Mediterranean Rice Salad

Overview

This delicious and vibrant Mediterranean Rice Salad is so easy to make and the perfect addition to a BBQ or summer dinner party. A chopped salad mixed with rice and a light and fresh dressing.   

▢ Rice - This is the star of the dish. We have used brown rice for some added fiber and we like the nuttiness of it. However, you can use long or short grain rice for this too.

▢ Salad items - We used bell peppers, cucumber, tomatoes and sweetcorn. We also added spinach for a green boost.

▢ Onion - We used red onion, however you could use shallots which would have sweeter flavour.

▢ Butter beans - We wanted to add some extra protein to this rice salad, to make it a little more filling. Other beans would work though.

▢ Olives - An easy way to add some Mediterranean flavour. You can use stuffed olives for extra flavour.

▢ Cheese - We sprinkled some feta on just before serving.

▢ Pine nuts - These add a nice crunch, but any nut or seed would work.

▢ Dill - You can swap this for basil or parsley if you prefer.

▢ Dressing - Oil; use a good quality extra virgin olive oil. Vinegar; we used apple cider for a nice tartness. Honey; for a little sweetness. Garlic and lemon are added too.

1.  Cook the rice according to the packet instructions. Once cooked put into a large serving dish. 
2.  Add the bell peppers, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, sweetcorn, red onion, butter beans, and spinach. 
3.  Add the sun-dried tomatoes, olives, feta, pine nuts and dill. 
4.  Finish with the olive oil, cider vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, pepper and lemon juice. 
5.  Mix well to combine everything.