Imagine a festive dish that's so refreshing and easy to prepare, it'll become the unexpected star of your holiday table! This Christmas Eve Rice Salad is not just a side dish—it's a vibrant, flavor-packed experience that combines the comfort of perfectly cooked rice with the brightness of fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing. Whether you're looking to impress your guests or create a quick, delicious meal during the busy holiday season, this recipe is your ultimate culinary lifeline.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the rice. If you haven't already cooked it, rinse 1 cup of uncooked rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- While the rice is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Rinse the cherry tomatoes under cold water, then cut them in half. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Next, wash the cucumber thoroughly. Peel it if desired, then dice it into small cubes. Add the diced cucumber to the mixing bowl with the cherry tomatoes.
- Chop the fresh parsley finely. Measure out 1/4 cup of chopped parsley and add it to the bowl with the tomatoes and cucumber.
- Once the rice has cooled slightly, add it to the mixing bowl with the vegetables. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients without mashing the rice.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the rice and vegetable mixture. Toss everything gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. You can serve it at room temperature or chilled.
- Garnish with additional parsley if desired and enjoy your Christmas Eve Rice Salad!
Tips
- Rice Perfection: Always rinse your rice before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve a fluffy texture. Let it cool slightly before mixing to prevent the vegetables from becoming mushy.
- Fresh is Best: Use the freshest vegetables possible. Crisp cherry tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers will elevate the salad's overall taste and texture.
- Dressing Hack: Whisk the olive oil and lemon juice thoroughly to create an emulsified dressing that coats every grain of rice evenly.
- Make Ahead Magic: This salad actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours, making it perfect for holiday meal prep. Prepare it in advance and let the flavors meld in the refrigerator.
- Customization is Key: Feel free to add other herbs like mint or basil, or throw in some crumbled feta cheese for extra richness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 233kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
