The caprese rice salad, or cold caprese rice, is a fresh and tasty reinterpretation of the famous Caprese salad, a classic of Italian cuisine. This variant combines the Mediterranean taste of the Caprese salad with the fullness and versatility of rice, creating an ideal dish for warm seasons, but not limited to.
The main ingredients are rice, tomatoes, provolone, and basil, but it can be personalized according to individual tastes and preferences. Adding black olives, capers, or chili can add a touch of flavor and complexity. Furthermore, adding a light vinaigrette can further enrich the taste of the salad.
This preparation is a versatile option, perfect as a light lunch, informal dinner, or as a side dish for a main course. It is an ideal choice for days when you are looking for freshness and flavor without being too heavy.
Another advantage of the caprese rice salad is its ease of preparation and the possibility of being prepared in advance and stored in the fridge, making it a practical solution for meals to take to work or for picnics.
In summary, the caprese rice salad is a dish that celebrates Mediterranean flavors in a light and tasty preparation. It is an example of how simple ingredients can create a symphony of flavor and freshness.
If you’re looking for other rivisited caprese recipes, also try:
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very inexpensive
- Rest time: 2 Hours
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 2
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
- Energy 503.34 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 72.68 (g) of which sugars 14.11 (g)
- Proteins 15.83 (g)
- Fat 15.91 (g) of which saturated 4.96 (g)of which unsaturated 2.37 (g)
- Fibers 3.15 (g)
- Sodium 1,282.80 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 400 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for the Caprese Rice Salad
- 3/4 cup rice
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2.8 oz Genoese pesto
- 1.8 oz provolone
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- to taste basil
Tools
- Bowl
- Knife
- Spoon
- Pot
How to prepare the Caprese Rice Salad
To prepare the Caprese rice salad, first cook the rice. Boil it in salted water and drain it al dente. Place it in a bowl, add a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and let it cool down slightly.
In the meantime, prepare the toppings. Wash the tomatoes well and cut them into pieces, season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Also cut the provolone into pieces.
Season the now cool rice with the pesto, tomatoes, and cheese. Mix everything and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This will allow the flavors to blend.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve. Enjoy your meal!
Storage of the Caprese Rice Salad
Cold caprese rice can be stored in the fridge for several days.
Cold caprese rice can be stored in the fridge for several days.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
What type of rice should I use?
You can use any type of rice, from simple white rice to black rice.
What type of cheese can I use?
All types of stretched-curd cheeses but also mozzarella balls to fully follow the original Caprese. In this case, you should drain them well and add them at the last minute to avoid the accumulation of mozzarella milk.
What can I use instead of pesto?
Omit it and add plenty of fresh basil leaves.
What kind of tomatoes can I use?
Any type of cherry tomato is fine: from cherry tomatoes (which you could also leave whole) to Piccadilly tomatoes.
Can I enrich the rice salad with other ingredients?
Yes, you could add: pitted green olives, oil-packed tuna fillets, julienned carrots, steamed corn, etc.
