Crispy Rice Salad with Satay Dressing

Imagine a salad that crunches delightfully in every bite and bursts with flavors of satay. This crispy rice salad is not just a meal; it’s a delightful medley of textures and tastes that you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch or as a side for dinner, it’s a dish that promises to impress.

The combination of crispy rice and a rich, creamy satay dressing makes this salad a standout. Fresh vegetables add a refreshing crunch, while savory peanuts bring in a nutty depth that ties everything together. It’s a perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and fresh that will keep you coming back for more.

Refreshing and Flavorful Crispy Rice Salad

This salad delights with a vibrant medley of crispy rice and fresh vegetables, all enhanced by a creamy satay dressing. The nutty and slightly spicy notes of the dressing bring the ingredients together, creating a dish that stands out.

The combination of textures in this salad is noteworthy. Each bite features a satisfying crunch from the crispy rice, complemented by the crispness of fresh vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and cucumbers. The addition of roasted peanuts adds a delightful nutty depth, making this salad not just a side dish, but a satisfying meal on its own.

Key Ingredients for a Crunchy Delight

The foundation of this salad is the cooked, cooled rice, preferably jasmine or basmati, which provides a light, fluffy texture. Roasted peanuts contribute a rich flavor and crunch, while fresh vegetables add bursts of color and freshness.

Don’t forget about the dressing! A mix of peanut butter, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger creates an irresistible creamy coating. A splash of lime juice brightens the dish, enhancing the flavor profile even further.

Creating the Perfect Satay Dressing

Crafting the satay dressing is simple yet rewarding. Start by whisking together the peanut butter, soy sauce, and sweetener of your choice until smooth. Gradually add in the rice vinegar and sesame oil for added depth.

If the dressing is too thick, you can easily adjust the consistency with a bit of water. The goal is to achieve a creamy texture that drizzles beautifully over the salad, enhancing its overall appeal.

Cooking the Crispy Rice

To prepare the crispy rice, cook it according to package instructions and allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, spread it onto a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and crispy. This step is crucial for achieving the desired crunch that sets this salad apart.

Once baked, let the rice cool again before combining it with the other ingredients. This ensures that the freshness of the vegetables and the crunch of the rice remain intact.

Mixing It All Together

In a large bowl, combine the crispy rice with the chopped fresh vegetables, chopped peanuts, and cilantro. Drizzle the creamy satay dressing over the top and toss gently to mix everything together.

Serve this salad immediately for the best texture. If you prefer, it can be chilled for a short while, but enjoy it soon after mixing to retain that delightful crunch.

Serving and Enjoying Your Salad

This crispy rice salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at dinner. Its colorful presentation and vibrant flavors are sure to impress anyone at the table. Garnish with additional crushed peanuts and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an extra touch.

Set this beautiful dish on a rustic wooden table with a lime and sesame oil nearby, and you’ll create an inviting atmosphere that enhances the overall dining experience.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked and cooled rice (preferably jasmine or basmati)
• 1 cup fresh vegetables (like bell peppers, carrots, and cucumbers) chopped
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts coarsely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Satay Dressing:
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• Water to thin (if necessary)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Rice: Cook the rice according to package instructions, then spread it out on a baking sheet and let it cool completely.
2. Crisp the Rice: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the cooled rice on a baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together all the satay dressing ingredients until smooth. Add water to reach desired consistency.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the crispy rice with fresh vegetables, peanuts, cilantro, and lime juice. Drizzle with satay dressing and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve: Enjoy the salad immediately to retain the crispy texture, or chill for a short while before serving.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 4
• Calories: 320kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Protein: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 33g