Dive into a vibrant world of flavors with our Tropical Rice Peanut Salad! This refreshing dish combines the nutty crunch of peanuts with the sweetness of pineapple, creating a delightful symphony of taste that will transport your taste buds straight to a sun-soaked paradise. Perfect for a light lunch or as a colorful side for your next gathering, this salad is not only quick to whip up but also a feast for the eyes. With just 30 minutes of your time, you can impress your friends and family with a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Ready to tantalize your palate? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Tropical
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup peanuts
- 1/2 cup pineapple, diced
- 1/4 cup green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping green bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro into fine, uniform pieces.
- If rice is not already cooked, prepare rice according to package instructions. Use white or brown rice, ensuring it's fluffy and cooled to room temperature.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, diced pineapple, chopped green bell pepper, chopped red onion, and roughly chopped cilantro.
- Toast peanuts lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Allow to cool slightly.
- Roughly chop the toasted peanuts and add them to the rice mixture.
- In a small separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce and fresh lime juice to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the rice salad and gently toss all ingredients until well combined and evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and whole peanuts if desired. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light lunch.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and prepare the dressing in advance. This way, you can quickly assemble the salad when you're ready to eat.
- Rice Choice: Use either white or brown rice, but make sure it’s cooked and cooled to room temperature for the best texture. Fluffy rice will help the salad maintain its lightness.
- Peanut Perfection: Toasting the peanuts not only enhances their flavor but also adds a delightful crunch. Keep an eye on them while toasting to prevent burning.
- Flavor Fusion: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors meld beautifully, making each bite even more delicious.
- Garnish for Glamour: Don’t forget to garnish with additional cilantro and whole peanuts before serving. This adds a pop of color and an extra layer of texture to your dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 290kcal
Carbohydrates: 37g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
