Greek Rice Salad

Greek rice salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for warm weather or as a side dish at a barbecue. This traditional Greek recipe combines fluffy white rice with a variety of fresh and vibrant ingredients to create a light and satisfying salad that is bursting with flavor. The salad is typically tossed in a zesty dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs, adding a tangy and aromatic element to the dish.

Greek Rice Salad
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Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

45 mins

Additional Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 15 mins

Servings:

8

Ingredients

Greek Rice Salad
1 cup uncooked long grain brown rice
2 ½ cups water
1 avocado - peeled, pitted, and diced
¼ cup lemon juice
2 vine-ripened tomatoes, diced
1 ½ cups diced English cucumbers
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
⅓ cup diced red onion
¼ cup sliced Kalamata olives
¼ cup chopped fresh mint
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon zest
½ teaspoon minced garlic
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring brown rice and water to a boil in a saucepan over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and liquid has been absorbed, 45 to 50 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool, fluffing occasionally with a fork.

Step 2

Toss avocado and lemon juice together in a large bowl. Add tomatoes, cucumber, feta, onion, olives, mint, olive oil, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper to the bowl; lightly toss the mixture until evenly combined.

Step 3

Fold cooled rice gently into the mixture. Serve immediately or chill up to 1 hour; the salad does not last well for more than a day as the tomato and cucumber begin to release their juices and the salad becomes watery.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

224

Calories

13g

Fat

25g

Carbs

5g

Protein

Complement

The base of the Greek rice salad is the perfectly cooked rice, which provides a satisfying texture and neutral base for the other ingredients to shine. The salad is then filled with colorful and crunchy vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers, as well as briny olives and tangy feta cheese. These ingredients come together to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making the Greek rice salad a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this salad is a delicious way to showcase the vibrant and fresh flavors of Greek cuisine.