Mexican Style Cold Rice Salad

Bright, fresh, and packed with bold flavors, this vibrant salad is your summer go-to for a refreshing side dish or light main course!

This Mexican Style Cold Rice Salad is a colorful medley of tender rice, crisp vegetables, hearty beans, and a zesty lime-cilantro dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a quick weeknight meal, it’s easy to make and bursting with Mexican-inspired flair. Serve it chilled for maximum refreshment!

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 150 g (¾ cup) rice (long-grain or your preferred type)
• 100 g (½ cup) cooked red beans, rinsed and drained
• 100 g (½ cup) corn, drained
• 1 large tomato, diced
• ½ green bell pepper, diced
• ½ red onion, finely chopped

For the Mexican Dressing:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice and zest of 1 lime
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• ¼ tsp ground cumin
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Make the Dressing
   In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, ground cumin, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
2. Cook the Rice
   In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the rice according to package instructions (typically 8-10 minutes). Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the rice.
3. Season the Rice
   Transfer the cooled rice to a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over the rice and toss to coat evenly. Let it sit at room temperature while you prep the vegetables.
4. Prepare the Vegetables
   Dice the tomato and green bell pepper into small, bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the red onion for a subtle crunch.
5. Assemble the Salad
   Add the diced tomato, green pepper, red onion, red beans, and corn to the dressed rice. Gently toss to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed and coated with the dressing.
6. Chill and Serve
   Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill and enhance the flavors. Serve cold, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal.
• Serve as a side dish with tacos, fajitas, or your favorite Mexican mains.
• Pack it for a refreshing lunch or picnic—it travels well!

Why You’ll Love It

This Mexican Style Cold Rice Salad is a healthy, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. The zesty lime dressing and fresh veggies make every bite a burst of summer, while the beans and rice keep it satisfying. Customize it by adding avocado, jalapeño, or your favorite protein!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4

Estimated Nutritional Values (Per Serving):

• Calories: 286 kcal
• Protein: 9 g
• Fat: 9 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g

Enjoy this vibrant, chilled salad and let us know how it brightened your table! 🌽🍅🌿