Spanish Rice Salad

Spanish Rice Salad

I used to love when my Mom made Spanish Rice. I even loved the way the kitchen smelled when it was cooking.  It was a wonderful blend of rice, onions, peppers, tomatoes and often bacon. Since I like those flavors together I decided to combine them in a salad. I had some leftover, cold rice and was looking for a different way to use it. Here is what I came up with.

Spanish Rice Salad

3 c. cooked, cold rice
1 c. diced sweet pepper, any color
½ c. diced sweet onion
¼ c. chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Dressing:
2/3 c. mayo
1 small tomato, chopped
1 t. cumin
1 t. paprika

8 oz. cooked bacon, drained and crumbled, optional

Combine rice with veggies and seasonings and set aside. In blender or food processor combine dressing ingredients until smooth. Pour over the rice mixture and stir to blend. Adjust seasonings, if needed. Add bacon, if you like. Save a little chopped sweet pepper and bacon to sprinkle on top. Serves 2-3 as a main dish and 5-6 as a side.