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–+ servings
crispy rice salad on a white plate

Crispy Rice Salad With Cucumber & Zesty Salad Dressing

This crispy rice salad is ready in mere minutes and is loaded with refreshing cucumbers and crunchy onions for a healthy brunch. Plus, the zesty salad dressing is the cherry on top that takes this salad to exponential heights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 2

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Cups Leftover Rice
  • 4 tbsp Red Curry Paste
  • 1 medium Cucumber thinly sliced
  • 1 small Onion chopped
  • 3-4 tbsp Italian Salad Dressing
  • Cilantro chopped
  • Salt
  • Black pepper powder

Instructions
 

  • Start by mixing red curry paste with leftover rice till coated nicely.
  • Then spread them in the air fryer basket evenly, and cook them for 7-8 minutes at 400 C (200 F) till the rice is crispy. Shake them halfway point so that the rice is cooked evenly.
  • Slather the rice on a plate and let it cool down.
  • While the rice cools, slice the cucumber and red onion. Chop the cilantro and set it aside as well.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together this Italian salad dressing until it’s well-mixed and the flavors are balanced.
  • Once the crispy rice is cool, toss it into a large bowl with the cucumber, red onion, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
  • Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Your crispy rice salad is ready to be served! You can enjoy it immediately or refrigerate it for a little while to let the flavors meld together. Either way, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress!

Notes

  • Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to throw in some cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or even avocado for extra color and nutrients.
  • Make it Spicy: If you love heat, add more chili flakes or a sliced fresh chili to the dressing.
  • Protein Boost: Add some grilled chicken, tofu, or edamame for a protein-packed meal.
 
How to store:
In the Fridge: Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The rice will lose some of its crispiness as it sits, but the flavors will continue to meld, making it still delicious. For best results, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve if you want to preserve the crunch of the rice.
Freezer: Freezing crispy rice salad is not recommended due to the change in texture of the rice. The crispiness will be lost once frozen and thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for a few days.
Meal Prep Tip: This dish is perfect for meal prep! Make the crispy rice ahead of time and store it in a separate container. You can also prepare the dressing and chop the veggies in advance. When you're ready to eat, toss everything together for a quick, fresh meal! The salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and served cold or at room temperature.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!