Imagine a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines the hearty goodness of rice and white beans with a burst of crisp vegetables - a culinary masterpiece that's both nutritious and incredibly delicious! Our Rice and White Bean Salad with Minced Crudités is not just another boring salad; it's a flavor explosion that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy. Perfect for health-conscious foodies, busy professionals, and anyone looking for a quick, satisfying meal that doesn't compromise on taste or nutrition.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup white beans, rinsed
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the white beans thoroughly and drain them completely in a colander.
- If using uncooked rice, prepare the rice according to package instructions. For best results, use long-grain white rice or basmati rice. Allow the rice to cool completely to room temperature after cooking.
- Finely dice the celery and bell pepper into uniform small cubes, approximately 1/4 inch in size. This ensures even distribution of vegetables throughout the salad.
- Wash and chop fresh parsley, removing any thick stems and creating fine, delicate pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rice, white beans, diced celery, diced bell pepper, and chopped parsley.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the rice and bean mixture, gently folding to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. This resting time enhances the overall taste profile.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light lunch.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always use completely cooled rice to prevent the salad from becoming mushy and to help the grains maintain their distinct texture.
- Precision in Chopping: Take your time to dice vegetables uniformly. Consistent 1/4-inch cubes ensure every bite is perfectly balanced.
- Marination Magic: Don't skip the 30-minute refrigeration time! This allows the flavors to meld and intensify, transforming a good salad into an extraordinary one.
- Freshness is Key: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to herbs like parsley. Fresh herbs can elevate the entire dish.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken or swap vegetables based on what's in season. This recipe is wonderfully versatile!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
