Crispy Rice Salad with Zesty Peanut Dressing: Easy Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this crispy rice salad with vibrant veggies and zesty peanut dressing hits every flavor note perfectly.

Crunchy, golden-brown rice creates a delightful base that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Colorful vegetables add fresh, bold textures that dance across your plate with each forkful.

the nutty, creamy peanut dressing ties everything together with its rich, tangy embrace.

Simple ingredients come together in a surprisingly elegant dish that feels both comforting and exciting.

Each bite offers a harmonious blend of crisp, creamy, and bright elements that will keep you coming back for more.

Prepare to fall in love with a salad that breaks all the traditional rules.

Flavorful Mix-Ins for Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Dressing

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Use gluten-free chili sauce and check all ingredient labels to ensure no hidden gluten.
• Vegan Protein Boost: Swap edamame with crispy tofu cubes or roasted chickpeas. Add hemp seeds or nutritional yeast for extra protein and nutty flavor.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli. Roast the cauliflower rice for similar crispy texture and maintain the dish's crunch.
• Spicy Lover's Edition: Increase chili garlic sauce, add sriracha, or mix in diced jalapeños. Incorporate red pepper flakes into the dressing for an extra heat kick.

What to Serve Alongside Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Dressing

• Pair with Vibrant Beverage Companions: A zesty Thai iced tea complements the crispy rice salad's nutty and spicy profile, balancing its complex flavors with refreshing sweetness.
• Enhance Wine Selection: Choose a light-bodied Riesling with subtle sweetness and crisp acidity that matches the salad's tangy peanut dressing and bright vegetable notes.
• Elevate Protein Additions: Grilled lemongrass chicken or seared sesame-crusted tofu work perfectly as protein companions, adding extra depth and texture to the salad's dynamic mix.
• Boost Herbal Pairing: A chilled jasmine green tea provides a delicate, aromatic counterpoint to the bold, spicy elements of the crispy rice salad, cleansing the palate between bites.

How to Keep Crispy Rice Salad Fresh Longer

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of preparing, keeping crispy rice and vegetables separate to prevent sogginess.
• Place crispy rice in one container and vegetables with dressing in another to maintain texture and freshness for up to 3 days.
• Spread rice on a baking sheet and crisp in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, stirring once to restore crunchiness and prevent burning.
• Mix cold vegetables with freshly reheated crispy rice just before eating, adding extra dressing if needed to revive flavors.

FAQs

• What makes the crispy rice unique?

The rice is baked with chili garlic sauce, chili crunch oil, and sesame oil, creating a crispy, flavorful base that adds texture and depth to the salad.

• Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce to make the entire recipe gluten-free.

• Do I need any special kitchen equipment?

You’ll need a baking sheet, a large mixing bowl, and either a blender or a whisk to prepare the dressing. A small blender works best for a smooth, creamy peanut dressing.

Crispy Rice Salad with Veggies and Peanut Dressing You’ll Crave

• Craft a Comforting Meal: A perfect one-pot wonder that combines tender chicken, zesty lime, and aromatic ginger for a soul-warming dining experience.
• Boost Flavor Complexity: Layers of bright citrus and warm spices create a sophisticated yet approachable soup that tantalizes taste buds with every spoonful.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows quick swaps like using different proteins or adjusting spice levels to match individual preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick and Nourishing: Simple preparation method delivers a nutritious meal packed with protein and vibrant flavors, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend cooking.

Fresh Ingredients That Make Crispy Rice Salad Shine

Main Ingredients:

• Cooked Rice: The foundation of the salad, transformed into a crispy texture.
• Chili Garlic Sauce: Adds a spicy and tangy kick to the rice base.
• Chili Crunch Oil: Provides extra heat and crunchy texture.
• Sesame Oil: Introduces a nutty, aromatic flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Enhances the umami and saltiness of the rice.

• Cucumber: Brings a fresh and crisp element to the salad.
• Avocado: Adds creamy richness and smooth texture.
• Red Bell Pepper: Offers a sweet and colorful crunch.
• Green Onions: Provides a mild, sharp onion flavor.
• Red Cabbage: Contributes a vibrant color and crunchy texture.
• Edamame: Adds protein and a soft, tender bite.

• Basil: Introduces a sweet and peppery freshness.
• Cilantro: Brings a bright, citrusy herb note.

• Peanuts: Gives a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.

• Peanut Butter: Creates a creamy, rich base for the dressing.
• Olive Oil: Helps to emulsify and smooth out the dressing.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet acidity.
• Garlic: Provides a pungent and aromatic flavor.
• Lime Juice: Brings brightness and citrus notes.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: Enhances the nutty, toasted flavor.
• Maple Syrup: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the dressing.
• Ginger: Introduces a warm, spicy undertone.

Step-by-Step Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Dressing

Step 1: Prepare Crispy Rice Base

Grab your cooked rice and mix it with chili garlic sauce, chili crunch oil, sesame oil, soy sauce, lime zest, and lime juice in a bowl. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the rice gets a delicious coating of flavors.

Step 2: Bake Rice to Crispiness

Spread the seasoned rice mixture evenly on a baking sheet. Pop it into an oven preheated to 400 F (200 C).

Bake for 25-35 minutes, giving the rice a toss halfway through to ensure even crispiness. Once done, let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Chop Fresh Veggie Medley

• Cucumbers (sliced)
• Avocados (cubed)
• Red bell pepper (chopped)
• Green onions
• Red cabbage (shredded)
• Peanuts (chopped)
• Cooked edamame
• Basil leaves
• Cilantro

Toss all these ingredients together in a large bowl, creating a colorful and vibrant mix.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Peanut Dressing

• Peanut butter
• Olive oil
• Rice vinegar
• Garlic (minced)
• Lime juice
• Toasted sesame oil
• Soy sauce
• Maple syrup
• Ginger (grated)

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

If you don’t have a blender, whisk by hand after finely mincing the garlic.

Step 5: Assemble and Dress the Salad

Add the crispy rice to the vegetable bowl.

Pour the peanut dressing over the top and toss everything together, ensuring each ingredient gets a perfect coating of the zesty dressing.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Plate the salad immediately and enjoy the crunch, freshness, and bold flavors.

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tips to Take Crispy Rice Salad to the Next Level

• Choose short-grain or medium-grain rice for maximum crispiness, as these varieties hold together better when baking and create excellent texture.
• Use a large baking sheet and spread rice in a single, thin layer to ensure even browning and maximum crisp without burning.
• Adjust peanut dressing thickness by adding water or olive oil if too thick, ensuring smooth coating without overwhelming the salad ingredients.
• Chop vegetables beforehand and store separately to maintain freshness and crispness, preventing soggy salad texture before serving.
• Add fresh basil and cilantro just before serving to preserve their vibrant flavor and prevent wilting from dressing or heat.

The Best Crispy Rice Salad With Veggies And Peanut Dressing Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Crispy Rice Salad with Peanuts brings Southeast Asian street food magic to your kitchen, blending crunchy textures and bold flavors. Perfectly balanced ingredients dance together, creating a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Grains:

• 2 cups pre-cooked rice (cooled)

Vegetables:

• 1 lime (zest from whole, juice from 1/2)

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili crunch oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

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Instructions

1. Craft a flavorful rice mixture by combining cooked rice with chili garlic sauce, chili crunch oil, sesame oil, soy sauce, lime zest, and lime juice in a mixing bowl.
2. Distribute the rice mixture evenly across a baking sheet, creating a thin layer for optimal crispiness at 400°F (200°C) for 25-35 minutes, gently tossing midway to ensure uniform browning.
3. While rice bakes, prepare the vegetable medley by chopping cucumbers, cubing avocados, dicing red bell peppers, slicing green onions, shredding red cabbage, and roughly chopping peanuts.
4. Incorporate edamame, fresh basil, and cilantro into the vegetable mixture, ensuring a vibrant and textural combination.
5. Create a luxurious peanut dressing by blending peanut butter, olive oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, lime juice, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, and grated ginger until smooth and creamy.
6. Once rice reaches a golden, crispy texture, allow it to cool slightly before combining with the prepared vegetable blend.
7. Drizzle the peanut dressing over the salad and gently toss, ensuring each ingredient is thoroughly coated with the rich, nutty sauce.
8. Serve immediately for maximum crunch and flavor, with potential refrigeration of leftovers for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Notes

• Customize rice texture by adjusting baking time for extra crispiness or softer edges.
• Swap peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for nut-free diets.
• Keep avocados fresh by adding them just before serving to prevent browning.
• Prep ingredients ahead and store separately to maintain crispness and prevent sogginess.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg