Mediterranean Rice Salad Recipe
Mediterranean Rice Salad is a vibrant, wholesome dish made with fluffy rice, crisp vegetables, creamy feta cheese, Kalamata olives, fresh herbs and a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect as a light lunch, healthy side dish or make-ahead meal, this colourful Mediterranean-inspired recipe is easy to prepare, packed with fresh flavours and ideal for picnics, barbecues and family gatherings.
Equipment
- 1 Large Saucepan:
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife
- 1 Cutting Board -
- 1 Wooden Spoon Or Salad Servers –
- Measuring Cups and Spoons –
- 1 Citrus Juicer – - (Optional)
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 3 Cups Cooked Long-Grain Rice – Cooked until fluffy and completely cooled.
- 2 Cups Cherry Tomatoes - Halved
- 1 Large Cucumber - Diced
- 1 Large Red Capsicum - Diced
- ½ Red Onion - Finely Sliced
- ¾ Cup Kalamata Olives - Sliced
- 200 g Feta Cheese - Crumbled
- ½ Cup Fresh Parsley - Chopped
- ¼ Cup Fresh Mint - Chopped
- Juice of 2 Lemons
- ⅓ Cup Olive Oil - Extra Virgin
- 2 Garlic Cloves - Minced
- 1 Teaspoon Sea Salt
- ½ Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Cook according to the packet instructions until tender.
- Spread the cooked rice onto a large tray and allow it to cool completely.
- Cooling the rice prevents it from becoming sticky and helps create the perfect Mediterranean Rice Salad texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- Dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Dice the red capsicum evenly.
- Thinly slice the red onion.
- Slice the olives.
- Finely chop the parsley and mint.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt and black pepper.
- Whisk well until the dressing is smooth and slightly emulsified.
Step 4: Assemble the Mediterranean Rice Salad
- Place the cooled rice into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the cucumber.
- Add the cherry tomatoes.
- Stir in the diced capsicum.
- Add the sliced red onion.
- Mix in the olives.
- Sprinkle over the chopped parsley and mint.
Step 5: Add the Feta
- Scatter the crumbled feta over the salad.
- Gently fold everything together to keep the feta and vegetables intact.
Step 6: Dress the Salad
- Pour the dressing evenly over the salad.
- Toss gently until every grain of rice is lightly coated.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Chilling allows the flavours of the Mediterranean Rice Salad to meld beautifully.
- Garnish with extra parsley, crumbled feta and lemon wedges before serving.
Notes
- 🥗 Cool the rice completely before mixing it with the vegetables to keep your Mediterranean Rice Salad light, fluffy and fresh.
- 🍋 Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the brightest Mediterranean flavour.
- 🌿 Fresh herbs make all the difference. Parsley and mint add vibrant colour, aroma and authentic taste.
- 🧀 Fold in the feta cheese gently at the end to keep it in delicious, creamy chunks.
- ❄️ Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavours to develop fully.
- 🧂 Taste before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed, as olives and feta naturally add saltiness.
- 🍗 This recipe is delicious as a standalone vegetarian meal or served alongside grilled chicken, fish, lamb or seafood.
- 📦 Mediterranean Rice Salad is perfect for meal prep and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Refresh with a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- 🚫 Freezing is not recommended, as the fresh vegetables and feta cheese will lose their texture after thawing.
- 🌞 For the best flavour and presentation, garnish with extra fresh herbs, crumbled feta and lemon wedges just before serving.