Mediterranean brown rice salad with fresh vegetables and herbs

Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish that brings together the flavors of the Mediterranean. It’s healthy, colorful, and perfect for any meal. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish, or something to take to a picnic, this salad is versatile and easy to prepare. It’s packed with nutrients from the vegetables and brown rice, and it’s a great way to enjoy a variety of textures and tastes.

How to Make Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad

To make this delicious salad, you will need to gather your ingredients and follow these simple steps. The preparation is straightforward and won’t take much time at all.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked brown rice (cooled but not cold)
  • 2 tomatoes (diced)
  • 2 cucumbers (diced, or 1 long English/continental cucumber)
  • 1/2 red onion (chopped, or substitute with 2 stems of green onion)
  • 40g (4 cups) tightly packed baby rocket/arugula (roughly chopped, or baby spinach)
  • 1/3 cup coriander/cilantro leaves (roughly chopped)
  • 1/3 cup fresh dill leaves (roughly chopped)
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove (minced using garlic press)
  • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 3/4 tsp salt (kosher/cooking salt; use 1/2 tsp table salt)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup black olive slices
  • 200g (7oz) halloumi (sliced, then pan-fried in a little olive oil until golden and crispy)

Other topping options: feta, parmesan, nuts.

Directions

  1. Place the dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well to combine.
  2. In a big bowl, add all the salad ingredients.
  3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
  4. Transfer the salad to a serving bowl. If using halloumi, pile it on top.
  5. Serve and enjoy!

How to Serve Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad

This salad can be served as a main dish or a side. It’s great on its own or alongside grilled meats or fish. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider offering it as part of a buffet. The halloumi adds a delicious touch, but if you prefer, you can also top it with feta or nuts for added flavor and crunch.

How to Store Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. If you have added halloumi, it’s best to store the salad without the cheese, as it may become soggy. You can keep the dressing separate to help maintain freshness.

Tips to Make Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad

  • Make sure your brown rice is well-cooked but not mushy. Let it cool to room temperature before adding it to the salad.
  • Feel free to add more vegetables or herbs based on your preference. Bell peppers or kale can be great additions!
  • Adjust the dressing ingredients to suit your taste. If you like it tangier, add more lemon juice.

Variation

You can easily change up this salad by adding different proteins, like grilled chicken or chickpeas, to make it heartier. Swap out herbs or vegetables according to your taste or what’s in season.

FAQs

Q: Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
A: Yes, you can use white rice, but brown rice is healthier and adds more texture.

Q: Is this salad gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as you use gluten-free halloumi or exclude it, the salad is gluten-free.

Q: Can this salad be made ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.