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Home » Popular » Salads » Italian Rice Salad

Italian Rice Salad

August 5, 20217 Comments

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Italian Rice Salad ~ A light and easy grain salad with spinach, peppers, cucumbers, and olives tossed in Italian-style dressing. via @thiswifecooks

Italian Rice Salad ~

A light and easy grain salad with spinach, peppers, cucumbers, and olives tossed in Italian-style dressing.

This rice salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics and potlucks!

Italian Rice Salad ~ A light and easy grain salad with spinach, peppers, cucumbers, and olives tossed in Italian-style dressing.

Try serving this cool and refreshing side dish with Vegan Italian Sausage Burgers or Grilled Polenta!

Ingredients for Italian Rice Salad

You will need:

  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Italian salad dressing
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, chopped
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives, chopped

Optional Add-Ins

This recipe is very versatile so it’s easy to add or omit ingredients as it suits your style.

The salad is delicious as is, but if you want to make it into a heartier main dish, try adding one or more of these tasty options with the veggies in Step 6:

  • chickpeas/garbanzo beans
  • cannellini beans
  • green olives
  • capers
  • red onion
  • artichoke hearts
  • vegan mozzarella cheese
  • sun-dried tomatoes
Italian Rice Salad ~ A light and easy grain salad with spinach, peppers, cucumbers, and olives tossed in Italian-style dressing.

How to Make Italian Rice Salad

STEP ONE: In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil.

STEP TWO: Add salt and rice.

STEP THREE: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, until rice is cooked. Transfer the rice to a medium-sized bowl.

STEP FOUR: Stir in the spinach and Italian dressing.

STEP FIVE: Let the spinach and rice sit for about 20 minutes, until it stops steaming.

STEP SIX: Stir in the bell pepper, cucumber, and olives.

STEP SEVEN: Serve at room temperature or refrigerate until chilled.

Italian Rice Salad ~ A light and easy grain salad with spinach, peppers, cucumbers, and olives tossed in Italian-style dressing.

More Rice Recipes You’ll Love!

  • Scallion Rice
  • Mexican Rice and Black Beans
  • Roasted Sweet Potato, Black Bean, and Lime Rice Bowls
  • Asian Mushroom Rice
  • Green Chile Rice and Black Bean Soup

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Italian Rice Salad ~ A light and easy grain salad with spinach, peppers, cucumbers, and olives tossed in Italian-style dressing.

Italian Rice Salad

A light and easy grain salad perfect for picnics and potlucks!
5 from 8 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: dairy free, healthy, make-ahead, rice, vegan, vegetarian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Steaming Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 180kcal
Author: Holly Gray
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups fresh spinach chopped
  • 1/2 cup Italian salad dressing
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper seeded and chopped
  • 1/2 cup cucumber chopped
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives chopped

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil.
  • Add salt and rice.
  • Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, until rice is cooked. Transfer the rice to a medium-sized bowl.
  • Stir in the spinach and Italian dressing.
  • Let the spinach and rice sit for about 20 minutes, until it stops steaming.
  • Stir in the bell pepper, cucumber, and olives.
  • Serve at room temperature or refrigerate until chilled.

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 431mg | Potassium: 129mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1039IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @thiswifecooks or tag #thiswifecooks!
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Filed Under: make-ahead, Rice & Grains, Salads, Side Dishes, Vegan, Vegetarian Tagged With: make-ahead, potluck, rice, vegan, vegetarian

Previous Post: « Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Bake
Next Post: Vegan Broccoli Tortellini Alfredo »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kayla DiMaggio

    January 3, 2022 at 4:31 pm

    5 stars
    This was the perfect rice salad for meal prep lunches! We loved it so much!

    Reply
  2. Anthony

    January 3, 2022 at 8:26 pm

    This looks perfect for a healthy tasty lunch for on the go. I will definitely be making this for my work lunches this week. Thanks for the recipe. 🌱💪

    Reply
  3. Anthony

    January 3, 2022 at 8:27 pm

    5 stars
    Fantastic 🌱❤️

    Reply
  4. nancy

    January 3, 2022 at 10:25 pm

    5 stars
    lovely adding rice to this salad!

    Reply
  5. Amanda

    January 4, 2022 at 12:10 am

    Love this Italian rice salad! It’s super simple to make and delicious

    Reply
  6. Marinela

    January 4, 2022 at 3:32 pm

    5 stars
    Love Italian-inspired recipes and this healthy rice salad was perfection. Super tasty, filling, and so nourishing. Love the addition of fresh spinach, as well.

    Reply
  7. Michelle

    January 5, 2022 at 5:52 pm

    5 stars
    This Italian rice salad is so refreshing and flavorful. It makes such a great side dish.

    Reply

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Hi, I’m Holly! I’m a busy wife and mom. I love cooking for my family and sharing creative and flavorful plant-based recipes.

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