Mediterranean Rice Salad with Vegetables

This colorful Mediterranean rice salad is a great summertime dish. I used fresh zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers, but you can add any vegetable you like. Replace rice with couscous, farro, or barley, if you prefer.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 23 mins
• Total Time: 43 mins
• Calories: 455 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 lemon, juiced
• salt to taste
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups uncooked white rice
• 1 sprig fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ lemon, zested
• 1 tablespoon chopped capers
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 carrots, peeled and grated
• 1 teaspoon herb salt
• 3 zucchini, peeled and grated
• ½ yellow bell pepper, cut into cubes
• ½ red bell pepper, cut into cubes

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bring water and rice to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and liquid has been absorbed, 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat and pour enough cold water on top of the cooked rice to cover it. Stir to cool. Drain well; transfer rice into a bowl. Stir in 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with herb salt.

Step 2

Mix capers, parsley, and lemon zest in a small bowl; add to rice. Mix in zucchini, carrots, yellow bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Season with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.