The Mediterranean rice salad is a fresh and colorful dish, perfect for summer. Packed with wholesome and tasty ingredients, it combines the fragrance of aromatic herbs with the softness of mozzarella, the sweetness of tomato cream, and the delicacy of rice, creating a balance of flavors that recall Mediterranean traditions. Versatile and light, it can be prepared in advance and enjoyed cold, making it ideal for outdoor lunches, picnics, or summer dinners. Every bite is a delight you won’t be able to resist. If you like rice salads, try the rice salad with zucchini and eggs, the rice salad with lentils, the Greek-style rice salad or the one with zucchini and vegan tuna.
HERE you will find all my first course dishes.
Follow me on FACEBOOK where you will find lots of delicious recipes.
OTHER COLD FIRST COURSE RECIPES
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 4People
- Cooking methods: Boiling, Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Spring, Summer
Ingredients for preparing the Mediterranean rice salad
- 1.5 cups rice
- 1 lb cherry tomatoes
- 1 fresh Tropea onion
- to taste oregano and basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 mozzarellas
- 1.75 oz Taggiasca olives
Tools for preparing the Mediterranean rice salad
This post contains affiliate links
- Baking Tray
- Immersion Blenders
Steps for preparing the Mediterranean rice salad
First, wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Place them on the baking tray with the cut side facing up. Season with salt, sugar, extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil and oregano, and chopped onion. Bake in a ventilated oven at 355°F for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Meanwhile, boil the rice and drain it al dente. Season with extra virgin olive oil and let it cool. Dice the mozzarellas.
When the tomatoes are cooked, pour everything into a tall container. Blend with the immersion blender. Dress the rice with the obtained cream, mozzarella, olives, and more fresh basil. Serve.
Storage and Variants
You can store it in the fridge for a couple of days and add a drizzle of raw oil before serving.
VARIANTS
Addition of cheeses: you can incorporate cubes of feta or goat cheese for a creamy and flavorful touch.
Fresh vegetables: besides the classic zucchini, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and black or green olives are great for adding color and freshness.
Dressings: a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, or squeezed lemon can enhance the Mediterranean flavors.
Legumes: chickpeas or cannellini beans can be a great addition to increase protein content and texture.
Alternative pasta: you can also use spelt, barley, or quinoa instead of rice to vary the texture and flavor.
Addition of cheeses: you can incorporate cubes of feta or goat cheese for a creamy and flavorful touch.
Fresh vegetables: besides the classic zucchini, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and black or green olives are great for adding color and freshness.
Dressings: a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, or squeezed lemon can enhance the Mediterranean flavors.
Legumes: chickpeas or cannellini beans can be a great addition to increase protein content and texture.
Alternative pasta: you can also use spelt, barley, or quinoa instead of rice to vary the texture and flavor.
Addition of cheeses: you can incorporate cubes of feta or goat cheese for a creamy and flavorful touch.
Fresh vegetables: besides the classic zucchini, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and black or green olives are great for adding color and freshness.
Dressings: a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, or squeezed lemon can enhance the Mediterranean flavors.
Legumes: chickpeas or cannellini beans can be a great addition to increase protein content and texture.
Alternative pasta: you can also use spelt, barley, or quinoa instead of rice to vary the texture and flavor.
Addition of cheeses: you can incorporate cubes of feta or goat cheese for a creamy and flavorful touch.
Fresh vegetables: besides the classic zucchini, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and black or green olives are great for adding color and freshness.
Dressings: a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, or squeezed lemon can enhance the Mediterranean flavors.
Legumes: chickpeas or cannellini beans can be a great addition to increase protein content and texture.
Alternative pasta: you can also use spelt, barley, or quinoa instead of rice to vary the texture and flavor.
Addition of cheeses: you can incorporate cubes of feta or goat cheese for a creamy and flavorful touch.
Fresh vegetables: besides the classic zucchini, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and black or green olives are great for adding color and freshness.
Dressings: a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, or squeezed lemon can enhance the Mediterranean flavors.
Legumes: chickpeas or cannellini beans can be a great addition to increase protein content and texture.
Alternative pasta: you can also use spelt, barley, or quinoa instead of rice to vary the texture and flavor.
