Grilled Summer Vegetable Rice Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups Mahatma® Basmati Rice
- 2 cobs corn, husks and silk removed
- 1/2 lb asparagus, trimmed
- 2 zucchini, cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick slices
- 1 red onion, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese, crumbled
Instructions
Enjoy your favorite summer flavors with this easy and delicious grilled veggie salad made with fluffy Basmati rice and your favorite summer veggies tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette and topped with crumbly cotija cheese.
Step 1
Cook rice according to package directions.
Step 2
Meanwhile, preheat grill to medium-high heat; grease grates well. Grill corn for 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly charred all over. Grill asparagus, zucchini and red onion for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until well-marked and tender.
Step 3
Slice corn from cobs; chop remaining vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper; toss with grilled veggies until lightly coated.
Step 4
Top rice with veggies. Garnish with basil and cheese.
Recipe Tips
This versatile salad can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken, seafood, steak or pork. For a vegetarian option, serve with chickpeas or lentils for added protein.
For the Veggie Lovers
If a veggie-loaded rice salad is what you’re craving, this is the dish for you. It doesn’t have to be summer to enjoy those grilled veggie flavors you love so much, this Grilled Summer Vegetable Rice Salad can bring you a taste of your summer favorites any time. Made with fluffy and fragrant Basmati rice, a medley of grilled veggies including corn, asparagus, zucchini, and red onion, crumbly cotija cheese and dressed in a balsamic vinaigrette, you’ll be transported right back to your favorite summer BBQ memories.
Not a fan of the veggies listed? No problem, just choose vegetables that you do like and grill them up. The beauty of rice salads is that you can always substitute or omit certain ingredients to get them just right for you. Try this recipe with eggplant, mushroom, squash, and/or sweet potato for a fall veggie alternative. While you’re at it, you could mix it up with a different grain variety; this dish could also be a delicious jasmine rice recipe!
Versatile Meal
We love rice salads because they are so versatile. You can create incredibly delicious meals with a base of grains, your favorite veggies, and just about any other ingredients you love. They can be as easy or intricate as you want, enjoyed for any meal of the day, and are perfect for when you have time to sit and relax at mealtime or when life is too busy to cook and you need a quick meal that can be on the go like you. Explore some of your favorite ingredient combinations with Mahatma® rice and make sure to try some of our favorites, too, like this Spicy Southwest Rice Salad and Mango Chicken Rice Salad.
Other Rice Inspiration
For something with a more Latin American flavor, check out this Mexican Style Rice. Or for something Asian inspired check out this coconut jasmine rice recipe.
