Chilled Spring Veggie Rice Salad Recipes

COLD RICE-VEGETABLE SALAD

Steps:

• Combine rice and vegetables in a large bowl.
• Combine remaining ingredients and mix with rice and vegetables.
• Chill.

SPRING RICE SALAD WITH LEMON-DILL DRESSING

Steps:

• Prepare rice according to package directions using stock instead of water and omitting salt and butter. Set aside when done.
• Meanwhile, chop vegetables and bring saucepan 3/4 full of water to boil. Add green beans and snow peas and blanch for about 4-5 minutes or until desired tenderness. Remove with slotted spoon and let cool.
• Add asparagus to reserved water in saucepan and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes or until desired tenderness. Drain and let cool with other vegetables.
• In large bowl wisk together lemon juice, olive oil, dill, garlic, salt and pepper.
• Add rice and vegetables and toss.
• Garnish with dill sprigs and lemon wedges if desired.

SPRING VEGETABLE RICE SALAD (INSALATA DI RISO)

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rice, stir, and adjust heat to maintain a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally to prevent any grains from sticking to the pot, until the rice is just barely done, about 15 minutes. It will continue to cook as it cools. Drain the rice well and spread it out on a tray to cool quickly.
• Bring another large pot of salted water to a boil. Holding an asparagus spear in both hands, bend the spear until it breaks naturally at the point where it becomes tough. Repeat with the remaining spears. Discard the tough ends and cut the tender part into 1/3-inch lengths. Blanch asparagus and peas together in the boiling water for 1 minute and 30 seconds, then lift out with a strainer and transfer to a paper towel lined baking sheet to cool.
• Shell the fava beans, then blanch the unpeeled beans in the same boiling water for about 3 minutes. Drain, transfer them to a paper towel lined baking sheet to cool. Peel the fava beans by pinching open the loose skin; the peeled bean should slip out easily.
• Put the lemon juice in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in the olive oil.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooled rice, asparagus, peas, fava beans, basil, parsley, lemon zest, ham and cheese. Toss with your hands to blend. Pour the dressing over the salad (you may not need it all) and toss gently. Taste and adjust seasoning.

COLD RICE SALAD

Steps:

• For the rice: Place the rice, 3 cups water, and a pinch of salt in a pot, cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and cook on low until tender, about 20 minutes. Turn the rice out onto a sheet tray and let it cool completely. Next, combine the rice, peas, red bell pepper and red onion. Toss gently.
• For the dressing: In a small bowl, add the rice wine vinegar, a small pinch salt and a few turns of freshly ground pepper. Mix together and slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil and then the sesame oil.
• Pour the dressing over the rice and mix until the rice is thinly coated. Taste, and re-season if necessary.