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Cuban Rice Salad

Cuban Rice Salad

Written by Published on in Sides

This Cuban Rice Salad is a twist on a classic dish. It’s packed with crunchy and fresh veggies that help bring it a whole new life.

Growing up, my grandmother made rice every single day. Yes, even if there were mashed potatoes or French fries, she also made rice. The more starch the better. Naturally there was always rice leftover to transform into different recipes. 

Ani

Cuban Rice Salad is a perfect use of any leftover rice. The cooler the rice the better it works in this recipe. If you don’t usually cook rice, you can substitute rice with any grain like quinoa, farro, black rice, or even a small pasta will work with this recipe.

You can also substitute the veggies if you like different things. Think things such as bell peppers, nuts, olives, etc. Just be sure to keep everything small and bite-sized. Keeping everything the same size helps make each bite delicious!  

If you are making fresh rice for the recipe you want to start with 1 ½ cups of uncooked rice and follow our Perfect White Rice Recipe. 

Cuban Rice Salad
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Cuban Rice Salad

Recipe by Abuelas Cuban CounterCourse: SidesCuisine: Cuban AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servingsservings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 cups of cooked long grain rice, completely cooled

  • 1 large cucumber, finely chopped 

  • 1 zucchini, finely chopped

  • 1 yellow squash, finely chopped

  • 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, cut in half or thirds

  • 3 carrots, finely chopped

  • 2 avocados, chopped

  • ¼ cup of parsley, finely chopped

  • ½ cup of cilantro, finely chopped

  • 6 scallions, finely sliced

  • 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil

  • Juice of 1 lemon

  • Salt and freshly cracked pepper

Directions

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, honey, oil, a teaspoon of salt and pepper. Be sure it is completely mixed and it has come together like a dressing.
  • Add the rice and mix in so the rice absorbs most of the dressing. Then add all the other vegetables and herbs. Mix together with a spoon. Taste it and adjust seasoning if needed. 
  • Let it sit in the fridge for 20-30 minutes so it can get cold and the flavors can come together. 
  • Taste again before serving because as it sits in the fridge the flavors will intensify.