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There’s something irresistibly refreshing about a vibrant salad that brings together flavors and textures in perfect harmony. On a busy weeknight, I found myself craving something wholesome yet exciting—and that’s when I created this Crispy Rice Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing. Picture this: crispy, oven-baked rice mingling with creamy avocado, crunchy peanuts, and protein-rich edamame, all tossed in a tangy, zesty dressing that brightens every bite.

In under an hour, you’ll have a stunning dish that’s not only gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly but also a feast for the senses. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply elevate your dinner routine, this salad promises to be a flavor-packed meal that won’t disappoint. Dive into the delightful crunch and let the fresh bursts of lemon and tahini transport you to a happy culinary adventure!

Why is Crispy Rice Salad With Lemon Tahini Dressing a Must-Try?

Freshness at Its Finest: This salad bursts with vibrant flavors, making every bite a delightful experience.
Quick and Easy: Whip this up in under an hour, perfect for busy evenings or spontaneous gatherings!
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: With its colorful presentation and diverse textures, it’s sure to impress family and friends.
Nutrient-Rich: Loaded with healthy fats, protein, and fresh vegetables, it’s a nourishing choice for any meal.
Versatile Options: Feel free to customize with quinoa or herbs to suit your taste. For more delicious salads, check out our other salad recipes!

Crispy Rice Salad Ingredients

For the Salad:
Cooked Rice – 2 cups; using cold rice helps achieve perfect crispiness when baked.
Soy Sauce – 2 teaspoons; enhances umami flavor; can be replaced with tamari for a gluten-free option.
Sesame Oil – 1 tablespoon; adds nuttiness; consider substituting with olive oil if unavailable.
Chili Crisp – 2 tablespoons; adds heat; you can adjust this based on spice tolerance.
Dried Onion – ¼ cup; builds flavor depth; fresh onions can be used if preferred.
Dried Garlic – ¼ cup; enhances savory notes; substitute with fresh garlic if desired.
Smoked Paprika – 1 tablespoon; provides smokiness; regular paprika may be used for a milder taste.
Sea Salt – ½ teaspoon; enhances flavors; adjust to taste.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – 1.5 tablespoons; adds spice; alter based on your heat preference.
Chili Powder – ½ teaspoon; offers mild warmth; can be omitted for less spice.
Olive Oil – ¾ cup; helps in crisping the rice and enriching flavor; extra-virgin olive oil is recommended.
Persian Cucumbers – 5; provides crunch and hydration; any cucumber variety can be substituted.
Edamame – 1 cup; adds protein; can also use chickpeas or another legume.
Green Onions – 1 bunch; adds a fresh, oniony taste; can be substituted with chives.
Fresh Mint – 1 bunch; balances out flavors; basil is a suitable alternative.
Avocados – 2; contributes creaminess; replace with guacamole for added flavor.
Salted Peanuts – 1 cup; offers a crunchy texture; almonds or sunflower seeds can be used for nut allergies.
For the Dressing:
Olive Oil – ½ cup; forms the dressing base; keep to a smooth consistency.
Lemon Juice – ⅓ cup; brightens flavor; adjust to taste.
Tahini – 3 tablespoons; provides creaminess; can replace with unsweetened yogurt for a different texture.
Maple Syrup – 1.5 tablespoons; adds natural sweetness; agave syrup is a vegan alternative.
Garlic – 2 cloves; adds aroma; can be omitted for a milder dressing.
Cumin – 1 teaspoon; provides earthiness; coriander can be used for variation.
Kosher Salt – ½ teaspoon; essential for seasoning; regular salt is acceptable.
Ground Black Pepper – ¾ teaspoon; enhances overall flavor; use fresh ground for best results.

This Crispy Rice Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing is destined to become a staple in your kitchen, delivering fresh flavors you’ll crave!

How to Make Crispy Rice Salad With Lemon Tahini Dressing

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure a non-stick surface for the rice.
Cook Rice: Prepare your rice according to your preferred method, allowing it to cool completely to enhance crispiness when baked.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled rice with soy sauce, chili crisp, and sesame oil, mixing well until all grains are coated.
Bake Rice: Spread the rice mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes, tossing halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Chop Veggies: While the rice bakes, chop the cucumber, edamame, green onions, mint, avocados, and peanuts, placing them in a large mixing bowl to prepare for the salad.
Whisk Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy, adjusting lemon juice to your taste preference.
Combine Salad: Pour the dressing over the chopped salad ingredients, mixing gently until well combined to ensure all flavors meld together wonderfully.
Add Crispy Rice: Carefully fold in the crispy rice, ensuring every bite is filled with delightful textures. Serve immediately for the best crunchy experience.

Optional: Garnish with extra chopped mint for a burst of freshness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Crispy Rice Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing?

Elevate your dining experience by pairing this zesty salad with complementary dishes that enhance its bright flavors and textures.

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy and smoky, these skewers balance the salad’s crispness with savory goodness.
Chilled Cucumber Soup: Refreshing and cool, this light soup adds an extra layer of freshness that mirrors the salad’s ingredients.
Roasted Vegetables: Tossed with olive oil and herbs, these vegetables provide a warm touch and earthy flavors that round out the meal.
Quinoa Pilaf: Load with nuts and dried fruits, this protein-packed pilaf creates a hearty yet light side that pairs beautifully with the salad’s tangy notes.
Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp: The bright citrus and herbs resonate with the lemon dressing, offering a delightful protein choice that enhances the communal feel of sharing.
Peach Galette: Celebrate the meal with a rustic dessert; the sweetness of fresh peaches against flaky pastry complements the salad’s savory charm.
Sparkling Lemonade: A refreshing drink that echoes the citrus notes in the salad, making for a lively and uplifting dining experience.
Asian-style Spring Rolls: Fresh and filled with crunch, these rolls can bring an interesting texture, and the dipping sauce enhances the flavor profile without being overpowering.
Homemade Hummus with Pita Chips: Creamy and rich, offering a contrasting texture alongside the salad, perfect for dipping and sharing with friends.
Mango Lassi: This creamy drink provides a sweet and spiced contrast that pairs wonderfully with the freshness of the salad.

Expert Tips for Crispy Rice Salad

Crispy Rice: Allow the cooked rice to cool completely before baking; this is key for achieving that perfect crispy texture.
Baking Watch: Keep an eye on the rice while it’s baking; a golden-brown color indicates it’s ready—overbaking can lead to burnt bits.
Dressing Balance: Start with less lemon juice and taste as you adjust; too much can overpower the refreshing flavors in the crispy rice salad.
Gently Toss: When mixing the salad, toss gently to avoid mashing the delicate avocados and peanuts, preserving their textures in each bite.
Ingredient Variations: Feel free to experiment with herbs or spices to make your crispy rice salad even more personalized and delightful!

Make Ahead Options

This Crispy Rice Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing is perfect for meal prep, saving you time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the crispy rice up to 24 hours in advance; just bake it, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Chop your vegetables (like cucumbers, green onions, and mint) and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. For the dressing, whisk together the ingredients and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine your prepped veggies, dressing, and crispy rice, and enjoy a refreshing meal that’s just as delicious as when made fresh!

Crispy Rice Salad With Lemon Tahini Dressing Variations

Feel free to get creative and make this delicious salad your own with these exciting twists!

Quinoa Swap: Use quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free and protein-packed alternative that adds a lovely nutty flavor.
Nut-Free: Replace salted peanuts with toasted sunflower seeds. They provide a similar crunch without the risk of nut allergies.
Vegan Sweetener: Omitting maple syrup or swapping it for agave syrup keeps this salad entirely vegan and just as delightful.
Herbal Twist: Substituting mint with fresh cilantro or basil can provide a fresh spin on flavors, perfect for those who prefer different herbs.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for an extra layer of heat that will tantalize your taste buds.
Sweet Burst: Toss in diced mango or pomegranate seeds for a refreshing pop of sweetness that complements the savory elements beautifully.
Extra Creamy: Consider using guacamole in place of avocado for an even creamier texture that packs a flavorful punch.
Dressing Variation: For a different dressing experience, try replacing tahini with unsweetened yogurt. It offers a tangy lift while still keeping the creaminess.

How to Store and Freeze Crispy Rice Salad

Fridge: Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the crispy rice separate to maintain its crunchiness.

Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the salad components without the dressing for up to 1 month. Defrost in the fridge before serving.

Reheating: If you want to enjoy the crispy rice warm, reheat it in a toaster oven or skillet for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the rice soggy.

Assembly Tip: Combine the dressing and fresh ingredients just before serving for the best flavor and texture in your Crispy Rice Salad.

Crispy Rice Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best rice for this salad?
Absolutely! For the crispiest texture, I recommend using a long-grain rice like jasmine or basmati. Make sure to use chilled, day-old rice, as it will help achieve that perfect crunch when baked. Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and won’t crisp up as nicely.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Very simple! Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep the crispy rice separate, as it tends to lose its crunch when mixed with the other ingredients. When ready to eat, just reheat the rice in a toaster oven or skillet for a few minutes to revive its crispiness.

Can I freeze Crispy Rice Salad?
Yes, you can! However, it’s best to freeze the components separately—store the salad ingredients (without dressing) in an airtight container for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, defrost in the fridge overnight. For the crispy rice, simply reheat it in the oven or skillet to maintain its delightful crunch.

How can I ensure the rice stays crispy after cooking?
To keep the texture just right, let the freshly cooked rice cool completely before mixing it with the other ingredients. Spread it out on a baking sheet to cool quickly. Also, adding it to the salad just before serving allows it to maintain its crispiness while still mixing with the flavors of the salad.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans and people with allergies?
Absolutely! This Crispy Rice Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing is vegetarian-friendly and can easily be made vegan by using maple syrup or agave instead of honey. If you have nut allergies, simply replace the salted peanuts with sunflower seeds or omit them altogether. Just be cautious with the tamari if you need a gluten-free option, verifying that it meets your dietary requirements.