Roasted Pepper White Bean Rice Salad

This plant-based Roasted Pepper White Bean Rice Salad boasts vibrant colors and robust flavors, making it an absolute feast for any occasion. The unbeatable simplicity of this dish makes this recipe a keeper. This rice salad can be served warm, cold, or room temperature.

This rice salad is gluten free, packed with nutritious ingredients like roasted peppers, white beans, and sun-dried tomatoes, and is also a nourishing addition to our diet.

The zesty tang of fresh lime juice and the refreshing aroma of cilantro elevate this easy rice salad recipe to another level of deliciousness. 

Why add roasted pepper to rice salad?

Roasting a bell pepper is a great way to enhance its flavor and add a smoky and slightly sweet taste to a rice salad. In addition, roasted pepper will keep its flavor fresh longer than raw pepper.

How to roast a bell pepper – 2 methods

Roasting on a gas stove (open flame method)

Place the bell pepper directly on the grate of your gas stove over a medium-high flame. You can use tongs to hold the pepper or pierce it with a fork and hold it by the stem.

Rotate the pepper occasionally using tongs or a fork to ensure even roasting. The skin will start to char and blister, creating a smoky flavor.

Continue roasting until the entire pepper’s skin is blackened and blistered.

Once roasted, remove the pepper from the flame and place it in a bowl. Cover the bowl with a lid to let the steam help loosen the skin.

After about 10 minutes, the pepper should be cool enough to handle. Peel off the blackened skin using your hands; it should come off easily.

Method 2: Roasting in the oven

Preheat your oven to 425 F 

Wash and dry the bell pepper(s).

Place the whole bell pepper(s) on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Roast the peppers in the oven for about 25 – 30 minutes or until the skin is blistered and blackened, turning them occasionally to ensure even roasting.

Once the peppers are roasted, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a bowl.

Cover the bowl with a lid to create steam, which will help loosen the skin.

After about 10 minutes, the pepper should be cool enough to handle. Peel off the blackened skin using your hands.

Once the pepper is roasted and peeled, cut open the pepper and remove the seeds and stem.

Uses for roasted peppers

You can use roasted bell peppers in various dishes such as salads, sandwiches, pasta, sauces, and more. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or freeze them in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months.

The dressing for rice salad.

This rice salad has a simple dressing made of extra virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, oil from sundried tomatoes, and garlic. The simple ingredients in this dressing allow everything else to shine and keep the rice beautifully moist.

the best rice for salads

When choosing rice for salads, you’ll want to select a variety that holds its shape well and complements the other ingredients in the salad. In addition, if you are following a gluten free diet, be sure the rice is gluten free. 

Here are some popular rice options that work great in salads:

• Basmati Rice: Basmati rice is a fragrant long-grain rice known for its distinctive aroma and fluffy texture. It’s an excellent choice for salads because of its delicate flavor and ability to absorb dressings and flavors without becoming mushy.
• Jasmine Rice: Another fragrant long-grain rice, jasmine rice has a slightly nutty flavor and a soft, tender texture. It’s perfect for salads that require a more delicate rice base.
• Brown Rice: Brown rice is whole grain rice that retains the bran and germ layers, making it more nutritious than white rice. It has a slightly chewy texture and nutty flavor, making it a hearty and nutritious addition to salads.
• Wild Rice: Although technically not actual rice but grass, wild rice has a rich, earthy flavor and a chewy texture. It pairs well with white or brown rice and adds a unique touch to salads.
• Quinoa: While not rice, quinoa is often used as a rice substitute in salads. It’s a protein-packed nutritious grain, also known as seed, with a light, fluffy texture that pairs well with various vegetables and salad dressings.

Is rice gluten free?

Yes, rice is naturally gluten-free. However, be cautious when buying pre-packaged rice dishes or rice with added ingredients or seasonings. I used this gluten free rice in the recipe.

Some flavored rice mixes, rice pilafs, or instant rice products may contain gluten-containing additives or cross-contamination from other gluten-containing products during processing. Always check the product labels and choose rice products that explicitly state gluten-free when following a gluten free diet.

serving suggestions for roasted pepper white bean rice salad

Fresh Greens: Serve the salad over a bed of fresh mixed greens, such as baby spinach, arugula, or kale. Combining the warm or cold rice salad with the crisp greens creates ideal textures.

Avocado: Add slices or chunks of creamy avocado to the salad for a buttery and luxurious touch. Avocado complements the flavors of roasted peppers, sundried tomatoes, lime juice, and cilantro and adds extra creaminess to the dish.

Grilled or Baked Protein: For a heartier meal, serve the salad alongside grilled chicken, baked tofu, or shrimp for a satisfying main course.

Crumbled Feta or Goat Cheese: Sprinkle some crumbled feta or goat cheese over the salad for a tangy and savory flavor. The creamy cheese pairs well with the roasted peppers and sundried tomatoes

Toasted Nuts or Seeds: Add some crunch and extra nutrition by sprinkling toasted nuts or seeds, such as almonds, pine nuts, or pumpkin seeds, on top of the salad.

Lime Wedges: Serve lime wedges alongside the salad for extra zesty flavor.

Rice salads are easy to make and popular in hot or cold weather. Here are a couple of our favorite rice salads that have been chosen by our readers, the Moroccan Chickpea Rice Salad and the Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad. I hope you will give them a try.

storing roasted pepper white bean rice salad

Leaving this salad at room temperature for too long can lead to bacterial growth.

Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the rice salad to a clean, airtight container. Glass or plastic containers with secure lids work well. Ensure the container is large enough to accommodate the salad without squishing it.

Refrigerate Promptly: Place the airtight container in the refrigerator as soon as possible. Refrigeration helps slow down bacterial growth and keeps the salad safe to eat for a more extended period.

Consume Within Safe Timeframe: Rice salads can typically be safely stored in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.

Avoid Freezing: This rice salad does not freeze well.

how to store a cut avocado

In this recipe, I included fresh avocado as one of the toppings. For leftover cut avocado, store it in an airtight container. Drizzle some lemon or lime juice over the fresh avocado to minimize browning. The citric acid helps slow down the enzymatic browning process.

• Use Plastic Wrap: Alternatively, you can press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the sliced avocado to create a barrier against air exposure.
• Keep the Pit: If you have a large avocado half with the pit still intact, leave the pit in the container with the cubed avocado. The pit can help reduce browning in the immediate vicinity.
• Eat Within 1-2 Days: Even with proper storage, sliced fresh avocado is best consumed within 1-2 days to ensure freshness and prevent changes in taste and texture.

Key Points for Roasted Pepper White Bean Rice Salad:

Flavorful Roasted Peppers: The roasted peppers add a smoky and sweet flavor to the salad.

Nutritious White Beans: White beans are a rich source of protein and fiber, making the salad more filling and nutritious.

Wholesome Hearty Rice Base: Choose a gluten free rice variety that complements the other ingredients and absorbs the flavors well.

Zesty Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice adds a bright and tangy element to the salad, enhancing the overall taste.

Gluten-Free and Plant-Based: This salad is naturally gluten-free and suitable for plant-based or vegetarian diets.

Quick and Easy: With a 20-minute preparation time, this rice salad recipe is perfect for busy weekdays for last-minute dinners, next day vegan lunches, or potluck gatherings.

Light and Nourishing: Despite its simplicity, this salad packs a nutritional punch and is a satisfying yet light option for any meal.

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Many thanks!

Kristina xx