Description
Healthy Greek Rice Salad is a fresh and vibrant Mediterranean dish featuring fluffy brown rice combined with crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, Kalamata olives, chickpeas, and fresh parsley, all tossed in a bright lemon-herb vinaigrette. This wholesome recipe is perfect as a nutritious side or a light main course, ideal for meal prepping healthy lunches or dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked brown rice, cooled
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup diced red onion
- 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled brown rice, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, rinsed chickpeas, sliced Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Gently toss to mix all the ingredients evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well blended and emulsified.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared lemon-herb vinaigrette over the rice and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to ensure everything is coated evenly with the dressing without breaking the ingredients.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld perfectly, enhancing the freshness and taste of the dish.
Notes
- You can substitute quinoa or farro in place of the brown rice for variation or to suit your dietary preferences.
- For a more filling meal, add grilled chicken or another protein of your choice to the salad.
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep it fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
