Cold Fried Rice and Artichoke Salad: A Delicious and Refreshing Recipe
Introducing Cold Fried Rice and Artichoke Salad
Cold Fried Rice and Artichoke Salad is a convenient, delicious and healthy dish that can be enjoyed any time of the year. It is a great side dish for a main course, or can be eaten as a light lunch or snack. This all-time favorite is savory, juicy and just the right amount of crunchy. The combination of flavors; the different textures; plus the appeal of this dish makes it an enjoyable meal for everyone.
This popular savory offering is a combination of different textures and flavors. The crunchiness of the fried rice is met with meaty artichoke hearts, juicy tomatoes, zesty green peppers and savory feta cheese. It is all topped with a refreshing lemon garlic dressing that adds a wonderful zing to the salad.
Not only is this dish full of flavor, it is also packed with nutrition. Eating artichokes offers numerous benefits to our health, such as providing antioxidants, improving digestion and serving as a source of vitamins. The tomatoes provide Vitamin C and lycopene, while the peppers add color and flavor. The feta cheese is rich with calcium and protein.
Classic Ingredients Make a Refreshing Meal
This combination of ingredients offers a classic flavor that is a guaranteed hit.
Four servings of this dish require:
- 2 cups of cooked left over white rice
- 1 8oz can of artichoke hearts, drained
- 1/2 cup of diced green pepper
- 1/2 cup of diced fresh tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons of olive or vegetable oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
These ingredients combine together to make the perfect summer treat.
Understanding the Benefits of Eating this Recipe
Cold Fried Rice and Artichoke Salad is full of important nutrients that can provide numerous health benefits. As mentioned above, artichokes are full of antioxidants, vitamins and can even improve digestion. Tomatoes contain Vitamin C and lycopene, both beneficial to our health. Green peppers are also full of Vitamin C, while feta cheese is rich in calcium and protein. Adding olive oil and garlic to the dish will give it an extra dose of healthy antioxidants and good fats.
Finally, the lemon juice in the dressing adds a wonderful bright flavor, as well as a good source of Vitamin C. This combination of ingredients makes the salad a thoroughly healthy and tasty dish.
Prepping and Cooking the Ingredients for the Salad
The first step in preparing the salad is to cook the left over white rice. Take 2 cups of rice, add 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet and warm until it is hot. Spread the rice in an even layer in the skillet, lower the heat and cook for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the rice from burning or sticking to the pan. Once finished, transfer the rice to a large bowl and set aside to let cool.
Meanwhile, prepare the artichoke hearts, green peppers, tomatoes and feta cheese, by dicing and crumbling. Make sure to drain the artichoke hearts beforehand.
The last step is to prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic and lemon juice. Add the salt and pepper, then stir in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until it is blended.
Putting the Salad Together
Once all of the ingredients are prepped and cooked, add them to the bowl of cooked white rice. Start with the artichoke hearts, followed by the green peppers, tomatoes and feta cheese. Stir everything together and then pour the lemon garlic dressing on top. Mix until all of the ingredients are evenly covered.
Tips for Perfectly Fried Rice
To make the perfect fried rice, it is important to ensure that it is evenly cooked. Heat the skillet first, then add the oil and the rice. Once everything is combined, spread it in an even layer and reduce the heat. Stir the rice occasionally, taking care not to let it burn or stick to the pan.
It is also important to ensure that the fried rice is cooled before being mixed into the salad. This will avoid the other ingredients getting soggy or wilted.
The Perfect Combination: Fried Rice and Artichoke Salad
The combination of flavors, textures and nutrition of the Cold Fried Rice and Artichoke Salad make it a truly perfect meal. The crunchy fried rice is balanced with the soft artichoke hearts, juicy tomatoes and zesty green peppers. All of this is topped with a refreshing lemon garlic dressing that ties the flavors together. It is a dish that is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Enjoying a Delicious and Refreshing Dish
Whether served as a meal or a side dish, the Cold Fried Rice and Artichoke Salad is sure to be a hit. It is a wonderful way to enjoy several essential nutrients, in a delicious and healthy way. And to make it even more appealing, this dish can be enjoyed during any season of the year.
To wrap things up, Cold Fried Rice and Artichoke Salad is a tasty and healthy dish that can be enjoyed all year round. With the right ingredients, prepping and cooking methods, it is sure to be a crowd pleaser. It is an excellent way to enjoy the benefits of several essential nutrients, as well as delight in a flavorful combination of crunchy and juicy ingredients.
