Cool down with this zesty Chilled Cilantro-Lime Rice Salad, a perfect summertime dinner.
Did you know?
Cilantro, also known as coriander, is thought to have anti-inflammatory and digestive properties, making it a popular herb in both culinary and medicinal uses.
Imagine a sultry summer evening where the air itself seems to shimmer with heat. What you crave is something that refreshes and satisfies without overwhelming, and that's exactly what this Chilled Cilantro-Lime Rice Salad offers. It's a dish that speaks of lazy afternoons and balmy nights, drawing on the cooling properties of fresh herbs and the zesty lift of lime to elevate the humble rice into a dinner worthy of a heatwave retreat.
In this culinary creation, each grain of rice absorbs the bright flavors of cilantro and lime, creating a symphony of taste that dances across the palate. The dish, inspired by tropical climes where such ingredients are staples, mirrors the essence of summer with its vibrant green hues and citrusy aroma. Perfect for an al fresco dining experience, this salad invites you to take a moment to slow down, enjoy the evening breeze, and savor a meal that's both light and invigorating.
Ingredients
This refreshing salad is a medley of simple, yet vibrant ingredients that come together to deliver a dish designed to beat the heat.
Cilantro and lime are not just taste enhancers, their heritage traces back to ancient civilizations where they were cherished for their medicinal and culinary value.
- 200g of long-grain white rice
- 1 liter of water
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- Zest and juice of 2 limes
- 30ml of extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- A handful of fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of chili flakes (optional)
Steps
The preparation is as breezy as the dish itself. Follow these simple steps to conjure the magic of this summer salad.
- Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Bring the water to a boil, add salt, and then cook the rice according to package instructions, until it's just tender.
- Once the rice is cooked, drain and rinse it under cold water to cool it down immediately. This stops the cooking process and keeps the grains separate and fluffy.
- In a large bowl, combine the chilled rice with the lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, chopped red onion, diced green bell pepper, and cilarently.
- Season the salad with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using, then toss everything together until well combined.
- Cover and let the salad chill in the fridge for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Give it a final toss before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Add some extra love
For an extra protein boost, toss in some cooked shrimp or black beans with the salad.
Recipe Remix:
Your Twist, Your Taste
Whether you would like to swap out an ingredient, make it vegan, or just mix things up, let's get creative and remix this recipe!
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