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My crispy rice salad recipe features fluffy rice tossed with almonds, carrots, and plump raisins. It’s the perfect way to use leftover rice, and it can be enjoyed hot OR cold!
Need more easy rice recipes? Try my coconut milk rice, cauliflower fried rice, or healthy rice pudding next.
I’ve got nothing against a bowl of basmati rice as a quick, foolproof side dish. But when I want to go the extra mile, I’ll mix different flavors and textures to create a more complex dish.
That’s where my rice salad recipe comes into play. With a mix of spiced rice, carrots, almonds, and raisins, it’s slightly sweet, slightly savory, and according to my family, it may even outshine the main course!
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- It tastes great hot or cold. If I have to make rice for this recipe, I’ll serve it warm, but otherwise, I prefer using cooled leftover rice and serving it just above room temperature.
- Diet-friendly. It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free.
- The perfect use of leftover rice. This is actually my favorite recipe for using day-old rice! Well, this and my curry fried rice.
- Versatile. Make brown rice salad for added fiber or add protein for an all-in-one meal.
Ingredients needed
- Rice. I prefer basmati rice for its texture, but any long-grain rice will do, like jasmine rice, brown rice, or black rice.
- Almonds. For crunch and a nice nutty flavor. Opt for slivered or smoked almonds. If you don’t have almonds, try walnuts or peanuts instead.
- Carrots. Shredded finely for color, sweetness, and texture.
- Raisins. I typically use golden raisins for this recipe because they’re sweeter and milder in flavor, so they won’t outshine the other ingredients. If you don’t want a sweet flavor, try currants instead.
- Spices. Turmeric and saffron give the salad its signature golden yellow color and Middle Eastern flavors. I also like to add hot pepper flakes for mild heat.
- Salt and black pepper. To taste.
- Lemon juice (optional). To brighten up all the flavors.
How to make rice salad
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Season the rice. Combine the fully-cooled rice, salt, and seasonings in a large bowl.
Step 2- Add the mix-ins. Stir in the carrots, raisins, and almonds and mix to combine.
Step 3- Serve. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and serve warm.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Cool the rice properly. If you’re making it fresh, place it in an even layer on a baking sheet and refrigerate until fully cooled. Don’t try to rush it by rinsing the rice under cold water, as it’ll make the rice too mushy.
- Toss the rice in dressing. While optional, I find adding a dressing helps the rice stay moist and keeps the grains from clumping together. I’ll usually whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, and a splash of vinegar, then pour it over the rice before refrigerating.
- Garnish with fresh herbs. Like cilantro, mint, parsley, or fresh basil.
Variations
- Southern. Swap the mix-ins for canned corn, sliced red onion, bell peppers, and black beans.
- Mediterranean. Try kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese.
- Swap the grains. Any cooked grains can be used, like brown rice, white rice, quinoa, or even couscous or farro!
- Add protein. Like grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage.
Storage instructions
To store: Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for 2-3 days.
To freeze: Put the rice in a freezer bag, press it into an even, thin layer, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: While optional, you can reheat the rice in a skillet or microwave (with a few drops of water) until warm.
Frequently asked questions
No, rice should not be left at room temperature for longer than 2 hours, as it can quickly develop bacteria that can cause foodborne illness (source).
Yes! You can toss it in a skillet or microwave it for 20-30 seconds for a warm rice salad.
More hearty salads to try
- Japanese potato salad
- Healthy pasta salad
- Avocado chicken salad
- Kani salad
- Or any of these salad recipes
Rice Salad Recipe
Video
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled basmati rice and add the saffron, salt, and turmeric 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
Nutrition
Originally published December 2022, updated and republished November 2024
I actually never ate salad of rice. Very interesting.
Greetings from Down Under. This Persian rice recipe looks awesome. While i love making Italian risotto like my mama, i wanted to try other rice recipes from around the world. I know what you mean about “everything is better in…” for me it’s Italy, even though I’m Australian born & bred. (Plus I’m sorry your aussie made bad broke, they usually last a long time)
With kindest regards
Reet
I made this just as instructed by you, also using the fluffy coconut basmati rice { sooo nice }. I used pecans as I had no sliced almonds and added home made bacon flavoured coconut. Ate this on a rocket/ arugula salad with falafel and yogurt sauce. Thank you so much for your dinner inspiration. DELICIOUS.
That sounds fabulous, Mike!
Seriously this looks so good, i can’t wait to try it! But I have the silliest remark ever I think: I can’t find the recipe…? I see so many wonderful photo’s but no recipe nor list of ingredients? What am I missing? Please help me! xxx
Right – something totally spooky is going on but the recipe just reappeared after refreshing the page a couple of times..So weird! But more importantly: I am going to make this a.s.a.p.! Thank you so much for this great post! (and all your other mouthwatering recipes…;-))
😀 😀
I just discovered your blog and have been reading it and going through your recipes for the last hour – love it!! Seriously, all of it! Trying this Persian rice tomorrow and then move on to all the delicious looking desserts. Can’t wait! 🙂
Thanks so much, Rebecca- Enjoy!
I cannot afford saffron. Is there an alternate spice that can be used?
Hi Kristi! Definitely add a dash of turmeric powder if you can 🙂
I didn’t have saffron so I used about 1 tsp of curry powder instead. I also added a can of chickpeas for some extra protein. Turned out great. Next time I may add more raisins and almonds.
Melissa, those changes sound delicious- I have a chickpea rice salad with curry to share soon but you’ve one upped me- Love it 😀
How many servings does this make?
Hi Sarah! I have a pretty big appetite so can eat this over 2 or so meals, it can serve 4 as a side dish 🙂
I always tell my son, Mother’s are the best, and always right 🙂 The recipe sounds delish and your photos are awesome! ~ Cheers
Hahahaha My mum would echo you in a second! Thanks Lindy!
Very much want this. When I get back to New York, we should have a potluck…if that works with two people.
I’m not even going to talk about the egocentricism of Asian culture…
LOL. Omg I just imagined that. And we getting annoyed because you turn up with a banana and a jar of peanut butter.
And I adore this recipe, even the raisins and I’m not a huge raisin girl. I can see why they’d work wonderfully here though especially with the crunch of the almonds and the shredded carrots. I need to make this stat!
oh God. I just added raisins to the meatless meatballs and was about to message you saying ‘It’s a meg recipe!’
I love the combo of flavors in here. Nice vegan healthy salad that I could eat any day of the week. My kind of food.
Thanks so much, Miryam- Definitely good to have on hand for easy lunches…after some cheeky no bake bars 😉
Oh wow! Everything I love is here – basmati rice, raisins, almonds…..I can almost taste it! Definitely adding to my must-try list! 🙂
No joke, I bought a chorizo sausage today. I wonder why 😉
Who invented Turkish Delight? I’m not touching that one, no way. Passions run way too high.
When my spouse returned from his last Iraq deployment he was raving about some rice dish with almonds and raisins that he’d eat when meeting with local officials. He got a rough recipe from one of his translators, but it wasn’t enough for me to make it.
Thanks for this, Aunty Arman!
Hahahaha, that’s a smart way to go about it!
Ohhhh I think this would be very similar- Trust the Iraq VS Iran contest over a rice dish! 🙂
Holy flavor Batman! This rice salad looks so legit! Can’t wait to try it out!
Please do, Chris!
This looks so good! I love the addition of almonds and raisins! And I’m giggling at your mom – she sounds like a riot! 🙂
Hahaha thanks Kelly! she’s alright 😉
Love your repping of the Persian roots here, Arman! That’s a dish I know all too well thanks to my mom and grandmother as well, and you’ve really taken it up a notch! 🙂
Mate, I had no idea you were Persian too!!!!
Pinning this 🙂 It’s clearly taste and texture! One cannot succeed without the other!
What a good son you are! My mum doesn’t give me any room for creativity either. She texted me the other day that for Mother’s Day she wants a cake filled with pudding. Okay mum, challenge accepted – not that I had any chance 😛
And expertise based on heritage? Sure! Beer 😉
Please do- It really is delicious! You need to make that cake!
This sounds wonderful, Arman. I love the sound of this side…perfect for Mother’s Day or any day…this would go with so many dishes.
Thank you Catherine 🙂
You post made me smile!!! You mom sounds amazing and so fun. And this rise? Amazing just as well!! I’m loving everything about it and I’m thinking this is something my whole family will love. Tell your mom that a family in San Diego is loving the recipe!!
Kim!!! We have relatives in San Diego and San Jose- I’ll make her personally come and make it for you guys 🙂
This looks like a perfect combo and all staples I have on hand!
Thanks Melanie! 🙂
I have this for lunch at work whenever the kitchen sends it to us! Instead of rice, they use couscous but it’s just as good! Thanks for the recipe! My family is Polish so whenever I asked my mom for new socks because mine were only holes, she gave me the newspaper…
Glad you enjoyed it with couscous!
I am so making this. as soon as I cat EAT again (had a massive dental surgery today, guh). I will have this waiting for me in a few days…
OMG! No wonder I saw that grilled cheese question- The answer is YES!
I have no idea who invented Turkey delight for real, but I tried to make it once in college and failed miserably. That was also in my hot-pocket-turkey-sandwich days, so I guess I can’t really blame myself.
ohhh Turkish delight or Turkey Delight? Turkish Delight is a dessert 🙂
See, now THIS is my kind of salad.
And while my mom isn’t nearly as funny as yours, she does go on quite a tangent about “fat free” foods a lot. Its annoying as hell.
Fat free foods are less calories!
Fat free foods are better for you!
You won’t get fat from fat free foods!
Oh my gosh mom do you know its 2015 and that “fat free” crazy was like, 10 years ago?!
Urgh. The damn fat free shenanigans!
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 🙂
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 😉
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.
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!
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!
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 😉
My family thinks they know EVERYTHING, but they do it all out of love….? haha. This looks delicious!
Hahaha right? Thanks Jess!
Love this…all of it!
Of course you do- It was for you 😉
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
“It says made in China.” <–HAHA. Legit laughed out loud at that. This looks great, very unique!
Thanks love!
Yummy! LOL the China reference was the best!
Right? Thanks Cassie!
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.
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!
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 😉
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! 🙂
I’m going to try this. Would this work
with cranberries instead of raisins?
Absolutely!