The sizzle of golden rice in the oven fills my kitchen with an irresistible aroma, transporting me to my favorite Asian street food market. This Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Sesame Dressing is a delightful escape from fast food, bringing vibrant flavors and fantastic textures together in one bowl. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something fresh and nourishing, this recipe elevates simple pantry staples into a colorful feast for the senses. With the perfect balance of crunch from the crispy rice and the crisp veggies, all drizzled with a nutty dressing that you can whip up in minutes, it’s hard to believe this dish comes together so effortlessly. Ideal for meal prep, it only gets better as it sits, making it a go-to choice for lunch or dinner. Embrace this easy, vegetarian-friendly recipe that promises to satisfy both your taste buds and your desire for wholesome homemade food!
Why is this Crispy Rice Salad irresistible?
Flavor Explosion: The Crispy Rice Salad layers fresh vegetables with golden, crunchy rice, drizzled in a rich peanut sesame dressing for a full-bodied taste experience.
Quick Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip this up in no time, perfect for those weekdays filled with chaos.
Versatile Ingredients: Customize it with your favorite veggies or protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu, making it adaptable to all preferences.
Meal Prep Dream: This salad stays delicious for days, improving in flavor as it sits—an ideal candidate for make-ahead lunches.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s a family lunch or a potluck dinner, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy guests of all ages!
Crispy Rice Salad Ingredients
For the Salad
• Jasmine Rice – This fluffy rice base crisps up beautifully; day-old rice is ideal for best texture.
• Sesame Oil – Provides a nutty essence and helps create that coveted golden crust on the rice.
• Soy Sauce/Tamari – Adds delicious umami and saltiness; use tamari for a gluten-free option.
• Chili Crisp – Elevates the flavor profile with a kick; adjust to your heat preference.
• Green & Red Cabbage – Brings vibrant color and satisfying crunch; bok choy can be used as a substitute.
• Cucumber, Bell Pepper, Carrot, Sugar Snap Peas – For a fresh vibe and crisp texture; swap for whatever seasonal veggies you have on hand.
• Green Onions – Infuses a refreshing taste and subtle onion flavor; shallots can serve as a replacement if desired.
For the Peanut Sesame Dressing
• Peanut Butter/Sesame Tahini – The creamy foundation of the dressing; choose tahini for a nut-free alternative.
• Rice Vinegar & Lime Juice – Adds brightness and zing to the dressing; feel free to adjust based on personal taste.
• Honey – Sweetens the dressing beautifully; maple syrup works as a vegan alternative if needed.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds – Sprinkled on top for extra crunch and visual appeal; a delightful finishing touch.
This Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Sesame Dressing recipe invites you to unleash your creativity in the kitchen, making it not only a treat but also a fun culinary adventure!
How to Make Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Sesame Dressing
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Preheat your air fryer or oven to 400°F (200°C), and get your baking tray ready by lining it with parchment paper. This step ensures your rice crisps up perfectly!
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Combine day-old jasmine rice with sesame oil, soy sauce, and chili crisp in a mixing bowl. Stir until the rice is evenly coated, absorbing all those delightful flavors.
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Spread the rice mixture in a thin, even layer on the prepared tray. Bake it in the air fryer for 16-18 minutes or in the oven for about 40 minutes, until it turns golden brown and crispy.
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Whisk together the dressing ingredients—sesame oil, peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey, chili crisp, and ginger—until smooth in a separate bowl. The dressing makes all the difference!
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Mix the shredded cabbage, cucumber, bell pepper, carrot, sugar snap peas, and crispy rice in a large bowl. The colors will make your salad pop!
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Drizzle the dressing over the salad, tossing gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste for that extra flavor kick.
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Serve immediately, garnished with toasted sesame seeds for that perfect finish. Enjoy the crunchy goodness of your delicious creation!
Optional: Add a squeeze of lime juice before serving for an extra zing.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Sesame Dressing?
This crispy rice salad is not just a standalone delight; it can be paired with a range of delightful sides to create a full meal experience.
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Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Juicy shrimp grilled to perfection add a savory note that complements the freshness of the salad beautifully.
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Teriyaki Chicken: Sweet and tangy teriyaki chicken wraps up the meal with a burst of flavor, balancing the lightness of the salad.
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Summer Rolls: Fresh and light, these rolls filled with shrimp or veggies offer an additional crisp texture, making your meal visually appealing and delicious.
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Spicy Edamame: Lightly salted and spiced, these protein-packed beans are a crunchy snack that pairs perfectly with the nutty dressing.
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Asian Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumbers with a tangy vinegar dressing mirror the flavors of the rice salad, enhancing the overall freshness of your dining experience.
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Sesame Noodles: Cold sesame noodles add a rich, nutty flavor to the table, perfectly aligning with the peanut sesame theme of the meal.
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Miso Soup: Warm and comforting, miso soup would serve as a soothing contrast to the crunchiness of your rice salad, rounding out the menu.
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Sparkling Green Tea: Pair your meal with a refreshing glass of sparkling green tea, which cleanses the palate and uplifts the dining experience.
Crispy Rice Salad Variations
Feel free to explore and customize this recipe to suit your tastes and dietary preferences!
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Grain Swap: Use quinoa or farro instead of jasmine rice for a nutty flavor and added protein. Each option brings unique textures, turning the salad into a delightful grain bowl.
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Vegetable Variations: Swap in zucchini or bell peppers for more color and flavor. Seasonal veggies can elevate the dish, making it vibrant and fun every time.
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Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for an extra protein punch. Each choice transforms the salad into a filling meal, satisfying hunger while keeping it fresh and exciting.
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Nut-Free Dressing: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini to cater to nut allergies. Both options maintain the creaminess and flavor, ensuring everyone can enjoy this dish.
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Heat Level: Toss in sriracha or red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Spice it up or tone it down with the amount you use, giving you control over your culinary adventure.
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Fresh Herb Enhancements: Stir in fresh cilantro or mint for an aromatic finish. These herbs add a pop of freshness, brightening the entire salad in delightful ways.
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Crunch Factor: Top with crispy chickpeas or toasted nuts for that extra crunch. A new layer of texture makes each bite an exciting surprise.
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Citrus Twist: Drizzle with orange juice or grapefruit wedge before serving for a burst of citrusy flavor. The bright acidity complements the dish beautifully and uplifts all the tasty elements within.
How to Store and Freeze Crispy Rice Salad
Fridge: Store the Crispy Rice Salad components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Dressing: It’s best to keep the peanut sesame dressing in a separate container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 1 week, just give it a good shake before using.
Freezer: While the crispy rice doesn’t freeze well, you can freeze the dressing for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: If you want to enjoy leftovers, reheat just the crispy rice in an oven or air fryer to regain its crunchiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make it soggy.
Make Ahead Options
These Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Sesame Dressing components are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the crispy rice up to 24 hours in advance; simply bake it as directed, allow it to cool, and store it in an airtight container to keep it crunchy. The fresh vegetables can also be chopped and refrigerated separately for up to 3 days. To maintain the salad’s quality, mix the dressing just before serving, as it keeps flavors vibrant and fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy, combine the crispy rice, veggies, and dressing in a bowl for an easy, nutritious meal that saves you time during busy weekdays.
Expert Tips for Crispy Rice Salad
- Use Day-Old Rice: Ensure you use day-old or cooled rice for the best texture; fresh rice tends to be too moist, compromising the crispiness.
- Preheat Properly: Allow your oven or air fryer to preheat fully before adding rice. This step helps achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
- Mind the Vegetables: Toss your fresh veggies and dressing just before serving to maintain their crunch. This ensures a delightful texture in your Crispy Rice Salad.
- Adjust the Dressing: Feel free to modify the richness of the peanut sesame dressing by varying the amount of peanut butter and other liquids based on your taste preference.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Spread the rice mixture evenly on your baking tray. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness.
Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Sesame Dressing Recipe FAQs
What type of rice should I use for the Crispy Rice Salad?
Absolutely! For the best results, day-old jasmine rice is recommended as it has dried out, making it perfect for achieving that delightful crispy texture. If you don’t have jasmine rice, you can also use basmati or similar long-grain varieties for a similar crunchy outcome.
How should I store leftover Crispy Rice Salad?
Very well! To keep the Crispy Rice Salad fresh, store the salad components in airtight containers separately for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the peanut sesame dressing in its own container, where it will stay good for about a week. Just remember to give it a shake before using!
Can I freeze the Crispy Rice Salad?
Certainly! You won’t want to freeze the crispy rice itself, as it loses its delightful crunch. However, the peanut sesame dressing can be frozen for up to 3 months. To do this, pour it into an airtight container or a freezer bag. Thaw it in the refrigerator when you’re ready to use it.
What if my crispy rice isn’t turning out crunchy?
No worries! If your crispy rice isn’t achieving the desired crunch, it may be due to overcrowding the baking tray or not preheating the oven or air fryer adequately. Make sure to spread the rice in a single layer and ensure your cooking appliance is fully heated before adding the rice. For the crispiest results, check mid-way through cooking to ensure it’s browning evenly!
Is this salad good for people with nut allergies?
Very much! If you or your loved ones are allergic to nuts, simply substitute peanut butter with tahini for the dressing, which is nut-free. This will still give you that creamy texture and delightful flavor without the risk of nut allergies, making it safe for everyone to enjoy!
Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Sesame Dressing You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your air fryer or oven to 400°F (200°C), and prepare your baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Combine day-old jasmine rice with sesame oil, soy sauce, and chili crisp in a mixing bowl. Stir until evenly coated.
- Spread the rice mixture in a thin, even layer on the prepared tray. Bake for 16-18 minutes in the air fryer or about 40 minutes in the oven until golden brown and crispy.
- Whisk together the dressing ingredients until smooth in a separate bowl.
- Mix the shredded cabbage, cucumber, bell pepper, carrot, sugar snap peas, and crispy rice in a large bowl.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with toasted sesame seeds.