Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 11 reviews

If you’re searching for a fresh, vibrant dish that bursts with color, flavor, and nutrition, you’ll absolutely adore this Mediterranean Rice Salad Recipe. It’s a delicious, easy-to-make salad that brings together wholesome brown rice, crisp vegetables, tangy olives, creamy feta, and a lively dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Whether you’re looking for a standout side for your summer BBQ or a light, satisfying meal, this salad hits all the right notes with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white round bowl is filled with seven sections of fresh chopped vegetables arranged in a circle. Starting from the top going clockwise, there are small diced cucumbers with a light green and white color, bright red chopped tomatoes, bright yellow corn kernels, large white beans, finely chopped dark green leafy herbs, bright orange diced bell peppers next to small diced yellow bell peppers, and finely chopped purple onions placed in the center of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Mediterranean Rice Salad Recipe relies on simple, quality ingredients that each add their own unique texture, taste, and color to create an unforgettable flavor experience. From hearty grains to fresh veggies, and a few special touches like sun-dried tomatoes and pine nuts, every element plays an essential role.

  • Brown rice: The base of the salad providing nutty flavor and a satisfying bite.
  • Bell peppers: Add vibrant color and sweet crunchiness.
  • Cucumber: For refreshing crispness and cooling contrast.
  • Cherry tomatoes: Juicy bursts of sweetness that balance acidity.
  • Sweetcorn: Brings a pop of natural sugary flavor and color.
  • Red onion: Adds a gentle sharpness and crunch.
  • Butter beans: Creamy texture and extra protein to fill you up.
  • Spinach: Earthy greens that boost nutrients and freshness.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: Intensely flavorful and slightly chewy for contrast.
  • Mixed olives: Salty, briny notes that elevate the entire dish.
  • Feta cheese: Creamy, tangy crumbles that add richness.
  • Pine nuts: Toasted to perfection for a subtle crunch and buttery taste.
  • Fresh dill: Herby aroma that brightens the salad.
  • Olive oil: Extra virgin, for that smooth, fruity base in the dressing.
  • Apple cider vinegar: Adds mild acidity and depth to the dressing.
  • Honey: Balances acidity with a natural touch of sweetness.
  • Garlic cloves: Crushed for hearty aroma and flavor punch.
  • Sea salt and ground black pepper: To season perfectly.
  • Lemon juice: Provides fresh citrus zestiness that lifts all the flavors.

How to Make Mediterranean Rice Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Start by cooking 200 grams of brown rice according to the packet instructions. For best results, aim for an al dente texture; you want some bite so the rice doesn’t turn mushy when mixed with the other ingredients. Once cooked, spread the rice out on a large baking tray to cool quickly without rinsing, preserving all the lovely flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Vegetables

While the rice is cooking, take the time to dice 2 bell peppers and half a cucumber, quarter 200 grams of cherry tomatoes, dice 1 red onion, and chop 50 grams of fresh spinach. These fresh vegetables bring essential crunch, freshness, and the amazing range of Mediterranean colors you expect from this recipe.

Step 3: Combine Main Salad Ingredients

In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled rice with the chopped vegetables. Add in 100 grams of sweetcorn, 235 grams of drained butter beans, 50 grams of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and 100 grams of chopped mixed olives. Stir gently to start blending the textures and colors.

Step 4: Add Cheese, Nuts, and Herbs

Next, crumble 40 grams of feta cheese over the salad, sprinkle 30 grams of pine nuts, and finely chop 6 grams of fresh dill to scatter on top. These add richness, crunch, and an herbal lift that make this Mediterranean Rice Salad Recipe truly special.

Step 5: Mix the Dressing and Toss

Whisk together 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey, crushed cloves of 2 garlic cloves, a pinch of sea salt and ground black pepper, and the juice of 1 lemon. Pour this flavorful dressing over the salad and mix everything thoroughly to ensure every bite is perfectly seasoned.

How to Serve Mediterranean Rice Salad Recipe

A wooden spoon lifts a colorful mix of rice salad, showing one main layer of fluffy white rice speckled with small red, yellow, and green vegetable pieces like diced red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, black olives, corn, and bits of red onion. The salad also includes white beans and chopped green herbs scattered throughout, providing a fresh, mixed texture. The background and larger bowl below have the same colorful mix, all set on a white marbled surface with a blurred blue and white striped cloth behind. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a fresh and inviting presentation, consider garnishing with extra dill sprigs or a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley. Toasted pine nuts on top add that wonderful crunch and nutty aroma. Serve with a wedge of lemon so your guests can give it an extra zing if they like.

Side Dishes

This vibrant rice salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or lamb, or alongside falafel and hummus for a vegetarian feast. It’s also fantastic served chilled as a healthy, stand-alone summer lunch or picnic dish, bringing a Mediterranean flair to any table.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this Mediterranean Rice Salad Recipe in individual glass jars or pretty bowls for parties. Layered with a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki on the side, it doubles as a meal and a visual treat. You can even stuff it inside pita pockets for a handheld twist that’s perfect on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the flavors from mixing with other foods. Give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing evenly.

Freezing

While the components of this Mediterranean Rice Salad Recipe hold up well chilled, freezing is not recommended. The fresh vegetables and dressing will lose their texture and vibrant taste upon thawing, altering the salad’s delightful character.

Reheating

If you prefer warm rice salad, gently reheat only the rice portion in the microwave or on the stovetop before combining it with the cold salad ingredients and dressing. This technique helps preserve the freshness of the vegetables and creamy feta without compromising texture.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice in this Mediterranean Rice Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! While brown rice adds nuttiness and fiber, white rice can be used if you prefer a milder flavor and softer texture. Just be mindful not to overcook it so the salad stays pleasantly firm.

Is this salad suitable for vegans?

To make this Mediterranean Rice Salad Recipe vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative. The salad will still be bursting with flavors and textures.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time for a party?

Yes, it’s a great make-ahead dish! Prepare the components separately if possible, then toss everything with the dressing just before serving for maximum freshness and flavor.

What can I add to make the salad more protein-rich?

Adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or extra butter beans can boost the protein content while keeping the salad hearty and satisfying. Pine nuts also provide a nice protein touch with a lovely crunch.

How can I make the dressing more tangy?

If you love a tangy zing, increase the lemon juice by half a tablespoon or add a splash more apple cider vinegar. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean Rice Salad Recipe is truly one of my favorite dishes to prepare when I want something quick, healthy, and full of sunshine on a plate. Its combination of textures, bright colors, and layered flavors never fails to impress. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a delightful weeknight meal. The best part is you can play around with the ingredients to make it your own, so dive in and savor every vibrant bite!

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Mediterranean Rice Salad Recipe

Mediterranean Rice Salad Recipe
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4.2 from 11 reviews

A bright, flavorful Mediterranean Rice Salad that combines wholesome brown rice with fresh vegetables, olives, feta, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for BBQs and summer gatherings, this gluten-free and vegetarian dish is both satisfying and refreshing.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Ingredients

Grains and Legumes

  • 200 g Brown rice
  • 235 g Butter beans (canned; drained weight)

Vegetables

  • 2 Bell peppers, diced
  • 0.5 Cucumber, diced
  • 200 g Cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 100 g Sweetcorn
  • 1 Red onion, diced
  • 50 g Spinach, chopped
  • 50 g Sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped

Other Salad Ingredients

  • 100 g Mixed olives, chopped
  • 40 g Feta, crumbled
  • 30 g Pine nuts
  • 6 g Fresh dill, finely chopped

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Honey
  • 2 Garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1 Lemon, juice only
  • 2 pinch Sea salt and ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the Rice: Cook 200 g brown rice according to the packet instructions, ensuring it remains slightly al dente to maintain a good texture.
  2. Prepare the Base: Once cooked, transfer the rice to a large serving dish allowing it to cool naturally on a baking tray to prevent overcooking or mushiness.
  3. Add Fresh Vegetables: Add the diced bell peppers, cucumber, quartered cherry tomatoes, sweetcorn, diced red onion, butter beans, and chopped spinach into the rice.
  4. Add Sun-dried Tomatoes and Olives: Incorporate the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, mixed olives, crumbled feta, pine nuts, and finely chopped fresh dill into the mixture.
  5. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, crushed garlic cloves, sea salt, ground black pepper, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Mix well to blend all flavors.
  6. Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and mix thoroughly to ensure every component is well coated with the zesty dressing.

Notes

  • For a quicker version, use microwave-cooked rice and mix it with the salad ingredients immediately.
  • Add chopped avocado for a creamy texture and extra richness.
  • Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the dressing’s flavor significantly.
  • Cook the rice so it remains slightly firm to avoid a mushy texture in the salad.
  • Avoid using lettuce as it tends to go soggy quickly; this salad stores well chilled without it.
  • Cool the rice straight away by spreading it on a large baking tray; do not rinse under cold water to retain flavor.

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