Description
This vibrant Italian Rice Salad is a refreshing and easy no-cook dish packed with fresh vegetables, black olives, and fragrant basil, tossed in a zesty red wine vinegar and lemon dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or a summer picnic, it combines cooked rice with crisp cucumbers, sweetcorn, and juicy baby plum tomatoes for a flavorful, colorful meal that is ready in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
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 (preferably microwave rice)
- 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, combine red wine vinegar, lemon juice, finely chopped garlic, dijon mustard, olive oil, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Whisk everything together thoroughly to emulsify the dressing, then set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cold cooked rice, quartered baby plum tomatoes, diced red onion, halved black olives, diced cucumber, cooled sweetcorn, and sliced fresh basil. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Toss salad with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the rice and vegetable mixture. Use salad tongs or two large spoons to gently toss everything together, ensuring that the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the salad and add additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls, ready to be enjoyed immediately or chilled before serving.
Notes
- This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature.
- You can prepare the dressing a few hours in advance to enhance the flavor.
- Substitute black olives with green olives for a different taste.
- Use leftover cooked rice or microwave rice packs for convenience.
- Add some protein such as grilled chicken or chickpeas for a more substantial meal.
