Mediterranean rice salad: tuna, olives, sun-dried tomatoes and lemon

Name: Mediterranean rice salad: tuna, olives, sun-dried tomatoes and lemon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: En
Ingredients: 2/3 cup parboiled rice; 5 oz canned tuna, drained; 12 pitted black olives; 4 sun-dried tomatoes in oil; Zest of 1/2 untreated lemon; Salt, to taste; 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; Fresh basil

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Main Dish

Very Easy

25 min

694 Kcal

Fresh and fragrant, with Mediterranean flavors. Many people also call it Sicilian rice salad, because of the ingredients used to make it: tuna, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon, black olives and extra-virgin olive oil (some people also add almonds). This is a distinctive flavor combination, pairing the intense flavors of sun-dried tomatoes preserved in oil with the fresh citrus notes of grated lemon zest. This rice salad will be a wonderful companion for your summer outings; you can take it to the beach for a light and nutritious lunch under the beach umbrella. Share the recipe with your friends and let us know in the comments if you liked it!

Ingredients

2/3 cup parboiled rice
5 oz canned tuna, drained
12 pitted black olives
4 sun-dried tomatoes in oil
Zest of 1/2 untreated lemon
Salt, to taste
3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Fresh basil

Materials

Grater
Bowl
Pot
Scissors
Knife

Preparation

Preparation15 min

Cook time10 min

Cook the rice according to the package instructions. Drain it while still al dente and let it cool on a tray or using the cold-water-bath method (see the tips section for instructions).
Prepare all the ingredients you’ll need to dress the rice:
- Drain the tuna and flake it with a fork
- Slice the black olives into rings
- Wash the lemon well and grate the zest
- Drain the sun-dried tomatoes and use scissors to cut them into pieces
Once the rice has cooled, transfer it to a large bowl. Add the tuna, olives and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, then mix gently from the bottom up.
Now add the extra-virgin olive oil and lemon zest, and mix well so the ingredients are evenly combined.
Taste and adjust the salt, add a few basil leaves, and your Mediterranean rice salad is ready!

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FAQ ❓

Can I add grated lemon zest to the rice salad?

If you prefer a more pronounced lemon flavor, you can grate a little lemon zest over the salad just before serving.

How long can I keep Mediterranean rice salad?

It will keep for a couple of days in the refrigerator. Be sure to store it in an airtight container or cover the dish with plastic wrap.

What can I add to Mediterranean rice salad?

If you’d like to add some crunch, we recommend adding toasted almonds, chopped into small pieces.

How do I cool the rice for the salad?

We don’t recommend cooling the rice under running water, as it may become sticky. Instead, spread it out on a baking tray or use the cold-water-bath method.

What type of rice should I use for rice salad?

We used parboiled rice for this salad because it holds its shape well when cooked. You can also find rice labeled “rice for salads” at the supermarket; that will work well for this recipe, too.

Can I dress the rice salad with mayonnaise?

We don’t recommend using mayonnaise in this Mediterranean version of rice salad, as it would mask the distinctive combination of flavors created by the ingredients.