How to make Rice Salad that looks good

Looking for a new twist on an old favorite side dish for easy entertaining? You’ve come to the right place. This might be something that your mom or grandma used to make, but somehow it got a bit lost over the years. Today it is still very easy to make and it is the perfect solution for the busy host. However, when we are on holiday and looking for an easy side dish to our braai or barbeque, this is a favorite go-to-recipe.

Braai or Barbeque Side Dish

Looking Festive

Difficulty: Easy – even for beginner cooks.

Is it expensive to make? Not at all.

Using only the basic ingredients makes for a fabulous salad, but there are more options.

However, let us start with the original recipe:

Festive Rice Salad

Ingredients:

1 Red Onion
1 Cup Frozen corn
1 pct Bacon
4 small Carrots
1 or 2 teasp. Spice for Rice
Cooked Rice

This is perfect for using up those leftover rice from last night.

Preparation:

Fluff cooked rice with a fork and let cool to almost room temperature.

Saute the following in a bit of butter and olive oil:

Red Onion, Rindless Bacon, (all finely chopped) and Grated Carrot

Now add:

Frozen sweet Kernel Corn (heat through)

Take from heat and add:

The already cooked rice as well as a teaspoon or two of Spice for Rice.

(Do not discard the sauce in the pan, as all the flavor is in there.)

Mix everything and serve.

What makes for the perfect festive look

It is all about presentation and color. Our serving suggestion would be to serve it in a beautiful glass or ceramic bowl or platter.

Top it off with fresh parsley and a few hard-boiled eggs as decoration.
For extra color and decoration, just before serving, you can also add Green, Yellow, and/or Red Bell Peppers – This will make it look pretty. But if you use carrot, peas, and red pepper, it is also a pretty color combination. Play around with color and your favorite ingredients. (Who said you can’t play with your food… LOL)

More ideas and options

You can also add:

Green beans, Frozen peas, Viennas, Ham, or really anything you have in the cupboard, and everything you love… The more color the more festive it looks.

Or only use the corn and bacon, if you like it that way.

This can also be a light meal or snack for the family when on holiday. We like to serve it at room temperature, but you can serve this as a hot or cold rice salad.

Get an easy recipe on how to make Gammon.

Serving it to look pretty

Rice salad can be made visually appealing with a few simple techniques. Here’s how you can elevate its presentation:

1. Use a Mold or Ring

Pack the rice salad into a small bowl, ramekin, or ring mold.
Press it down gently to hold its shape, then flip it onto a plate for a neat, domed presentation.

2. Play with Colors

Add colorful ingredients like cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, corn, peas, or pomegranate seeds.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or cilantro for a pop of green.

3. Layer It

Serve the salad in a clear glass or jar, layering the ingredients to showcase the colors. This works great for individual portions.

4. Drizzle a Sauce or Dressing

Drizzle vinaigrette or yogurt dressing in a zigzag pattern over the top.
Sprinkle with a pinch of paprika or freshly cracked pepper for a professional touch.

5. Use a Large Serving Platter

Spread the salad out on a flat platter, arranging toppings evenly for a vibrant, scattered look.
Add edible flowers or microgreens for elegance.

6. Accompany with Sides

Surround the rice salad with neatly arranged crackers, breadsticks, or fresh veggie sticks.
For protein-rich versions, place grilled chicken, shrimp, or boiled eggs decoratively around it.

7. Highlight the Ingredients

Reserve some colorful or key ingredients (like olives, shrimp, or diced vegetables) and place them on top as a garnish.

8. Choose the Right Plate

Use contrasting plates, such as white for colorful salads

Trying our recipe for your festive table? Share a photo on our Facebook page. We love to get feedback and swap more ideas. Especially to see our recipes being made and enjoyed all around the world.