Balinese Rice Salad Recipe

Escape to Bali with this vibrant and refreshing rice salad! A quick and easy recipe (ready in 25 minutes!), perfect for a last-minute picnic, summer supper, or a light yet satisfying main course or side dish. Inspired by Moosewood's Daily Special cookbook, this recipe uses leftover rice to create a flavor explosion with sweet pineapple, crunchy veggies, and a zesty homemade dressing. Get ready for a taste of paradise!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Calories 664.9 kcal
Protein 32g
Rating 4.9 (7 Reviews)
Balinese Rice Salad 35

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Balinese Rice Salad

  • Mango Chutney
  • Cider Vinegar
  • Vegetable Oil
  • Unsweetened Pineapple
  • Garlic
  • Soy Sauce
  • Salt
  • Cayenne
  • Brown Rice
  • Unsweetened Pineapple Chunks
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • Red Bell Peppers
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • Bean Sprouts
  • 1/2 cup baby corn (optional)
  • Peanuts

How to Make Balinese Rice Salad

  1. **Make the Dressing:** In a blender, combine 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and 1 clove garlic. Blend until completely smooth.
  2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, gently combine 2 cups cooked rice (day-old is best!), 1 cup diced fresh pineapple, 1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions, 1/2 cup diced celery, 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color), and 1/4 cup raisins.
  3. **Add Dressing & Toss:** Pour the dressing over the rice mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  4. **Add Sprout & Corn (Optional):** Add 1/2 cup bean sprouts and 1/2 cup baby corn, stirring gently. Alternatively, scatter them on top for a visually appealing presentation.
  5. **Toast Nuts:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread 1/4 cup chopped nuts (cashews, peanuts, or macadamia nuts work well) in a single layer on an un-oiled baking sheet. Toast for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant.
  6. **Garnish & Serve:** Garnish the salad with the toasted nuts. Serve immediately at room temperature or chill for 30 minutes for a cooler, crisper salad.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Chef's secret: layers of flavor make a dish truly memorable! Consider what a little extra something could bring – perhaps a touch of acidity like a good vinegar or citrus zest, a hint of smokiness from paprika, a bit of umami from mushrooms or soy sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture. Experiment and taste as you go!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

24 g

Sugar

62g

Fat

11g

Carbs

40g