Crunchy, bold, flavor-packed
This Crispy Rice Salad With Peanut Sesame Dressing is the ultimate texture-and-flavor dream. Golden, crunchy rice meets crisp vegetables and a creamy, nutty dressing that’s savory, slightly sweet, and totally addictive. It’s perfect as a light lunch, vibrant dinner side, or meal-prep-friendly main dish. Using leftover rice makes this recipe extra convenient for busy days, while the bold sesame–peanut flavors make it feel anything but ordinary. If you love contrast—crispy, creamy, fresh, and tangy all in one bowl—this salad is guaranteed to become a repeat favorite.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
📝 Ingredients List
Crispy Rice
- 3 cups cooked rice (cold, day-old works best)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Salad
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Peanut Sesame Dressing
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1½ tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, finely grated
- 2–3 tablespoons warm water (to thin)
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large skillet or sheet pan
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C) or heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Toss rice with oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook rice
- Oven method: Spread on a sheet pan and bake 25 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and crisp.
- Skillet method: Pan-fry rice for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy 🍚.
- Prep vegetables while rice cooks—slice, shred, and chop everything evenly 🥕.
- Whisk dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy. Add warm water gradually until pourable.
- Assemble salad: Add crispy rice to a large bowl with vegetables.
- Drizzle with dressing and toss gently until coated.
- Finish with sesame seeds and cilantro. Serve immediately for maximum crunch ✨.
💡 Pro Tips
- Extra crispy rice: Let the rice sit untouched for a few minutes before stirring.
- Protein add-in: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or edamame.
- Make ahead: Store dressing separately and add rice just before serving.
- Spicy kick: Add chili crisp or sriracha to the dressing 🌶️.
