Name: Mediterranean Crispy Rice Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked and cooled jasmine or basmati rice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ cup diced cucumber; ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ¼ cup kalamata olives, sliced; ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint; ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and black pepper to taste

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If you’re dreaming of a dish that’s as vibrant and fresh as a sun-drenched Mediterranean escape, the Mediterranean Crispy Rice Salad is about to become your new obsession. This salad is a joyful celebration of textures and flavors: golden, crunchy rice mingling with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny olives, fragrant herbs, and creamy feta, all tossed in a zesty lemon-oregano dressing. It’s hearty enough to stand alone for lunch, yet elegant enough to serve at your next dinner party. The best part? It’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress.

Mediterranean Crispy Rice Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: each ingredient is chosen for how it enhances the taste, texture, or color of the Mediterranean Crispy Rice Salad. With just a handful of fresh, wholesome items, you’ll create something truly spectacular.

Cooked and cooled jasmine or basmati rice (2 cups): Use chilled rice for the best crispy texture, and choose aromatic varieties for extra flavor.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): The key to achieving that irresistible golden crunch on the rice.
Diced cucumber (½ cup): Adds a refreshing crunch and a pop of green.
Cherry tomatoes, halved (½ cup): Brings juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
Kalamata olives, sliced (¼ cup): Infuses a briny, savory punch that’s classic Mediterranean.
Red onion, finely chopped (¼ cup): Offers a gentle bite and a splash of purple.
Crumbled feta cheese (¼ cup): Provides creamy, tangy richness that ties everything together.
Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): Brightens the salad with grassy, herbal notes.
Fresh mint, chopped (2 tablespoons): Adds a cooling, aromatic twist that elevates every bite.
Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): The zesty foundation of the dressing; don’t skip it!
Red wine vinegar (1 teaspoon): Enhances the tang and balances the flavors.
Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): Lends earthy, classic Mediterranean depth to the dressing.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors to life.

How to Make Mediterranean Crispy Rice Salad

Step 1: Crisp the Rice

Start by heating the olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your cooked rice in an even layer. Let it sizzle and toast undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes, so the bottom gets beautifully golden and crisp. Give it a gentle toss and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes. This step is the magic behind the Mediterranean Crispy Rice Salad’s signature crunch—don’t rush it!

Step 2: Cool the Rice

Transfer the crisped rice to a large bowl and let it cool just slightly. You want it warm, but not hot, so it doesn’t wilt the fresh veggies. This makes sure every bite keeps its satisfying texture without turning soggy.

Step 3: Prep the Vegetables and Herbs

While the rice cools, prep your veggies and herbs. Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the olives, finely chop the red onion, and crumble the feta. Chop up the parsley and mint to unleash their aromatic oils. The rainbow of ingredients will look as good as it tastes!

Step 4: Mix the Salad

Add the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, feta, parsley, and mint to the bowl with the slightly cooled crispy rice. Gently toss to combine, making sure not to break up the rice too much. Every forkful should have a mix of veggies, herbs, and those irresistible crispy bits.

Step 5: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and black pepper. This tangy, herbaceous dressing will tie your Mediterranean Crispy Rice Salad together and brighten all the flavors.

Step 6: Dress and Toss

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For an extra-refreshing salad, chill it for 20 minutes before serving, or dive right in for a warm, hearty version.

How to Serve Mediterranean Crispy Rice Salad

Garnishes

Finish your Mediterranean Crispy Rice Salad with a flourish! Sprinkle extra crumbled feta or a handful of toasted pine nuts for added crunch. A few more sprigs of mint or parsley on top not only look beautiful but also amplify that fresh, herbal aroma. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving adds a luscious, glossy finish.

Side Dishes

This salad shines on its own but pairs perfectly with other Mediterranean favorites. Try serving it alongside grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or crispy falafel. A platter of warm pita bread and a bowl of creamy hummus will round out your meal and soak up every last drop of that delicious dressing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, scoop the Mediterranean Crispy Rice Salad into lettuce cups for a hand-held appetizer, or pile it onto a big platter family-style for sharing. You can even serve it as a base for a grain bowl, topped with roasted veggies or your favorite proteins. Let your imagination (and appetite) be your guide!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, transfer your Mediterranean Crispy Rice Salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to two days. Keep in mind that the rice may lose some of its crunch, but the flavors will deepen as they mingle.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, as the fresh vegetables and crispy rice texture don’t thaw well. For the best results, enjoy your Mediterranean Crispy Rice Salad within a couple of days of making it.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer, you can re-crisp the rice in a skillet for a few minutes before assembling the salad. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the rice rubbery and the veggies limp.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice or another grain instead?

Absolutely! Brown rice, quinoa, or even farro work well in place of white rice. Just make sure the grain is cooked and cooled before crisping for the best texture.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, the Mediterranean Crispy Rice Salad is naturally gluten-free, provided your rice and seasonings are free from contaminants. It’s a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.

What protein can I add to make it a meal?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas are excellent additions. Simply layer them on top or toss them right into the salad for a heartier dish.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Of course! Just leave out the feta cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free alternative. The salad will still be packed with flavor and freshness.

How do I keep the rice crispy if making ahead?

To keep the rice crispy, store it separately from the veggies and dressing. Combine everything just before serving to maintain that irresistible crunch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fall in love with salad all over again, give the Mediterranean Crispy Rice Salad a try. It’s colorful, satisfying, and bursting with bold flavors—perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on your own. You might just find yourself making it on repeat all season long!

Mediterranean Crispy Rice Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A vibrant Mediterranean Crispy Rice Salad combining fluffy jasmine or basmati rice with fresh vegetables, herbs, and tangy feta cheese, enhanced by a zesty lemon and red wine vinegar dressing. This refreshing salad offers a delightful crunch from the crispy rice and bursts of flavor from olives, mint, and oregano.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice Base

2 cups cooked and cooled jasmine or basmati rice
1 tablespoon olive oil

Vegetables & Herbs

½ cup diced cucumber
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup kalamata olives, sliced
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

Dressing & Cheese

¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare Crispy Rice: Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the cooked and cooled rice in an even layer and cook without stirring for 5–7 minutes until the bottom becomes golden and crispy. Gently toss the rice and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to crisp more evenly. Transfer the crispy rice to a large bowl and let it cool slightly.
Add Vegetables and Herbs: To the bowl with crispy rice, add diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced kalamata olives, finely chopped red onion, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and chopped mint. Mix gently to combine.
Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Dress and Serve: Pour the dressing over the rice and vegetable mixture. Toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately for the best crunch, or chill for 20 minutes before serving for a cooler, more refreshing salad.

Notes

For added protein, top with grilled chicken or chickpeas.
Feta cheese can be substituted with goat cheese or omitted for a dairy-free version.
Best served the same day to maintain the crispiness of the rice.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mediterranean