| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 11g | 2g | 55g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 4g | 15g | 1.2g |
Why I Love Italian Summer Rice Salad
When the warm days of summer arrive and temperatures climb upwards, I always find myself craving something light, refreshing and filled with vibrant flavors. A dish that reigns supreme in my recipe repertoire during this season is the classic Italian Summer Rice Salad. Its colorful ingredients, refreshing taste, and presentation always make its way to my table during this season.
Traversing Borders Through Flavors
As a native New Yorker, I thrive in the melting pot of cultures that make up the city, and this is inherently reflected in my cooking. My dishes are inspired by the myriad of cuisines I have been exposed to, and the Summer Rice Salad is a glorious example of this. A nod to Italian cuisine, this recipe beautifully infuses the authentic flavors of the Mediterranean within each bite. The recipe echoes the sophistication of globally-renowned Italian chef Gino D’Acampo’s culinary skills.
Versatility at Its Finest
Summer Rice Salad possesses a dish-diversity that’s simply quintessential. If you’re assembling a variety of tapas for a dinner party or simply want a refreshing side to complement your barbecued steak, this dish expertly fills that role. It draws parallels with the ever-popular Greek Salad and the Spanish Paella – but adds its unique touch with the inclusion of Arborio rice and canned tuna.
But what truly makes this dish shine is its malleability. You can easily swap ingredients to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs without depriving it of its core essence. More spice? Add in a chopped jalapeno. Not a fan of olives? Skip them! Want to make it plant-based? Replace tuna with chickpeas. The options are endless, yet each variation stays true to the soul of this beautiful, Italian recipe.
A Symphony of Flavors in Your Mouth
Every single ingredient in the Summer Rice Salad plays a crucial role in the orchestra of flavors and textures. The crunchiness of the bell peppers, the sweetness of corn, the tangy burst of olives, the umami of tuna and the freshness of basil and parsley all harmoniously integrate to form this delightful dish.
Cooking is a reflection of one’s persona, and this recipe, much like my stage performances, allows me to express my artistry in the most delectable way possible. The joy of making the Summer Rice Salad lies not just in the final product, but also in the beautiful process of creation – much like a storyline unfolding on stage.
So the next time summer is in full swing and you’re in need of a quick, flavorful meal, remember, the Summer Rice Salad is here to refresh your palate, fill your stomach, and take you on a culinary journey across the sunny Mediterranean.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of Arborio rice
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 medium-sized tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium-sized cucumber, diced
- 1 can of black olives, drained
- 1 can of corn, drained
- 6 ounces of canned tuna, drained
- 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
Method
Step One
Begin by cooking the 2 cups of Arborio rice according to the instructions on the packet. Once it is finished cooking, allow it to cool.
Step Two
While the rice is cooling, prepare your vegetables. Chop the green and red bell peppers, dice your medium-sized tomatoes and cucumber. Drain the can of black olives and the can of corn.
Step Three
In a large bowl, combine the cooled rice with the chopped bell peppers, diced tomatoes and cucumber, drained black olives, corn, and the drained canned tuna. Mix them thoroughly to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Step Four
In a separate small bowl, prepare your dressing. Combine together the extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk together until the mixture emulsifies and forms an even dressing.
Step Five
Pour the dressing over the salad, tossing gently to ensure every ingredient is coated in the dressing.
Step Six
Once everything is well mixed, add in the chopped fresh basil leaves and parsley. Give everything a final stir to incorporate the herbs.
Step Seven
For best flavor, let your salad sit for at least half an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy your delicious Summer Rice Salad!
