In This Article Show
Rice salad is one of those meals that can save you when you do not know what to make. It is simple, filling, and easy to change based on what you already have in the kitchen. You can serve it cold, warm, or somewhere in between, and it works for lunch, dinner, meal prep, or even as a side dish. That kind of flexibility makes it a smart recipe to keep in your back pocket.
I like rice salad because it can be fresh and light while still being satisfying. You can mix rice with vegetables, beans, cheese, herbs, eggs, chicken, or a simple dressing and end up with something that feels complete. It is also a great way to use leftover rice without making it feel like leftovers.
This list will help you find easy rice salad recipes for all kinds of meals. Some are bright and fresh, some are hearty enough for dinner, and some are perfect for make-ahead lunches. Whether you want something quick for a busy day or a simple dish to bring to the table, these rice salad ideas make it easy.
1. Classic Vegetable Rice Salad

This is a simple rice salad that works with almost any meal. It is fresh, colorful, and very easy to pull together.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rice, cooled
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Recipe Steps:
- Add the cooled rice, cucumber, tomatoes, corn, onion, and parsley to a large bowl.
- Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the rice mixture.
- Toss well and serve chilled or at room temperature.
2. Mediterranean Rice Salad

This salad tastes bright and fresh and goes well with lunch or dinner. The feta and olives give it plenty of flavor without much effort.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rice, cooled
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup kalamata olives
- 1/4 red onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Recipe Steps:
- Place rice, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, onion, feta, and parsley in a large bowl.
- Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper together.
- Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Toss gently and serve.
3. Tuna Rice Salad

This is a handy meal for busy days when you want something filling and quick. It uses basic ingredients but still feels complete.
Recipe Metadata
- Time to Make: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rice, cooled
- 2 cans tuna, drained
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup corn
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt
- Black pepper
Recipe Steps:
- Add rice, tuna, cucumber, corn, celery, and onion to a large bowl.
- Stir mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Mix the dressing into the rice salad.
- Chill slightly before serving if desired.
4. Rice Salad with Chickpeas and Herbs

This rice salad is light but still filling. The chickpeas add protein, and the herbs make it taste extra fresh.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rice, cooled
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1/4 red onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped mint
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Recipe Steps:
- Put the rice, chickpeas, cucumber, onion, parsley, and mint in a large bowl.
- Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper together.
- Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Toss well and serve.
5. Chicken Rice Salad

This is a good way to turn leftover chicken into an easy meal. It is simple, filling, and easy to pack for lunch too.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rice, cooled
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups chopped lettuce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Recipe Steps:
- Add rice, chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, and lettuce to a large bowl.
- Mix lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Toss gently and serve.
6. Mexican Rice Salad

This one is full of texture and works well as a side or light meal. The lime and cilantro help keep it fresh and bright.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rice, cooled
- 1 cup black beans
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 red onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Recipe Steps:
- Add rice, black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, onion, and cilantro to a bowl.
- Whisk lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the rice salad.
- Toss gently and serve.
7. Rice Salad with Egg and Peas

This salad is soft, simple, and easy to make with pantry basics. It is a nice choice for lunch or a light dinner.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rice, cooled
- 1 cup peas
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Salt
- Black pepper
Recipe Steps:
- Add rice, peas, eggs, and cucumber to a large bowl.
- Stir mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper together.
- Fold the dressing into the rice mixture.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
8. Rice Salad with Feta and Cucumbers

This recipe is fresh, easy, and full of simple flavor. It goes especially well with grilled meats or as a meal on its own.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rice, cooled
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Recipe Steps:
- Place rice, cucumber, tomatoes, feta, and parsley in a large bowl.
- Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper together.
- Pour over the salad.
- Toss gently and serve.
9. Brown Rice Salad with Avocado

Brown rice gives this salad a little more bite and makes it feel extra hearty. The avocado keeps it creamy without much extra work.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked brown rice, cooled
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 red onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Recipe Steps:
- Add brown rice, avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, and onion to a bowl.
- Whisk lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper together.
- Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Toss gently and serve right away.
10. Italian Rice Salad

This version feels a little more hearty and is great for potlucks or meal prep. It has plenty of flavor in every bite.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rice, cooled
- 1/2 cup chopped salami
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cubes
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup sliced olives
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 tablespoons Italian dressing
- Salt
- Black pepper
Recipe Steps:
- Add rice, salami, mozzarella, tomatoes, olives, and bell pepper to a large bowl.
- Pour in the Italian dressing.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss well and serve chilled.
11. Lemon Herb Rice Salad

This is one of the easiest rice salads to make, but it still tastes fresh and bright. It works well next to fish, chicken, or roasted vegetables.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rice, cooled
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped dill
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Recipe Steps:
- Put rice, cucumber, green onion, parsley, and dill in a bowl.
- Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper together.
- Pour over the rice mixture.
- Toss well and serve.
12. Rice Salad with Roasted Vegetables

This salad is a good way to use leftover roasted vegetables. It feels a little warmer and heartier than a basic cold salad.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rice, cooled
- 1 cup roasted zucchini
- 1 cup roasted bell peppers
- 1/2 cup roasted red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Recipe Steps:
- Add rice and roasted vegetables to a large bowl.
- Stir in the chopped parsley.
- Whisk vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper together.
- Pour over the salad and toss well.
13. Curried Rice Salad

This recipe has a mild, warm flavor that makes it a little different from the usual rice salad. The raisins add a touch of sweetness that works really well here.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rice, cooled
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup peas
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt
- Black pepper
Recipe Steps:
- Add rice, raisins, celery, and peas to a bowl.
- Stir mayonnaise, curry powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper together.
- Fold the dressing into the rice mixture.
- Chill for a few minutes before serving if desired.
14. Rice Salad with Beans and Corn

This is a great pantry-friendly salad that still feels fresh. It works well as a side dish or easy lunch.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rice, cooled
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Recipe Steps:
- Add rice, beans, corn, bell pepper, and green onions to a bowl.
- Whisk lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper together.
- Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Toss well and serve.
15. Shrimp Rice Salad

This salad feels light but still satisfying. It is a nice option for lunch or a simple dinner when you want something fresh.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rice, cooled
- 1 pound cooked shrimp
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Recipe Steps:
- Add rice, shrimp, cucumber, celery, and parsley to a large bowl.
- Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper together.
- Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Toss gently and serve chilled or at room temperature.
16. Rice Salad with Apples and Walnuts

This one has a nice mix of crunch and softness. It is a good choice when you want something a little different but still easy to make.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rice, cooled
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt
- Black pepper
Recipe Steps:
- Add rice, apple, walnuts, celery, and parsley to a large bowl.
- Mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper together.
- Stir the dressing into the rice mixture.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
17. Rice Salad with Mozzarella and Basil

This salad has simple caprese-style flavors that are always easy to enjoy. It is especially good in warm weather or as a quick lunch.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rice, cooled
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Recipe Steps:
- Put rice, mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil into a large bowl.
- Whisk balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper together.
- Pour over the rice mixture.
- Toss gently and serve.
18. Rice Salad with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

This recipe has a little more bold flavor but is still very easy to make. It works well for meal prep because it keeps nicely.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rice, cooled
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Recipe Steps:
- Add rice, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta to a bowl.
- Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper together.
- Pour over the salad.
- Toss gently and serve.
19. Rice Salad with Cucumber and Yogurt Dressing

This salad is cool, creamy, and very simple to put together. It is a good option when you want something fresh and mild.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rice, cooled
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon chopped dill
- 1/3 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt
- Black pepper
Recipe Steps:
- Place rice, cucumber, green onions, and dill in a large bowl.
- Mix yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper together.
- Fold the dressing into the rice salad.
- Serve chilled.
20. Rice Salad with Turkey and Cranberries

This is a nice way to use leftover turkey in a fresh and easy meal. The cranberries add a little sweetness that helps balance everything.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rice, cooled
- 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Recipe Steps:
- Add rice, turkey, cranberries, celery, and parsley to a bowl.
- Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper together.
- Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Toss well and serve.
21. Simple Rice Salad with Corn and Tomatoes

This is one of the easiest rice salads on the list, but it still tastes fresh and satisfying. It is great when you need a quick side or a light meal.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rice, cooled
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Recipe Steps:
- Add rice, corn, tomatoes, green onions, and parsley to a large bowl.
- Whisk vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper together.
- Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Toss well and serve.















