Vegetable Rice Salad for Summer

Vegetable Rice Salad is absolutely perfect for small or large gatherings. Great as lunch, a party food or a side to dinner. It is colorful and packed with delicious flavor and textures and perfect for any occasion, summer or otherwise!

Original post: July 2016 | Updated: August 2020

Summer salads kinda make me swoon and this vegetable rice salad is no exception. I become abnormally giddy about a good salad in the summer, the same way I become abnormally giddy about apples in the fall. I have a handful of salads that I make all the time starting in about April and ending in August.

Every time I put a salad together I place it in my fridge and mildly obsess until I’ve eaten the entire thing. Sometimes I share with others, but not always.

And here is the thing about salads. They are versatile! There are so many veggies and flavors and ingredients that can go together in numerous ways to create salad perfection. This one in particular has an array of textures that I love and it is also one of the most colorful dishes I’ve ever made.

This yummy recipe acts as a great side dish or a light lunch or the perfect thing to bring to a summer pot luck.

HOW TO MAKE VEGETABLE RICE SALAD

STEP 1

Prepare 2 cups of rice according to package directions. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool to room temperature.

STEP 2

Add orange, yellow or red bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, edamame, lime juice and olive oil. Once you’ve added all of the ingredients in a large bowl, season with salt and pepper, toss to coat and refrigerate until ready to serve. That’s it!

RECIPE NOTES FOR VEGETABLE RICE SALAD

• For an even healthier dish, use 1-2 tablespoons olive oil instead of 3.
• Any color of bell pepper will taste great in this recipe!
• Consider replacing the lime juice with lemon juice for a different flavor!
• Use any variety of rice desired. Brown, rice or a flavored and packaged variety all taste great!
• Feel free to add chopped fresh herbs to the salad such as parsley, chives or basil for added flavor.
• Sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the top for an extra crunch!
• If using an entire red onion is too much, add just 1 cup freshly chopped red onion to the salad.
• Replace the veggies called for in the recipe with any other vegetables you have on hand! Zucchini, mushrooms, carrots and broccoli florets would all taste great! 

DELICIOUS USES FOR RICE

Rice is so versatile, which is one of the things I love most about it. It tastes great when thrown into salads like this one, but here are a few other ideas for you!

• Sprinkle in some chopped fresh cilantro and mix with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and juice from 1 lime. No need for Chipotle!
• Serve underneath a heaping scoop of Hoisin Chicken Rice Bowls, Orange Chicken or Mongolian Beef. DELISH!
• Serve alongside Instant Pot Chicken for the perfect complete meal.
• Add it to a skillet or wok, along with eggs, peas, carrots and soy sauce to create a delicious fried rice.
• Go simple and sere with a few pats of butter or olive oil. Stir until melted.
• Mix together with salsa, black beans, lime juice and chopped avocado. Add shredded chicken for a meaty dish!

MORE DELICIOUS SUMMER SALADS

• Best Chopped Salad is packed with delicious ingredients including candied pecans, red onions, avocado, tomatoes and more!
• Edamame Tomato Corn Salad is my favorite salad recipe of ALL TIME. This delicious salad is a crowd-pleaser, enjoyed any time of the year. Bring this to a party and it will be devoured immediately!
• Loaded Veggie Salad is EASY to make and it is packed with healthy ingredients, such as chickpeas, black beans, tomatoes and avocados. It is a delicious lunch, wrap filling, party side or even a topping for chicken!
• This crunchy, veggie-packed Crunchy Bok Choy Salad is a great dish to bring to parties. Prepare this just before serving. It will quickly become a salad favorite!