Crispy Rice and Cucumber Salad

Flavorful baked and crispy rice, healthy cucumbers, red peppers, diced red onions, shelled edamame, and parsley, topped with a homemade spicy mayo dressing, this Crispy Rice and Cucumber Salad recipe is refreshing and full of texture!

This viral crispy rice recipe didn’t disappoint! It was full of crisp vegetables, the crunch of baked rice, and just the right amount of creamy dressing. It works perfectly as a refreshing lunch, holiday side salad, and even a potluck favorite!

As cucumber lovers, this Crispy Rice and Cucumber Salad hit the spot! The baked rice was a fun element. The colors and textures of the peppers, red onions, edamame, green onions, and sesame seeds were a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds! Here are a few crispy rice salad tips that worked for our family: If your family is sensitive to spice, just cut back on the sriracha a bit. Don’t be afraid of edamame; it adds great texture with a mild taste. Plus, the edamame adds extra protein! Add the dressing in increments to avoid drowning out the rice and veggies. Finally, once dressed, serve right away to enjoy the crispness of this amazing salad! Enjoy!

How to Make a Cucumber Salad with Crispy Rice

This Salad takes a little love, but it is well worth it! First, bake the crispy rice, then chop the veggies, and lastly mix the homemade dressing. The timing of each part works well, allowing this recipe to come together smoothly.

Ingredients for a Crispy Rice and Cucumber Salad

This ingredient list appears extensive, but the oils and sauces are used more than once. Have no fear!

For the Crispy Rice:

• 2 cups white rice, cooked and cooled
• 1 Tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • Or coconut aminos. It’s a great substitute for those who can’t tolerate soy sauce, like me.
• 1 Tablespoon sriracha
  • Add only half a tablespoon for less spice.
• 1 Tablespoon oil(vegetable or avocado)
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil

For the Salad:

• 3 small or 2 large cucumbers(persians or english), sliced in half moons
• 1 small red pepper, diced
• 1 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/3 cup shelled edamame
  • Frozen or roasted work well! Frozen for a chill element among the spice or roasted edamame for good texture, crunch, and a salty element.
• 1/2 ripe avocado, diced, optional
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Homemade Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayo
• 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 Tablespoon honey
• 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sriracha
  • Add half and adjust if sensitive to spice.

Toppings

• green onions, diced
• sesame seeds

Instructions for a Crispy Rice and Cucumber Salad

Making the baked rice for this unique salad is straightforward. Mix the rice ingredients in a bowl, then spread them into a thin layer on a prepared baking sheet. Then bake it until crispy brown and let it cool. The baking and cooling time is perfect for preparing the vegetables and dressing.

Then make the spicy mayo dressing. Add all the dressing ingredients to a mixing bowl and whisk until smooth. It is that easy for a homemade dressing. If your family is sensitive to spice, mix the dressing without the sriracha. Then add half the sriracha, taste, and adjust, adding the rest or just a little more.

Next, prepare the vegetables for a crispy rice salad by slicing the cucumbers into half moons, dicing the red peppers, finely dicing the red onion, and preparing the parsley, green onions, and avocado, if desired. This is a great time to listen to music and work on those slicing and dicing skills! Remember, sharp knives are safer than dull ones, and keep those fingers back!

Assemble the salad by adding all ingredients to a large bowl and gently mixing to combine. If you prefer salads on the lighter side, add the dressing in increments. Serve promptly and chilled. Enjoy!

Storing a Cucumber Salad with Crispy Rice

This Crisy Rice Salad is best served fresh, as the rice loses its crispness and the cucumber softens after refrigeration. If need store, keep it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Proteins for Crispy Rice Salad

Want more protein in your crispy rice salad? Try adding grilled or rotisserie chicken to make the salad a complete and satisfying meal!

More Great Salads for Families

Our family LOVES a good salad. From traditional lettuce and spinach salads to colorful pasta salads and beyond, we are salad lovers, and these salad recipes are winners!

An easy ‘traditional’ salad for a quick dinner party or side, try this Simple and Sweet Parmesan Salad and this Egg and Bacon Spinach Salad. It can be prepped ahead of the party and assembled in minutes. It’s simple yet flavorful for a salad guests love!

Great Pasta Salads are great for potlucks, holiday parties, and even quick lunches. They are flavorful, all-in-one dishes packed with healthy fiber, protein, and carbs. Our Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad, Bacon Broccoli Pasta Salad with Cranberries, and Bowtie Pasta Salad are blog favorites!

This Berry and Spinach Salad and Cranberry Orange Fluff Salad are salads with a twist! They are full of sweet surprises and worth a try today… or for your next party!