Name: Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut-Chili Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked jasmine rice; 1-2 tbsp chili oil (or neutral oil); 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 cup shelled edamame; 1 ripe avocado (diced); 1 English cucumber (thinly sliced); 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced or diced); 3 spring onions thinly sliced; 1/2 cup fresh coriander (cilantro) (chopped); 1/4 cup fresh dill (roughly chopped); 1/4 cup crushed peanuts; Optional: extra chili flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha; 3 tbsp creamy peanut butter; 1-3 garlic cloves minced; 1-2 tsp Sriracha; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2-4 tbsp water

Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make salad that packs a flavorful punch? Look no further than this Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut-Chili Dressing! This dish is perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or as a side dish for your next barbecue.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Great flavors: The combination of crispy rice, fresh vegetables, and a creamy peanut-chili dressing creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up this salad in no time.
Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch of this salad and enjoy it throughout the week as a convenient and healthy meal option.

Ingredient Notes:

For the Crispy Chili Rice:

Cooked jasmine rice: Provides a base for the salad and adds a crispy texture.
Chili oil (or neutral oil): Adds a kick of heat, but you can use a milder oil if you prefer.
Soy sauce: Enhances the savory flavor of the rice.

For Salad Base:

Shelled edamame: Adds protein and a pop of green color.
Ripe avocado: Creamy texture and healthy fats.
English cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch.
Red bell pepper: Sweetness and vibrant color.
Spring onions, fresh coriander, and dill: Fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.
Crushed peanuts: Adds crunch and nuttiness.
Optional: Extra chili flakes or Sriracha for more heat.

For the Peanut-Chili Dressing:

Creamy peanut butter: Creaminess and nutty flavor.
Garlic cloves: Adds a subtle kick of garlic.
Sriracha (optional): For extra heat, adjust based on your spice preference.
Rice vinegar: Adds acidity.
Soy sauce: Enhances the umami flavor.
Water: To thin out the dressing to your desired consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine cooked jasmine rice with chili oil and soy sauce. Spread the rice on a baking sheet and bake until crispy.
In another bowl, mix together the shelled edamame, avocado, cucumber, red bell pepper, spring onions, coriander, dill, and crushed peanuts.
Whisk together the ingredients for the peanut-chili dressing until smooth.
Once the crispy rice is ready, add it to the salad base and drizzle with the peanut-chili dressing.
Toss everything together until well combined and serve with extra chili flakes or Sriracha for more heat.

Helpful Tips:

To make this salad gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Customize the salad by adding your favorite vegetables or protein like grilled chicken or tofu.
For a vegan version, use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey in the dressing.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

Use day-old rice for the crispy rice for better texture.
Toast the crushed peanuts before adding them to the salad for extra flavor.
Adjust the amount of garlic and Sriracha in the dressing to suit your taste preference.

Serving Suggestions:

This Crispy Rice Salad pairs well with grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or tofu. Serve it alongside a refreshing cucumber mint cooler or a tangy lemonade for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the crispy texture of the rice, store it separately from the salad components. Reheat the salad in a skillet or microwave, adding fresh herbs and peanuts for extra crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for jasmine rice, but the texture of the crispy rice may vary slightly.
How can I make this salad more filling?
Add protein sources like grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas to make the salad more substantial and satisfying.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the peanut-chili dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using.

Conclusion:

Next time you’re craving a light and flavorful salad, give this Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut-Chili Dressing a try. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from a quick lunch to a picnic in the park. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and crunchy textures of this delicious salad!