The Zesty Red Rice Salad Recipe: A Refreshing Summer Classic

Crafting a vibrant red rice salad brings unexpected excitement to your lunch routine.

Mediterranean flavors dance through every colorful bite.

Nutritious grains mingle with fresh herbs and crisp vegetables.

Texture plays a delightful role in this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Seasonal ingredients create a symphony of tastes that surprise and delight.

Bold colors and bright seasonings make this recipe perfect for casual gatherings.

You’ll want to savor each refreshing spoonful of this inventive salad.

Why Mary Berry Red Rice Salad Is A Fresh Choice

• Boost Nutrition: Packed with wholesome red rice, this salad delivers a powerful punch of fiber, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health and wellness.
• Customize with Ease: Personalize the dish by swapping ingredients or adding your favorite proteins like grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas to create a versatile meal.
• Quick Meal Prep: Perfect for busy individuals seeking a simple yet satisfying lunch or dinner option that comes together with minimal cooking skills and preparation time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Freshness: The combination of zesty dressing, crisp rocket, and tangy feta creates a vibrant flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of taste preferences, making it ideal for gatherings and potlucks.

What You’ll Need For Mary Berry Red Rice Salad

• Red Rice: A nutritious and hearty grain that provides the base for this flavorful salad.
• Feta Cheese: A tangy and creamy Greek cheese that adds a rich, salty flavor to the dish.

• Shallots, Spring Onions, Rocket: Fresh ingredients that bring crisp texture and peppery, sharp notes to the salad.

• Garlic, Mustard, Vinegar, Olive Oil, Black Pepper, Salt: A classic vinaigrette that adds zesty and bright flavors to the rice base, helping to enhance and bind the ingredients together.

How To Prepare Mary Berry Red Rice Salad

Step 1: Boil and Steam Rice

Wash the red rice thoroughly under cool running water. Pour the rice into a pot with salted boiling water. Cover the pot and cook for about 40 minutes. After cooking time, turn off the heat and let the rice sit with the lid on for an additional 15 minutes to steam and become fluffy.

Step 2: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

• Minced garlic
• Dijon mustard
• Tangy vinegar
• Cracked black pepper
• Olive oil

Blend all ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Infuse Rice with Flavor

While the rice is still warm, gently fold the prepared dressing into the grains. Allow the rice to cool completely, letting the flavors meld and absorb.

Step 4: Add Fresh Greenery

• Finely chopped shallots
• Peppery rocket leaves
• Sliced spring onions

Toss these ingredients gently to distribute evenly throughout the rice.

Step 5: Finish with Creamy Cheese

Just before serving, crumble tangy feta cheese over the top of the salad. The cheese will add a rich, creamy contrast to the bright, herbal notes of the dish.

Smart Tips For Mary Berry Red Rice Salad

• Drain Rice Thoroughly: Pat cooked rice completely dry to prevent soggy salad texture and ensure each grain absorbs dressing separately.
• Warm Dressing Absorption: Mix dressing with warm rice to help ingredients better penetrate and enhance overall flavor profile.
• Room Temperature Serving: Allow salad to reach room temperature before serving to maximize taste and prevent chilled, muted flavors.
• Cheese Placement Strategy: Sprinkle feta just before serving to maintain its crumbly texture and prevent cheese from becoming mushy.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or mint for an extra layer of brightness and aromatic complexity.

Fun Variations Of Mary Berry Red Rice Salad

• Quinoa Power Swap: Replace red rice with quinoa for a protein-packed, gluten-free alternative that cooks faster and offers complete amino acids.
• Mediterranean Herb Boost: Add fresh basil, oregano, and diced cucumber to enhance the salad's Mediterranean profile with bright, zesty flavors.
• Vegan Cheese Option: Substitute feta with crumbled tofu or nutritional yeast for a plant-based version that maintains creamy texture and tangy notes.
• Roasted Veggie Upgrade: Incorporate roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant to add depth, smokiness, and extra nutrients to the base salad.

Top Pairings With Mary Berry Red Rice Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A zesty Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling cuts through the richness of feta and complements the tangy vinegar dressing, creating a refreshing balance.
• Match with Herb-Roasted Chicken: Grilled or roasted chicken seasoned with thyme and rosemary brings out the earthy flavors of red rice and adds protein to the light salad.
• Serve alongside Mediterranean Mezze: Small plates like hummus, olives, and grilled vegetables echo the salad's Mediterranean ingredients and provide a diverse, textural dining experience.
• Complement with Sparkling Water with Lemon: A citrusy, effervescent drink cleanses the palate between bites, highlighting the rocket's peppery notes and the salad's bright vinaigrette.

Best Way To Store Mary Berry Red Rice Salad

• Store the red rice salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Keep the salad covered to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Not recommended due to the delicate texture of rocket and feta. Freezing will cause vegetables to become soggy and cheese to lose its crumbly consistency.
• Warm gently in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of water to prevent dryness and maintain moisture.
• Enjoy the salad straight from the refrigerator for a refreshing meal. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and soften the ingredients.

FAQs About Mary Berry Red Rice Salad

• What makes red rice different from white rice?

Red rice has a nutty flavor, higher fiber content, and more antioxidants compared to white rice, giving this salad a nutritious and unique taste profile.

• Can I use another type of rice if red rice is unavailable?

Yes, you can substitute with brown rice or wild rice, but cooking times may vary slightly. Adjust water and cooking duration accordingly.

• Is this salad best served warm or cold?

The salad tastes best at room temperature or slightly chilled, allowing the flavors of the dressing and herbs to fully develop and blend together.

• How can I make this salad more protein-rich?

Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or toasted nuts like almonds or pine nuts to increase the protein content and make the salad more substantial.

Red Rice Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 65 mins
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean red rice salad brings exotic flavors to your plate with a delightful mix of herbs, vegetables, and zesty dressing. Colorful ingredients dance together, creating a refreshing dish that transports you to sunny coastal landscapes.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 10 fluid ounces (275 milliliters) Camargue red rice
• 7 ounces (200 grams) feta cheese
• 2 ounces (50 grams) rocket leaves

Herbs and Aromatics:

• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 3 spring onions, chopped
• 1 garlic clove

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon grain mustard
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Immerse red rice in cool water, gently swirling to remove excess starch, then drain completely.
2. Cook rice in generously salted boiling water at medium-high heat for approximately 40 minutes, maintaining a covered pot.
3. After cooking, remove from heat and allow rice to rest, covered, for additional 15 minutes to absorb remaining moisture and achieve perfect texture.
4. Craft a vibrant dressing by whisking together minced garlic, robust mustard, tangy vinegar, freshly cracked black pepper, and smooth olive oil until emulsified.
5. While rice remains warm, gently fold the dressing throughout, ensuring even distribution and allowing flavors to meld and absorb.
6. Once rice reaches room temperature, incorporate finely chopped shallots, peppery rocket leaves, and delicate spring onions.
7. Just before presentation, delicately crumble creamy feta cheese over the salad, creating a visually appealing and textural contrast.

Notes

• Ensure rice is thoroughly rinsed to remove excess starch and prevent clumping during cooking.
• Use a timer when cooking rice to achieve perfect texture, avoiding undercooked or mushy results.
• Allow rice to rest after cooking, creating fluffy and separated grains for a better salad base.
• Dress the rice while still warm to help it absorb flavors more effectively, enhancing overall taste profile.
• Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients like crisp rocket and sharp feta to elevate the salad’s freshness.
• Customize the recipe by swapping feta with vegan cheese or omitting for a dairy-free version.
• Prepare dressing separately and adjust seasoning to personal taste preferences before mixing with rice.
• Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping flavors intact.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg