Name: The Best Crispy Rice Salad with Veggies and Peanut Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 cups pre-cooked rice (cooled); 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce; 1 tablespoon chili crunch oil; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 lime (zest from whole, juice from ½); 5 mini cucumbers (thinly sliced); 2 avocados (cubed); 1 red bell pepper (chopped); 3–5 green onions (chopped); 2 cups red cabbage (finely sliced); 1 cup unsalted peanuts (chopped); 1 cup edamame (shelled and cooked); 1 cup fresh basil (chopped); ½ cup cilantro (chopped); ¼ cup peanut butter (65g); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons rice vinegar; 3 cloves garlic (minced); ½ lime (juiced); 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 ½ tablespoons maple syrup; 1 inch fresh ginger (grated)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Okay, I have a treat for you today! This Crispy Rice Salad with Veggies and Peanut Dressing is a total game-changer. Picture this: crispy rice, fresh veggies, and a creamy, slightly tangy peanut dressing that brings it all together in the most delicious way. It’s light, satisfying, and just the right mix of crunchy and creamy. Whether you’re in need of a quick lunch, a hearty side, or even a full-on dinner, this salad has your back. I promise, it’s one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to over and over again.

Why You’ll Love The Best Crispy Rice Salad with Veggies and Peanut Dressing

This recipe isn’t just a salad—it’s a celebration of textures and flavors that will make you smile with every bite. Here’s why you’re going to love it:

Versatile: It’s perfect for a light lunch, an easy weeknight dinner, or a dish that’ll impress guests at your next gathering. And if you’re looking for a dish that’s as flexible as your tastes? This is it!

Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are simple, easy to find, and won’t break the bank. You don’t need any fancy pantry items to pull this off. You probably already have most of them in your kitchen!

Quick and Easy: No complicated techniques here—just a few steps and you’re ready to dig in. If you’ve been avoiding the kitchen because of intimidating recipes, this one will restore your cooking confidence.

Customizable: Love a little spice? Add some sriracha. Prefer it extra fresh? Toss in some extra cucumbers or bell peppers. You can make this dish your own every time you make it.

Crowd-Pleasing: Trust me when I say this salad is a hit with just about anyone. The crispy rice and rich peanut dressing are a combination that everyone will rave about. Even the pickiest eaters won’t be able to resist!

Ingredients

Here’s the magic behind this crispy rice salad—each ingredient brings something special to the table:

Rice: This is the base of the salad and gives it that crispy, crunchy texture that makes this dish so unique. If you have leftover rice from dinner the night before, it works perfectly here!

Vegetables: Fresh veggies like cucumber, bell pepper, and carrots add a pop of color, crunch, and nutrition. They also balance the richness of the peanut dressing with their refreshing flavors.

Peanut Butter: The creamy base for the dressing. It’s rich, nutty, and just the right consistency to coat the veggies and rice perfectly. Trust me, the peanut flavor really shines here.

Soy Sauce: A splash of soy sauce adds savory umami that deepens the flavor of the dressing and ties it all together.

Lime Juice: The tangy burst of lime brings the perfect balance to the creamy peanut butter, giving the dressing a zesty, fresh kick.

Garlic: A little bit of minced garlic adds depth to the dressing and a hint of warmth that enhances the other flavors.

Honey: A touch of sweetness to balance the salty soy sauce and the savory peanut butter—because a great dressing needs a little sweet to balance the savory.

Sesame Oil: The sesame oil adds a toasty, fragrant flavor that elevates the dressing. It’s that essential “something” that you’ll recognize but might not immediately pinpoint.

Cilantro: For garnish, fresh cilantro gives the dish a burst of color and a hint of freshness that brings everything together.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s make this delicious salad step by step:

Crisp the Rice: Start by heating a bit of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add your cooked rice, pressing it down into an even layer. Let it crisp up on one side, then flip it to crisp up the other. This should take about 5-7 minutes per side. Once crispy, remove the rice from the pan and set it aside.

Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, and minced garlic until smooth. Taste and adjust as needed—more honey if you like it sweeter, or a little extra lime juice for a tangier dressing.

Prep the Veggies: While the rice crisps up, slice your cucumbers, bell peppers, and carrots. The thin slices make them easy to mix into the salad and add to the overall crunch.

Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the crispy rice, chopped veggies, and fresh cilantro. Drizzle the peanut dressing over the top and toss gently to coat. Don’t worry about perfection here—just get everything coated and evenly distributed.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately to enjoy that crispy rice in all its glory! You can top it off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or even a few extra cilantro leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve The Best Crispy Rice Salad with Veggies and Peanut Dressing

This salad can be enjoyed all on its own, but here are a few ideas to serve it with:

Grilled Chicken: Pair this with grilled chicken for a protein-packed meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Rice Paper Rolls: Serve it with rice paper rolls for an Asian-inspired meal. The fresh ingredients will complement the salad perfectly!

Tofu: For a plant-based twist, add some crispy tofu to the salad. It soaks up the peanut dressing beautifully.

Soup: If you’re looking for a lighter side, pair it with a clear vegetable soup. The contrast between the hot soup and the cool salad is delightful.

As a Snack: This salad is also great as a snack or a light side dish, especially when you need something quick and satisfying.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make your salad even better:

Use Leftover Rice: Leftover rice works great for this salad because it’s a bit drier and crisps up more easily than fresh rice.

Add a Little Spice: If you like a bit of heat, stir in some sriracha or red chili flakes into the peanut dressing for an extra kick.

Substitute Ingredients: You can swap out the veggies for whatever you have on hand. Try shredded cabbage, snap peas, or even avocado for extra creaminess.

Make It Ahead: The dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just toss it with the crispy rice and veggies right before serving.

Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store the rice, veggies, and dressing separately in the fridge. The rice will lose its crispness if it sits in the dressing, but it’ll still taste delicious!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different nut butter?
A1: Yes! While peanut butter is traditional, you can substitute it with almond butter or cashew butter if you prefer.

Q2: How do I make the rice extra crispy?
A2: Use day-old rice or rice that’s been cooled down to remove excess moisture. Press it down firmly in the pan to get an even, crispy layer.

Q3: Can I use other veggies in this salad?
A3: Absolutely! Feel free to use any veggies you like. Shredded cabbage, bell peppers, or even some cooked sweet potatoes would all be delicious.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store the rice and veggies separately from the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge. The rice will lose its crunch, but it will still taste great!

Q5: Can I make the salad spicier?
A5: Yes! Add some sriracha or chili flakes to the dressing to bring up the heat. Adjust it to your spice tolerance.

Q6: Is the peanut dressing vegan?
A6: Yes, the peanut dressing is vegan! Just make sure the soy sauce is vegan (use tamari for a gluten-free option).

Q7: Can I prep this salad in advance?
A7: You can prep the vegetables and make the dressing ahead of time, but the rice should be crispy when you serve it, so it’s best to make that fresh.

Q8: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A8: Absolutely! Brown rice will give the salad a chewier texture, but it will still taste amazing.

Q9: Can I make this salad without rice?
A9: Yes! You can swap the rice for quinoa, couscous, or even chickpeas if you’re looking for a different base.

Q10: How do I make this dish gluten-free?
A10: To make the salad gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce and double-check your peanut butter for gluten.

Conclusion

There you have it! The Best Crispy Rice Salad with Veggies and Peanut Dressing is fresh, satisfying, and totally customizable. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving it up at a dinner party, this salad is sure to impress. It’s the perfect combination of crunch, creaminess, and bold flavors, all in one bite. So, what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and make this delicious salad today—you won’t regret it! Enjoy every bite!