When you are looking for a filling, gluten-free, dish that is quick and easy to put together, and doesn't break the bank, you are looking for Mediterranean brown rice salad! It is full of nutritional goodness and health benefits.
This post was sponsored by USA Rice Canada. The recipe and opinions are my own.
Why You'll Love Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad
I am obsessed with this Mediterranean brown rice salad. It combines the flavours of a classic Greek salad with spinach and rice. Why add rice to your salad? Well it may be surprising (but it really shouldn't be), that rice:
- has a LOT of nutritional value --> Rice is a source of B-vitamins, phosphorus and zinc, but brown rice also contains magnesium, selenium, manganese and fibre. In fact, one cup of brown rice has almost 4 grams of fibre while 3.5 cups of raw spinach has only 2.2 grams. Well this salad has both, so we are seriously doubling up on some major fibre!
- is gluten-free.
- is low in calories (it only has 108 calories per half cup serving!).
How to Make Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad
Storing and Reheating Rice
I like to double up on the rice, use half in this Mediterranean brown rice salad and store the rest in the refrigerator to use in meals during the week to feed my hungry family! I just love how versatile rice is. Think more salads, soups, puddings and stir fries! You can store the cooked rice in an air-tight container for up to one week in the refrigerator. OR you can store if even longer in the freezer. Yes, rice freezes beautifully! Say hello to homemade, always ready, "minute rice."
More Salad Recipes
- 40 Best Salad Recipes
- Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad
- Chickpea Greek Salad
- Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad
- Italian Pasta Salad
- Creamy Cucumber Salad
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Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 side salads
Description
Looking for a filling, gluten-free, dish that is quick and easy to put together, and doesn't break the bank? Then you will love Mediterranean brown rice salad!
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice, uncooked and rinsed clean
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onions, diced
- ¼ cup kalamata olives, chopped
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 clove garlic, pressed or minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add rice, 2 cups of water, oil, and salt to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Turn the heat down to low, cover, and simmer for 40 minutes (or according to package instructions). Remove from heat and allow rice to absorb the steam for another 10 minutes (still covered). Uncover and fluff with a fork. Cool rice down to room temperature or place in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to cool down.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled rice, spinach, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onions, olives and feta cheese. Toss to combine.
- In a small bowl, combine the dressing ingredients. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
- Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- I used long-grain brown rice, but you can use either long-grain or short-grain. You can also use white rice but may have to adjust the cooking time slightly.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
Dinah Agostini says
Made this salad for a birthday today and everyone loved it. I only tweaked the dressing a little. Will likely make it again. Thank you!
★★★★
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Thank you, that makes me so happy to hear!
Shaye says
So good! My fiancé loved it as well.
★★★★★
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Awesome! So happy you both liked the recipe!
Toni says
I can't wait to make this recipe. Recently diagnosed with diabetes. Learning to eat healthier.
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Let me know how it goes!
Jennifer says
I made this tonight EXACTLY as written, and it was DELICIOUS! My husband who is kinda picky, really was impressed and wants it in the “meal rotation”. Fresh, healthy, and most importantly filling and satisfying. Super simple to put together. Thank you!! Recipes like this make eating healthier enjoyable!
★★★★★
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Thanks, Jennifer! So glad you liked the recipe 😀