rice with salsa recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best rice with salsa recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite rice with salsa recipe. This dish has been a staple in my household for years, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish for a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.

I first discovered this recipe on a trip to Mexico, where I fell in love with the vibrant flavors and textures of the local cuisine. Since then, I’ve tweaked it to suit my family’s tastes, and now it’s a regular in our rotation. The key to making this recipe shine is in the technique – you want to cook the rice until it’s tender but still slightly firm in the center, then mix it with a flavorful salsa that adds just the right amount of spice and tanginess.

It’s a game-changer, trust me! I’ve served this dish at countless family gatherings, potlucks, and even just as a simple weeknight dinner. My kids love helping me prepare the ingredients and mixing everything together – it’s a fun and interactive process that they enjoy almost as much as eating the finished product.

And let’s be real – who doesn’t love a good excuse to get creative in the kitchen? With this recipe, you’ll be hooked from the very first bite. So go ahead, give it a try, and get ready to become obsessed with this tasty twist on traditional rice dishes!

It’s a winner in every way – easy to make, delicious to eat, and perfect for any occasion.

Rice with Salsa

4.5 from 1590 votes

This vibrant rice with salsa dish combines fluffy white rice with a fresh, chunky tomato salsa for a quick and flavorful side or light main course. The salsa adds a zesty kick with onions, jalapenos, and cilantro, perfectly complementing the mild rice.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Rice

1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Salsa

3 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, 2 cups of water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil.
3Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes.
4The rice is done when all the liquid is absorbed and the grains are tender.
5While the rice cooks, prepare the salsa.
6In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
7Stir well to mix.
8Let the salsa sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
9Once the rice is cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
10Then, fluff the rice with a fork.
11Serve the rice warm, topped generously with the fresh salsa.
12The salsa should be chunky and bright, with a balanced tangy and spicy flavor.

🔧Equipment

Medium saucepan with lid
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Mixing bowl
Fork

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 65g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 6g

📝Notes

For a spicier salsa, keep the jalapeno seeds. You can also use brown rice, but increase the water to 2 1/2 cups and cook for 40 minutes.

Watch Video Of How Rice with Salsa Works

This rice with salsa recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish for a gathering. It’s easy to make ahead of time and reheats beautifully when needed.

Plus, with its versatility and delicious flavor profile, it’s sure to become one of your go-to recipes like mine! For storage ideas – simply place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze individual portions for later use when reheating as needed.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Rice with Salsa

Q: What type of rice works best in this recipe?

A: For this recipe, I recommend using long-grain white or brown rice. You can also use jasmine or basmati rice if you prefer – just be aware that they may have slightly different cooking times and textures.

Q: Can I use store-bought salsa instead of making my own?

A: While store-bought salsa can be convenient, I highly recommend making your own for the best flavor results. Simply combine diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños or other peppers of your choice, cilantro or parsley, garlic powder or minced garlic (if you like), salt and pepper – then adjust seasoning as needed!

Q: How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?

A: To avoid mushy rice, be sure not to overmix it after adding the salsa. Simply stir until just combined – then stop stirring! You can also try cooking the rice al dente (firm but not hard) before adding the salsa for an extra crunchy texture.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes! This dish is perfect for meal prep or making ahead of time. Simply cook the rice according to package instructions or al dente (firm but not hard) before mixing with salsa – then refrigerate until ready to serve.

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