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Warm Rice Salad

A festively spiced rice salad made with Palmini “rice”. This recipe is easy to make with leftover rice and is completely customizable, it is vegetarian and the perfect side dish to make this holiday season.

When I tell you this salad is more of a side dish than a salad I mean it. The beauty about it is that you can customize it easily with whatever you have in your kitchen. Also, let it be known, if you are looking for a quick and simple side dish for your festive feasting then look no further, this salad will blow your mind. It is a fantastic vegetarian option as well. 

I am using a rice alternative to make this recipe, Palmini rice which is made from hearts of palm. You can use brown rice, couscous, bulgur or barley to make this salad. I would recommend giving this alternative a try as it is delicious and extremely healthy as well. 

What ingredients do you need to make this Warm rice salad?

Rice –

We need rice to make this recipe but you can use any alternative to make it. Also you can use leftover rice to make this recipe. Further you can use orzo as well. 

Vegetables –

You can use any veggies you like, I have used capsicum, peppers, onions, garlic, corn, cucumbers, tomatoes and pickles. 

Fruits & Nuts –

I like using a combination of fresh and dry fruits like clementines, dried cranberries, dates and raisins. Nuts add crunch but also flavor, I’ve added walnuts but you can go festive with chestnuts and toasted almonds. 

Flavourings –

I have used fresh and dry herbs to make this recipe, you can use any you like – I used a combination of parsley, mint, and dill. Dried oregano and dried basil too. Toss the salad in olive oil, lemon juice and a little orange juice. Season with salt and pepper. 

What equipment do you need to make this Warm rice salad?

We need a chopping board to cut up all the ingredients. I have mixed the salad in a bowl with a spatula. I like to serve the salad in a large platter but you can serve it individually as well. If you are serving this salad warm, you can heat up the rice in a microwave before tossing everything together. 

How to make this Warm rice salad?

Start by chopping all the ingredients for the salad. Transfer them into a mixing bowl, add the fresh and dry herbs too. If you are serving this salad warm, heat up the rice in a microwave. Add it into the bowl and add the olive oil, lemon juice, pepper and salt. Toss together, transfer to a platter and serve. 

Serving this Warm rice salad?

Serve this salad with grilled fish, chicken or lamb chops. I would recommend to serve it warm as it is more delicious but my mum loves it cold. Add some crunchy bacon on top for more flavor and texture. It pairs well with white wine and if you want to keep it vegetarian you can serve it with grilled tofu or potato cutlets. 

Storing and making this warm rice salad ahead?

If you are making this recipe ahead, you can prep all the ingredients ahead of time, warm the salad when ready to serve and toss together at the last minute. The leftovers can be stored in air tight containers in the fridge for 2 days. However it cannot be warmed again once it is refrigerated. 

Looking for more side dishes to make for Christmas?

Now that we have covered how to make this Warm Ice Salad, you can have a look at the recipe video on my socials but let’s get to it. Don’t forget to follow along for more fun recipe inspiration. 

If you try this recipe out, don’t forget to share it with me on instagram so I can see how it turned out. I’d love nothing more than to chat with you on your cooking/baking.  

Warm Rice Salad

A festively spiced rice salad made with Palmini “rice”. This recipe is easy to make with leftover rice and is completely customizable, it is vegetarian and the perfect side dish to make this holiday season.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Course Brunch, Dinner, Lunch, Salad, Side Dish, Starter
Cuisine American, Mediterranean
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Chopping board
  • Knife
  • Microwave
  • Spatula
  • Platter

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups rice I used Palmini rice
  • 1 cup bell peppers diced
  • 1 cup cucumbers diced
  • 1/2 cup tomatoes diced
  • 1/2 cup corn canned
  • 1/4 cup onions diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup fresh herbs chopped parsley & mint
  • 1 clementine diced
  • 8 dates diced
  • 2 tbsp dried cranberries
  • 2 tbsp raisins
  • 1/4 cup walnuts diced

Flavourings -

  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp orange juice
  • Salt & Pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Start by chopping all the ingredients for the salad.
  • Transfer them into a mixing bowl, add the fresh and dry herbs too.
  • Heat up the rice in a microwave and add it into the bowl.
  • Add the olive oil, lemon juice, pepper and salt. Toss together, transfer to a platter and serve.

Notes

  • You can use leftover rice to make this salad, or any other rice alternative to make it.

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