Vegan Persian Rice Salad
A delicious, Persian style sweet and savoury salad based off almonds, raisins and fragrant basmati rice. Perfect eaten hot or cold, this salad is vegan, gluten free, dairy free, light and fresh- Perfect for any meal, especially a mother’s day brunch!
“The Persians invented Turkish Delight”
So I was tempted to name this post ‘Crapola my my mum says’ but I’m halfway across the world from her and she’d find a way to virtually chase me with a wooden spoon.
I don’t want to sound stereotypical here but statements like that is non uncommon amongst most members of my mum’s side of the family- How the Persians invented well….everything.
“This ice cream is SO good!” (Eaten in Little Italy)
“Persian ice cream is the best. They use real rosewater in it”
{The ice cream from Little Italy had REAL cream and REAL fruit}
“French Baguette bread doesn’t taste very good the day after. It’s like a rock”
“Persian baguettes can last a good week and still taste fresh!”
{Wrong. You can decapitate someone with a baguette in Iran}
“I could live off Lindt Chocolates if only they weren’t so expensive!”
“You should try Persian chocolates- It’s melt in your mouth!”
{In Iran, my sister and I broke our teeth eating the chocolate there. It was like decorative chocolate}
“Urgh, my school bag broke!” (My ‘Australian made’ bag)
“Persian bags never break. I’ve had this duffle bag for years!”
(It said MADE IN CHINA)
You get my point. Every complaint I had, every remark I had or every question I had- The Persians had one up on me.
While my mum’s claims stand unjustified for the most part, she still possesses a heart of (Persian sought after) gold and has always been that way. In honour of her and mother’s day, I’m sharing this Vegan Persian Rice salad.
This Persian Rice Salad is a flavour and texture lover’s dream. Flavour wise, it is sweet, salty, savoury and slightly spicy. Texture wise, it’s crunchy from the slightly salted almonds and chewy from the grated carrots and soft raisins. It’s incredibly versatile as it can be eaten hot or cold, with an entree or even on it’s own. Bonus- It’s completely vegan and gluten free so our bases are covered!
For the rice, I recommend you base it off my extra fluffy basmati rice as the coconut flavour compliments it well but that is optional. If not, this rice makes a great (and quick!) substitute!
Make this Vegan Persian Rice Salad and if it’s not delicious, your tastebuds aren’t Persian enough.
“Mum, I’m sharing a Persian rice salad in honour of mother’s day”
“I don’t like that salad. Why add raisins and almonds to rice?”
Thanks mum.
Vegan Persian Rice Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice cooled (I used my fluffy coconut basmati rice)
- 1/2 tsp saffron
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- pinch turmeric
- red pepper flakes optional
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
- 1/4 cup slivered or whole smoked almonds
- Lemon juice to top optional
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled basmati rice and add the saffron, sea alt, turmeric and red pepper flakes and mix well.
- Stir through the shredded carrots, golden raisins and smoked almonds and mix until fully incorporated.
- Top with lemon juice and serve immediately.
Notes
Greek Couscous Salad (Gluten Free)
Creamy Curried Egg Salad (Gluten Free, Paleo, Low Carb)
Satay Chicken Salad (Gluten Free, Paleo, Low Carb)
Does your family claim to be experts based on heritage?
Did the Persians invent Turkish delight?
Are you texture fan?
Arman, this looks delicious! I will definitely make it soon.
Congratulations on your big adventure in the U.S…enjoy!
June
Thank you SO much for your kind words, June! 🙂
Bahaha your mom sounds awesome! I love that you’re sharing a Mother’s Day recipe…that she doesn’t even like.
But, I have to disagree with Momma on this one…almonds and raisins BELONG to rice like peanut butter to jelly.
You understand. Pinned!
Oh you know I do. Thanks buddy 😉
Gah silly Internet ate up my comment. I’d love to see your mom with my grandmother- it would be a massive showdown between India & Persia: Who created _____ first! This rice bowl looks so yum & actually reminds me of the Indian rice dish known as biryani. Although most of the time, biryani also includes some kind of meat, especially mutton.
Hahahaha oh we need to organise it!
I LOVE Biryani- Especially with the curry mixed in!
Hahahaha! I totally want to meet Mama Arman! The part about the bag made it China totally made me crack up laughing this morning. Well written post, mate! Also, I think you need to rename this recipe. I don’t see lettuce. This clearly isn’t a salad. Quit filling the interwebs with lies! 🙂
I know, I know. I hang my head in shame.
PS- Romaine is called COS lettuce. Was confused as hell earlier.
Yummy! LOL the China reference was the best!
Right? Thanks Cassie!
“It says made in China.” <–HAHA. Legit laughed out loud at that. This looks great, very unique!
Thanks love!
Your mom sounds like a real character! I’m glad you can laugh along, or at least I think you’re laughing along 🙂 I will have to disagree with her though on the salad. I think the raisin and almond addition is great!
Haha I just laugh and blissfully ignore it 😉
YES! Such great additions
Love this…all of it!
Of course you do- It was for you 😉
My family thinks they know EVERYTHING, but they do it all out of love….? haha. This looks delicious!
Hahaha right? Thanks Jess!
My mom would probably say that the Polish invented Turkish delight… or at least some better version of it 😆 I can’t even fault her for it, though, because a lot of foods DO taste better outside of North America. I have no idea what they’re doing to our food here, but it’s kind of scary to think about how many foods are banned in other countries and legal In the States…
Hahaha that wouldn’t surprise me- Polish cheese is delicious 😉
This is hilarious! Is your Mom chasing you with a wooden spoon virtually for that last comment? I love almond & raisins and they totally go with rice.
Hahaha she probably is! 😉 Thanks Megan!
Sounds delicious and I love your mom’s comment! You can always count on a mom for a dose of the truth! 😉
So true! Thanks Danielle!
Is it weird that I read all your Persian comments in Reza’s voice? (from Shahs of Sunset)
Also I laughed so hard at the thought of your mom chasing you with a wooden spoon! And this rice salad sounds delightful – spicy, sweet, salty – perfection!
I’m still so embarrassed lol! I thought you were a fan!
Thanks Sharon! 🙂
Lol don’t be embarrassed! I loved the show I just don’t have time to watch it. I’d get sucked into any Bravo show if I could.
I am a huge texture fan and I love the looks of this rice (without almonds since I am allergic 🙂
hahaha we can make yours with cashews or peanuts 😉
This mum says, “add as many almonds and raisins as you like, just save them for me!” 🙂 Love this Arman, your mom sounds like a wonderful and funny woman.
Thanks Linda! she really is 🙂