Are you craving a light, zesty, and incredibly easy-to-make dish that screams summer freshness? Look no further than this Asian-inspired Rice and Mandarin Orange Salad! Imagine a perfect harmony of fluffy rice, sweet mandarin oranges, crunchy almonds, and a tantalizing sesame dressing that will transport your palate to a culinary paradise. This recipe is not just a salad; it's a quick, nutritious, and absolutely irresistible meal that can be prepared in just 15 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup sesame dressing
Instructions
- Begin by ensuring your rice is cooked and cooled to room temperature. If using freshly cooked rice, spread it on a flat surface and allow it to cool completely to prevent clumping.
- Drain the mandarin oranges thoroughly using a colander, gently patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess liquid.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rice, drained mandarin orange segments, and thinly sliced green onions.
- Toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once they are lightly golden and fragrant, remove from heat and let cool.
- Add the toasted almonds to the rice and mandarin orange mixture.
- Pour the sesame dressing over the salad and gently fold all ingredients together, ensuring even coating without breaking the mandarin orange segments.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, give the salad a light toss and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light lunch.
Tips
- Rice Temperature Matters: Always use completely cooled rice to prevent clumping and maintain the perfect texture.
- Drain Oranges Thoroughly: Pat mandarin oranges dry to prevent excess liquid from making your salad soggy.
- Toast Almonds Carefully: Watch your almonds while toasting - they can burn quickly. Keep stirring and remove from heat as soon as they turn golden.
- Gentle Mixing: Fold ingredients gently to keep mandarin orange segments intact.
- Chill for Enhanced Flavor: Letting the salad rest in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Serve Cold: This salad is best enjoyed chilled, making it perfect for hot summer days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 620kcal
Carbohydrates: 69g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
