Italian Summer Rice Salad Recipe

Summer Italian Rice Salad Close Up with Jar of Fresh Basil in Background

5 from 1 vote

Combining the light chewiness of long-grain rice with the richness of roasted red or yellow peppers, the freshness of cherry or grape tomatoes, and the savory notes of chopped anchovies and black olives, this salad is a delight of tastes and textures.

Prep Time30

Cook Time0

Total Time30

Course: Salad, Side

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: gluten-free rice salad, Italian potluck salad, summer Italian Rice Salad

Servings: servings

Author: Martha McKinnon | Simple Nourished Living

Equipment

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups long grain rice, cooked according to package directions (I used my rice cooker.)
2 roasted red or yellow peppers, chopped (about 1 cup) (I used well drained peppers from a jar.)
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, cut into halves or quarters if large
2 ounces canned anchovies, well drained and chopped
1/2 cup flavorful black olives, pitted and chopped (I used Kalamata olives)
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Salt to taste

Instructions

In a large serving bowl, combine the peppers, tomatoes, anchovies, olives, basil, garlic, olive oil and lemon juice. Toss well.
Add the rice and stir to combine. Taste and add salt and pepper to suit your tastes.
Serve warm or at room temperature. Once refrigerated be sure to remove it from the fridge and warm it slightly or let it sit out until at room temperature for best flavor.

Notes

Serving size: 1/2 cup

WW Points: 4

Check the WW Points for this recipe and track it in the WW app.
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)

4 PointsPlus (Old plan)

Be sure to mix your salad while the rice is still warm, not cold as some recipes direct. Warm rice will better soak up the flavors of the dressing and olive oil.

Long-grain rice is used to help the grains remain separate - not sticky and clumpy.

1-½ cups uncooked rice should make about 4 ½ cups cooked rice.

The rice will harden in the fridge so it is best to serve this salad at room temperature.

For a low carb, low calorie, low WW Points variation, substitute cooked cauliflower rice for the long grain rice.

Nutrition