Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad Recipe

You’ll love this Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad! It’s a hearty, flavorful dish packed with all the best ingredients: crisp cucumbers, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, creamy feta cheese, olives, chickpeas, and nutty brown rice. The rice is infused with aromatic garlic, fresh basil, red onion, lemon juice, high-quality olive oil, and a generous handful of fresh parsley. It’s a perfect balance of textures and vibrant flavors!

Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad: A Flavorful, Hearty Dish

This Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad brings all the vibrant, fresh flavors of Greek cuisine into one hearty, gluten-free dish. With its combination of fresh veggies, creamy feta, tangy olives, and wholesome brown rice, it’s a salad that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.

Fresh, Flavorful Ingredients

The cool, crisp cucumber adds a refreshing crunch, while the sun-dried tomatoes bring the perfect touch of sweetness. The salty feta and briny olives balance the flavors, giving this salad its irresistible Mediterranean flair. I’ve also included chickpeas to make the salad hearty enough to serve as a main course—perfect for those following a plant-based diet.

More Than Just Rice

This salad isn’t just about brown rice—it’s a well-rounded dish with veggies, olives, feta cheese, and fresh parsley. Whether you’re serving it at a summer picnic or a barbecue, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time. In fact, it’s even better when you let it sit for an hour to allow the flavors to meld.

How to Cook the Perfect Brown Rice

Though most rice packages include cooking directions, here’s my recommended method for perfect brown rice:

1. Rinse the Rice
   Rinse the brown rice in a fine mesh sieve or strainer under cold water for about 10 seconds to remove any dust or excess starch.
2. Cook the Rice
   In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of brown rice, 1 ¾ cups of water, and ½ teaspoon of sea salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 35 minutes without lifting the lid.
3. Check for Doneness
   After 35 minutes, check if the rice is fully cooked and all the liquid has been absorbed. If not, continue cooking until the liquid is gone.
4. Steam the Rice
   Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for another 10 minutes to steam. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.

How Much Cooked Rice Does 1 Cup of Dry Rice Make?

1 cup of dry brown rice will yield about 3 cups of cooked rice.

Can You Substitute Brown Rice?

Yes! If you prefer, you can substitute brown rice with white rice or quinoa. Both options will work wonderfully in this Mediterranean salad, though brown rice adds a lovely nutty flavor and texture.

Putting It All Together

Once the rice is cooked and cooled, simply mix all the ingredients together—cucumbers, sun-dried tomatoes, chickpeas, feta, olives, parsley, and any other seasonings you love. Let the salad rest for an hour so the rice can absorb all the flavorful juices.

This Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad is hearty enough to be served as an entrée, but it also pairs beautifully with lamb, chicken, or pork. Be sure to serve it at room temperature for the best flavor.

Explore our favorite gluten-free rice salads

Southwest Black Bean Rice Salad

Roasted Pepper White Bean Rice Salad

Moroccan Chickpea Rice Salad

Gluten Free Curried Rice Salad

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad:

• Quick & Easy: Simple steps and ingredients, with minimal prep time.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a main or side dish with various meals.
• Make Ahead: Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or meal prep, and can be made a day in advance.
• Gluten-Free & Plant-Based: Suitable for various diets without compromising on flavor.

So much deliciousness in one bowl—this Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad is a true crowd-pleaser!