When the weather heats up, cool and refreshing dishes are a must-have to beat the summer heat. This recipe for Cold Pasta And Rice combines the best of both worlds – pasta and rice together in a light and flavorful salad that is perfect for lunch, dinner, or a potluck gathering. Packed with fresh veggies and tossed in a tangy dressing, this dish is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked pasta (such as fusilli or penne)
– 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
– 1 cucumber, diced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the dressing:
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and rice. Toss gently to mix them together evenly.
2. Add the diced cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl with the pasta and rice.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta and rice mixture. Toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together and chill.
6. Before serving, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. Serve the cold pasta and rice salad chilled, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness.
This Cold Pasta And Rice salad is a wonderful dish that can be customized to your liking. Feel free to add in extra veggies such as sliced carrots, chopped celery, or even some protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal option. The zesty dressing provides a tangy kick that complements the coolness of the salad, making it a delightful choice for warm weather dining.
Prepare a big batch of this salad for picnics, BBQs, or as a light lunch option during the week. It’s a versatile dish that is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the refreshing blend of flavors and textures in this simple yet satisfying cold pasta and rice salad!
