Looking for a vibrant and refreshing dish that captures the essence of the Caribbean? Dive into the delightful world of our Red Rice Salad with Mango Nuts! This colorful medley combines nutty red rice with the sweetness of ripe mango, the crunch of cashews, and the zesty kick of lime, creating a salad that’s not only a feast for the eyes but also a symphony of flavors. Perfect as a light lunch or an enticing side dish, this recipe is sure to impress your friends and family. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your culinary game with this easy-to-follow recipe that’s bursting with freshness!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Caribbean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup red rice
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1/2 cup cashews, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the red rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove any excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the red rice with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the water.
- Remove the rice from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam and become fluffy.
- While the rice is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Dice the ripe mango into small, uniform cubes.
- Roughly chop the cashews to create a crunchy texture for the salad.
- Finely chop the fresh cilantro leaves.
- Once the rice has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the diced mango, chopped cashews, and cilantro to the rice.
- Drizzle the lime juice over the mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently toss all ingredients together, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light lunch.
Tips
- Rinse the Rice Well: Make sure to rinse the red rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, which will help achieve a fluffy texture.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the rice while it simmers; it should be tender and all the water should be absorbed. If it’s not quite ready, give it a few more minutes.
- Cool the Rice: Allow the cooked rice to cool to room temperature before mixing in the other ingredients. This prevents the mango from getting mushy.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use ripe mangoes for the best flavor. A perfectly ripe mango will add natural sweetness that complements the nuttiness of the cashews.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add other ingredients like bell peppers or avocado for additional texture and flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes after mixing. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite even more delicious.
- Garnish for Presentation: Consider garnishing with extra cilantro or lime wedges for a beautiful presentation that will wow your guests!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 234kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
