Name: Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut-Chili for a Flavorful Feast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 cups Cooked Jasmine Rice (Use day-old for best crispiness.); 2 tablespoons Chili Oil (Swap for neutral oil if desired.); 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (Use tamari for gluten-free.); 1 cup Shelled Edamame (Thaw if using frozen.); 1 medium Avocado (Make sure it's ripe.); 1 medium English Cucumber (Slice thinly.); 1 medium Red Bell Pepper (Dice or slice.); 2 stalks Spring Onions (Use both white and green parts.); 0.5 cup Fresh Coriander (Cilantro) (Optional but recommended.); 2 tablespoons Fresh Dill (Chop roughly before adding.); 0.5 cup Peanut Butter (Can swap with other nut or seed butters.); 2 cloves Garlic (Minced for flavor.); 1 tablespoon Sriracha (Adjust for heat preference.); 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar (Brightens the dressing.); water Water (Used to adjust consistency.); 0.25 cup Crushed Peanuts (For added crunch.)

Every bite of this Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut-Chili Dressing is a celebration of flavor and texture! This vibrant dish combines golden, crispy rice with a zesty peanut-chili dressing and a colorful array of fresh veggies. Ideal for those busy weekdays or leisurely dinner gatherings, this salad not only comes together in under 30 minutes, but it’s also vegan and gluten-free, making it a healthy option everyone can enjoy. Plus, the high-protein content keeps you feeling satisfied without that heavy feeling often associated with takeout. Ready to elevate your salad game? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will surely impress your family and friends!

Why is this Crispy Rice Salad irresistible?

Flavor Explosion: Each bite delivers a dynamic mix of zesty peanut-chili dressing and crispy, golden rice that tantalizes your taste buds.

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something fresh and satisfying.

Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with high-protein ingredients like edamame and avocado, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that keeps you energized.

Versatile Option: Customize it based on your pantry—swap in your favorite veggies or experiment with different dressings for endless possibilities. Pair it with Cucumber Salad Sandwiches for a delightful lunch spread!

Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings or meal prep, this salad impresses with its vibrant colors and rich flavors that appeal to everyone. Try it at your next dinner party and watch it disappear!

Rice Salad with Peanut-Chili Ingredients

• Dive into the vibrant world of flavors with this Crispy Rice Salad!

For the Salad

Cooked Jasmine Rice – This forms the salad base; day-old rice helps achieve that perfect crispiness.
Chili Oil – Bring the heat; swap for neutral oil if you prefer a milder flavor.
Soy Sauce – A boost of umami; opt for tamari to keep it gluten-free.
Shelled Edamame – Punchy in protein; simply thaw if using from frozen.
Avocado – Adds a creamy richness; make sure it’s perfectly ripe!
English Cucumber – Crunchy and refreshing; slice it thin for a light bite.
Red Bell Pepper – A naturally sweet and colorful addition; either dice or slice it.
Spring Onions – A hint of onion flavor; don’t forget to use both the white and green parts.
Fresh Coriander (Cilantro) – This herbie gem elevates flavors; optional but highly recommended.
Fresh Dill – Unique flavor enhancer; chop it roughly before tossing it in.

For the Dressing

Peanut Butter – A creamy base; other nut or seed butters can be swapped in.
Garlic Cloves – For a bold kick; control the amount to suit your taste.
Sriracha – Spice up the dressing; reduce or omit if you’re not into heat.
Rice Vinegar – Adds a zesty tang; this brightens up the entire dish.
Water – Needed to adjust dressing consistency to your liking.

For Garnishing

Crushed Peanuts – Sprinkle on top for a delightful crunch; try seed butter for a nut-free option.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut-Chili

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
In a large mixing bowl, add the shelled edamame, diced avocado, thinly sliced cucumber, and red bell pepper. Toss in the chopped spring onions, fresh coriander, and dill for a burst of flavor. Ensure each vegetable is evenly combined and set aside as you prepare the crispy rice, allowing the vibrant colors to shine through.

Step 2: Make Crispy Chili Rice
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a baking tray, spread the cooked jasmine rice into an even layer, then drizzle with chili oil and soy sauce, tossing everything together until well-coated. Bake for 20 minutes, stirring at the 10 and 15-minute marks, until the rice turns golden brown and crispy. If using an air fryer, set it to 400°F for 12–14 minutes, shaking halfway through for even crispiness.

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
While the rice crisps up, prepare your peanut-chili dressing. In a small mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, minced garlic, sriracha, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Gradually add water, whisking until the dressing reaches your desired pourable consistency. Feel free to adjust the flavors adding more sriracha for heat or vinegar for tang to perfectly suit your taste.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Once your crispy rice is ready, gently pour the peanut-chili dressing over the mixed vegetables in your bowl. Carefully add the warm crispy rice on top, then toss everything together just enough to combine the flavors without losing the crunchiness. Finally, sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for an added crunch and serve this refreshing Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut-Chili immediately for the best texture and flavor!

Make Ahead Options

These Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut-Chili Dressing components are perfect for meal prep, saving you precious time on busy weeknights! You can chop the vegetables (edamame, avocado, cucumber, bell pepper, and spring onions) up to 3 days in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers to maintain their freshness and crunch. The crispy rice can be prepared and stored in an airtight container for up to 24 hours; reheat it in the oven for a few minutes before serving to restore its crispiness. When ready to enjoy, simply combine the salad with the peanut-chili dressing just before serving to keep the flavors vibrant and delicious!

How to Store and Freeze Crispy Rice Salad

Fridge: Store leftover rice salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the crispy rice and salad components separate to maintain their texture.

Freezer: It’s best not to freeze the salad once assembled, as the crispy rice will lose its crunch. Instead, you can freeze plain crispy rice for up to a month, reheating it before serving.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy your stored rice, reheat the crispy rice in an oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore its crispy goodness before mixing it back into the salad.

Meal Prep Tip: For an easy meal prep option, store the salad ingredients and dressing in separate containers, allowing you to assemble a fresh Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut-Chili whenever you’re ready!

Rice Salad with Peanut-Chili Variations

Feel free to explore and personalize your Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut-Chili Dressing to match your preferences and pantry staples!

Brown Rice: Swap jasmine rice with brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber that’s just as satisfying.
Chickpeas: Replace edamame with cooked chickpeas or black beans for a heartier, protein-packed option; the creamy texture enhances the overall salad experience.
Nut-Free: Use tahini or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter to ensure a nut-free version; it retains the creamy richness without allergens.
Extra Veggies: Add in grated carrots or snap peas for a crunchy twist—these vibrant colors will elevate the dish, making it even more visually appealing.
Spicy Kick: If you love heat, toss in some diced jalapeños or a splash of chili garlic sauce for a fiery boost; it’s a perfect way to personalize your dish!
Herb Variety: Experiment with fresh basil or mint as a substitute for dill and coriander; these herbs introduce a refreshing layer of flavor.
Fruit Infusion: For a sweet contrast, consider adding diced mango or pineapples; their juicy sweetness will create an enticing balance with the spicy dressing.
Crispy Tofu: For an extra protein punch, top your salad with crispy tofu cubes. Simply pan-fry until golden for a delightful texture addition to your salad!

Try these variations to keep your Crispy Rice Salad exciting, and don’t forget to check out the Mexican Street Salad for another delicious option or to pair it with Honey Lime Chicken for an unforgettable meal!

Tips for the Best Crispy Rice Salad

Day-Old Rice: Using cold, day-old jasmine rice enhances crispiness during baking or air-frying, avoiding mushy bits.
Balanced Dressing: Adjust the spice level of your peanut-chili dressing by modifying the Sriracha and chili oil to cater to your heat preference.
Storage Wisdom: To maintain those delightful textures, store the crispy rice and salad components separately in airtight containers, reheating rice before serving.
Customize Ingredients: Feel free to swap edamame with chickpeas or change up veggies to suit what you have on hand while keeping it a delicious Rice Salad with Peanut-Chili.
Crispy Timing: For the best crunch, serve the salad immediately after incorporating the dressing and warm crispy rice. Delaying could soften the crispiness!

What to Serve with Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut-Chili Dressing

Elevate your meal experience by pairing this delightful salad with some complementary dishes that amplify its vibrant flavors and textures.

Crispy Spring Rolls: These crunchy bites filled with fresh veggies offer a satisfying contrast to the salad’s textures, making them a perfect appetizer.
Grilled Tofu Skewers: Marinated in soy sauce and spices, these high-protein skewers pair beautifully for a hearty side, bringing a delightful umami flavor profile.
Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa mixed with herbs and nuts adds a nutty flavor and an additional serving of plant protein, rounding out your meal perfectly.
Mango Salsa: The bright sweetness of mango salsa provides a refreshing contrast to the spiciness of the salad, enhancing your taste experience.
Coconut Rice: This creamy and subtly sweet side brings a tropical touch, balancing the salad’s brightness and adding a unique flavor dimension.
Chilled Cucumber Soup: A light and cooling soup is the ideal foil to the warm, crispy rice, refreshing your palate between bites.
Ginger Lemonade: A zesty, invigorating drink that complements the salad’s flavors while keeping you cool and hydrated on warm days.
Chocolate Avocado Mousse: As a rich, creamy dessert, it mirrors the salad’s creamy elements and leaves a satisfying end note to your meal.

Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut-Chili Dressing Recipe FAQs

How do I select the right rice for the salad?
Absolutely! For this salad, using day-old cooked jasmine rice is ideal as it holds its shape better and crisps up nicely when baked or air-fried. When selecting fresh rice, look for grains that are fluffy and non-sticky. If you only have fresh rice on hand, spread it out on a baking sheet and let it cool in the fridge for about 30 minutes to help reduce moisture.

What’s the best way to store leftover Crispy Rice Salad?
Very good question! To maintain the delightful textures, store the leftover crispy rice and salad components separately in airtight containers. The salad itself can stay fresh for about 3 days in the fridge. Remember to reheat the crispy rice in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes before serving to restore its crunch!

Can I freeze the salad?
It’s best not to freeze the assembled salad, as the crispy rice will lose its delightful crunch. However, if you want to freeze the rice, spread plain cooked rice on a baking sheet and let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When ready to use, simply reheat in the oven until hot and crispy.

What should I do if the crispy rice isn’t turning golden?
If your crispy rice isn’t getting that lovely golden color, make sure you’re using enough oil and tossing it well before baking or air-frying. Another tip is to spread the rice out in an even layer to ensure it cooks evenly. If it’s still not crispy after the initial cooking time, give it an additional 5 minutes while checking closely to avoid burning.

Is this recipe suitable for people with nut allergies?
Absolutely! If you or your loved ones have nut allergies, you can substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini for a delicious nut-free version of this Crispy Rice Salad. Just double-check that any soy sauce you’re using is also gluten-free and nut-free, if needed.

How can I make this salad more filling?
Very easily! To amp up the protein content, consider adding in cooked chickpeas, black beans, or tofu. These options not only enhance the salad’s nutritional profile but also keep it filling. Feel free to experiment and customize based on your dietary needs and preference!