Rice and Bean Salad Recipe
This vibrant Rice and Bean Salad combines fluffy rice, tender red beans, juicy tomatoes, crisp peppers, red onion, fresh herbs and jalapeño with a zesty chilli-cumin dressing. Colourful, satisfying, and easy to make ahead, it is perfect for picnics, barbecues, packed lunches, or a light vegetarian meal.
Equipment
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Small Screw-Top Jar
- 1 Sharp Knife
- 1 Measuring Spoons and Cups
- 1 Refrigerator -
- 1 Serving Bowl -
Ingredients
- 1½ cups cooked brown rice or basmati rice - chilled
- 1x 15 ounce tin red beans - rinsed and drained
- ⅔ cup seeded and chopped tomato
- ⅜ cup chopped red sweet pepper
- ⅜ cup chopped red onion
- 3 tablespoons fresh coriander or parsley - snipped
- 1 small fresh jalapeño - seeded and finely chopped
- Extra sliced jalapeño - optional
- 2¼ tablespoons lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- 2¼ tablespoons olive oil
- 1½–2¼ teaspoons chilli powder
- ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
- ⅜–¾ teaspoon bottled hot pepper sauce
- ⅜ teaspoon all-purpose seasoning blend
- A generous pinch of salt
- A small pinch of garlic powder
- ⅜ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Rice
- Cook the brown rice or basmati rice according to the packet instructions.
- Spread the cooked rice in a shallow dish and allow it to cool completely.
- Refrigerate if necessary until thoroughly chilled.
Step 2: Prepare The Beans
- Place the red beans in a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold running water.
- Drain well to remove excess liquid.
Step 3: Chop The Vegetables
- Seed and chop the tomato.
- Chop the red sweet pepper and red onion into small, even pieces.
- Seed and finely chop the jalapeño.
- Snip or chop the fresh herbs.
Step 4: Make The Dressing
- Add the lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, olive oil, chilli powder, cumin, hot pepper sauce, seasoning blend, salt, garlic powder and black pepper to a screw-top jar.
- Secure the lid firmly.
Step 5: Shake Until Combined
- Shake the jar vigorously for several seconds.
- Continue until the oil and acidic ingredients are well combined and the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Step 6: Build The Salad
- Add the chilled rice and drained red beans to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the chopped tomato, red pepper, red onion, fresh herbs and jalapeño.
- Gently combine the ingredients.
Step 7: Add The Dressing
- Shake the dressing again before using.
- Pour it evenly over the rice and bean mixture.
Step 8: Fold Gently
- Use a large spoon or salad servers to gently fold everything together.
- Avoid vigorous stirring so the rice and beans remain intact.
Step 9: Chill The Salad
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- For the best flavour, chill for between 4 and 24 hours.
Step 10: Bring To Room Temperature
- Remove the Rice and Bean Salad from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving.
- Allowing it to temper slightly helps the flavours become more pronounced.
Step 11: Finish And Serve
- Gently toss the salad once more.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with extra sliced jalapeño or fresh herbs and serve.
Notes
- 🍚 Cool The Rice: Allow the cooked rice to cool completely before mixing to keep the Rice and Bean Salad light, fluffy and well-textured.
- 🫘 Drain The Beans Well: Rinse and drain the red beans thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from watering down the dressing.
- 🌶️ Adjust The Heat: Reduce the jalapeño, chilli powder, or hot pepper sauce for a milder salad, or add more for extra heat.
- 🍋 Balance The Dressing: Taste the lemon-and-spice dressing before adding it and adjust the seasoning to suit your preference.
- 🥄 Fold Gently: Carefully fold the ingredients together rather than stirring vigorously, so the beans and rice remain intact.
- 🧊 Chill For Flavour: Refrigerate the salad for at least 4 hours to allow the dressing and spices to mingle beautifully with the rice and beans.
- 🌿 Finish With Fresh Herbs: Add a little extra coriander or parsley just before serving for a fresh flavour and colourful finish.
- 🌶️ Garnish Before Serving: Top with fresh jalapeño slices for an attractive presentation and an extra burst of flavour.