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Crispy Mediterranean Rice Salad

Crispy Mediterranean Rice Salad

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  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Description

This Mediterranean Crispy Rice Salad is a fresh, flavor-packed twist on the viral crispy rice trend! Loaded with spiced harissa rice, tender chicken, juicy cucumber, olives, herbs, and sweet pops of pomegranate and cranberries, itโ€™s finished with a creamy, herbaceous green tahini dressing. A stunning salad perfect for entertaining, meal prep, or a hearty lunch


Ingredients

For the salad:

  • 2 cups cooked rice (or 2/3 cup uncooked long-grain rice)

  • 1 tablespoon harissa paste

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 cucumber, diced

  • 1/3 cup pomegranate seeds

  • Handful fresh mint leaves, chopped

  • Handful flat-leaf parsley, chopped

  • 1/2 cup olives, chopped

  • 2 cooked chicken breasts, chopped or shredded

  • 3 scallions, chopped

  • 1/2 cup feta, crumbled

  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries

  • 1/4 cup chopped almonds (or dukkah)

For the green tahini dressing:

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  • 1/2 cup tahini

  • 1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed

  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 cup water


Instructions

  1. Cook the rice (if not using leftovers):
    In a small pot, add โ…” cup rice and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce to low, and cook for 12 minutes. Remove from heat and steam (covered) for 10 more minutes. Fluff and chill the rice on a parchment-lined tray for at least 10 minutes.

  2. Make crispy rice:
    Preheat oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). Mix rice with harissa paste and olive oil. Spread into a thin, even layer on a parchment-lined tray. Bake for 25โ€“30 minutes, rotating the tray after 15โ€“20 minutes to ensure even crisping.

  3. Make green tahini dressing:
    In a food processor or blender, combine tahini, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and water. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add more water if needed to reach a pourable consistency.

  4. Assemble the salad:
    In a large bowl, combine cucumber, pomegranate, mint, parsley, olives, chicken, scallions, feta, cranberries, and almonds. Add crispy rice and half the tahini dressing. Toss to combine. Drizzle remaining dressing on top before serving.


Notes

  • Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken or use chickpeas for plant-based protein.

  • Make Ahead: Crisp rice and dressing can be prepared 1โ€“2 days in advance and stored separately.

  • Swap It Up: Try using bulgur or quinoa in place of rice for variation.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 540 kcal
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 21g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg