Imagine a refreshing, light dish that combines the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors in just 15 minutes! This Rice and Pea Salad is not just another boring side dish – it's a culinary adventure that will transform your summer meals from ordinary to extraordinary. With a vibrant mix of tender rice, sweet green peas, zesty mint, and crumbling feta, this recipe is about to become your new go-to crowd-pleaser that looks like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup green peas, cooked
- 1/4 cup chopped mint
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of cooked rice, 1 cup of cooked green peas, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint, 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
- If you haven't cooked the rice and peas yet, do so according to package instructions. For the rice, rinse it under cold water, then cook it in boiling water until tender, approximately 15-20 minutes. For the peas, you can either steam them or boil them for about 3-5 minutes until bright green and tender. Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice and cooked green peas. Make sure both ingredients are at room temperature or slightly cooled to ensure the salad doesn't become mushy.
- Add the chopped mint to the bowl with the rice and peas. The fresh mint will add a refreshing flavor to the salad.
- Next, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the mixture. The feta will provide a creamy texture and a salty kick that complements the other ingredients.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice until well combined. This will be your dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the rice, peas, mint, and feta mixture. Gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference.
- Once everything is well combined, let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Serve the Rice and Pea Salad in individual bowls or on a large serving platter. Enjoy it as a refreshing side dish or a light main course!
Tips
- Rice Perfection: Always rinse your rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping. Let it cool completely before mixing to maintain the right texture.
- Pea Pro Tip: Use fresh or frozen peas for the best flavor. If using frozen, run them under cold water to quickly cool and retain their bright green color.
- Mint Matters: Chop the mint just before adding to the salad to preserve its fresh, aromatic flavor and prevent wilting.
- Dressing Technique: Whisk the olive oil and lemon juice thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated dressing that coats every ingredient evenly.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad tastes even better after sitting for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. Prepare it in advance for an easy, stress-free meal prep option!
- Customization Corner: Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp to turn this side dish into a complete meal, or experiment with different herbs like parsley or basil.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 501kcal
Carbohydrates: 60g
Protein: g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 25mg
