Crispy Rice Salad

This crispy rice salad is a fresh, flavor-packed twist on a classic grain bowl, with a satisfying crunch in every bite. The golden, gochujang-spiced rice brings bold, toasty flavor and just the right amount of heat, while the cool, herb-loaded salad on top keeps things bright and refreshing. It’s a dish that feels light yet deeply satisfying and it’s perfect for lunch or a quick dinner.

What makes this salad shine is the balance of texture and taste: crispy rice meets creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and vibrant herbs. Everything is tied together with a zesty lime vinaigrette that’s tangy, garlicky, and lightly sweetened with honey. It’s simple to make, endlessly customizable, and a guaranteed way to elevate leftover rice into something crave-worthy.

Crispy Rice Salad

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Yield: 2

Author: Courtney Lay

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 20 MinTotal time: 30 Min

This crispy rice salad combines spicy gochujang rice with fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty lime vinaigrette for a flavorful, texture-packed meal.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup cooked rice
• 1 tsp gochujang
• 2 tsp chili oil
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 2 mini cucumbers, chopped
• 1/3 cup edamame
• 1/2 avocado, diced
• 1/3 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
• 2 tbsp mint, chopped

Lime Vinaigrette

• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 garlic clove, pressed or finely minced

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, toss cooked rice with gochujang, chili oil, and olive oil until evenly coated.
3. Spread rice on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, tossing every 5 minutes, until golden and crisp. Watch closely near the end — overbaked rice can become too hard.
4. While the rice bakes, prepare the vinaigrette by whisking together lime juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, and garlic. Set aside.
5. In a medium bowl, combine cucumbers, edamame, avocado, green onions, cilantro, and mint.
6. Once the rice is crispy, let it cool slightly, then top with the salad mixture.
7. Drizzle generously with lime vinaigrette and serve immediately.