Are you ready to transform an ordinary rice dish into a mouthwatering culinary adventure? Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this vibrant Lemon and Lime Rice Salad that promises to be the star of your next meal! Bursting with fresh citrus flavors, crisp vegetables, and a refreshing twist, this Mexican-inspired dish is about to become your new obsession. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a stunning side dish, or a light summer meal, this recipe will have you falling in love with every colorful, zesty spoonful!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the rice according to package instructions. You will need 2 cups of cooked rice for this salad. Once cooked, allow the rice to cool slightly.
- While the rice is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Rinse and drain the corn kernels if using canned corn. Dice the red bell pepper into small pieces and slice the green onions. Chop the fresh cilantro finely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro. Gently mix the ingredients together using a spatula or large spoon.
- Next, squeeze the juice of one lemon and one lime over the rice mixture. Be sure to remove any seeds that may fall into the bowl. The citrus juice will add a refreshing flavor to the salad.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference. Mix well to ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Once everything is well combined, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a more citrusy flavor, you can add more lemon or lime juice.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will also make the salad more refreshing.
- After chilling, give the salad a final stir before serving. You can garnish with additional cilantro or lime wedges if desired.
- Serve the Lemon and Lime Rice Salad as a side dish or a light main course. Enjoy your delicious and vibrant salad!
Tips
- Rice Perfection: Use day-old rice or let freshly cooked rice cool completely to prevent a mushy texture. Slightly firm rice works best for this salad.
- Citrus Hack: Roll your lemons and limes on the counter before juicing to maximize juice extraction.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans to make it a complete meal.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh cilantro and recently squeezed citrus juice for the most vibrant flavor profile.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra pop of flavor, serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
