Cucumber Salad with Rice and Asparagus

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 cup long grain rice, uncooked
• 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 1/2 pound cucumber, peeled and sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

20 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Cook the rice according to package directions.
2. While the rice is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the asparagus for 2-3 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Remove from the pot and plunge into iced water to stop the cooking process. Drain well and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, asparagus, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later use.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 200 per serving
• Carbohydrates: 30 grams
• Protein: 5 grams
• Fat: 10 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Refreshing and flavorful
• Easy to prepare
• Suitable for a variety of occasions
• Can be served as a side dish or a light meal

User Comments:

• "This salad is so delicious and refreshing! I love the combination of the rice, asparagus, and cucumber."
• "This is the perfect salad for a summer barbecue or picnic."
• "I'm not a huge fan of asparagus, but I really enjoyed this salad. The dressing is amazing."
• "This salad is so easy to make and it's always a crowd-pleaser."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you don't have fresh asparagus, you can use frozen asparagus. Just thaw it before using.
• To make the salad ahead of time, prepare the salad but do not add the dressing. Store the salad in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, add the dressing and toss to combine.
• Feel free to add other ingredients to the salad, such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or chopped hard-boiled eggs.