stand alone as a light lunch!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup corn (canned or grilled)
• 1 avocado, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a big bowl, combine the cooked rice, cilantro, lime juice, cherry tomatoes, corn, and avocado. Gently fold everything together to keep the avocado intact. Season with salt and pepper, and let it chill for a few minutes before serving to enhance those tangy flavors!

Southwestern Black Bean and Rice Salad

Southwest Brown Rice Salad from Fashionable Foods

Ingredients: 1 h

Southwest Rice Salad from Food.com

Rating: 5. Ingredients: 35 min Total Time: 35 min.

Mexican Bean and Rice Salad from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.4. Ingredients: 1 h 20 min Total Time: 1 h 20 min.

This hearty salad is packed with protein and full of flavor! The combination of seasoned black beans, brown rice, and a medley of veggies makes it a filling and nutritious option. What sets this recipe apart is its smoky flavor profile, thanks to the spices, making it a great choice for potlucks or meal prep!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, black beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro. Sprinkle with cumin, chili powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well combined. This salad tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time!