Description
This Crispy Rice Salad with Veggies and Peanut Dressing is a vibrant, flavorful dish featuring golden, crunchy rice complemented by fresh vegetables and a rich, creamy peanut dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or side salad, it combines the satisfying texture of crispy jasmine rice with the bright crunch of cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, and herbs, all coated in a savory-sweet Asian-inspired peanut sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Salad
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old and chilled)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts (for topping)
Peanut Dressing
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1–2 tablespoons warm water (to thin if needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the crispy rice: Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chilled rice in an even layer and cook undisturbed for 5–7 minutes until the bottom becomes golden and crispy. Carefully flip sections of the rice and cook for another 3–4 minutes to crisp some more. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the peanut dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, maple syrup or honey, and sesame oil until smooth. Add warm water gradually as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded red cabbage, carrots, bell pepper slices, chopped cucumber, green onions, and cilantro. Add the crispy rice and toss gently to mix.
- Add dressing and serve: Drizzle the peanut dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated. Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts on top and serve immediately for best texture.
Notes
- Use chilled, day-old rice for best crisping results; fresh rice tends to be too moist.
- Add tofu, shredded chicken, or edamame for extra protein.
- Adjust the dressing’s spiciness with a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes if desired.
