Mexican Rice Salad
This Mexican Rice Salad is delicious to serve as a salad or dip for a Mexican Fiesta party!
Friends, I did something this past weekend that I’ve never done before. I missed a party! Having RSVP’d while I was in Italy, I knew the date of the party, and what to bring, but missed one important piece to the text message. The party was from 1-5 pm; I read 5 pm! So, yes, my husband and I missed the party (a larger party). I apologized to our gracious friend, and asked if we’d ever be invited again. LOL. Of course she said that would be a possibility :)
I had made a giant Mexican Rice Salad, and was so excited to bring this dish. Since then, we’ve been eating it every day, and probably will for a week. HA!
I’m glad we can be honest with our friends when we make mistakes. I’ve been very blessed to developed some incredibly deep and authentic relationships over the years. I really appreciate some of my older (sturdy) friendships in life … like childhood friends, and friends I went through my single years (20’s) with. Healthy friendships require commitment, honesty, and and effort. Forgiveness is important, too, especially if the friendship doesn’t turn out the way you thought it should. Here’s one thing that I have learned: If someone is easily offended by you, or not happy for you, or in your corner like a good friend should be, then they probably are not a good friend. It’s okay to occasionally evaluate our friendships and where we are headed in life. Life is short!
Friendships
Here are a few things that I have learned about good friendships:
1. I believe in initiating, which is why I host so many parties. When I want to see my friends (who bring me so much joy), I set up a dinner party. It doesn’t have to be fancy; it’s more important that I follow through and make it happen. I also keep in touch with my friends through email and texting. I send them a little note when I’m thinking about them.
2. I believe in listening. Part of hosting a party, whether with my husband and a couple or two, or with a bunch of girlfriends, is asking questions around the table about our guests’ lives. When we’re sitting around the table, we’re captive to eye contact, listening, and engaging with one another. Another reason why the table experience is so important! Being interested in others’ lives, asking questions, and learning more about the people in your life sure makes life worth living. I never want to be in a rut, only thinking about myself. Yuck.
3. I believe in celebration. Think about the good in each of your friends’ lives. What can you do to take those qualities and celebrate them? I know, if you’re an introvert, it’s hard to verbalize what you are feeling, but there are other ways to show that you care. Figure out your love language, and then invest in your friends!
I like to think of the friendships in my life as ONE BIG flower bouquet. Mixed with bright beautiful colors.
When we do the hard, intimate work of friendship, we bring a little more of the divine into daily life. —Shauna Niequist
Mexican Rice Salad
If you’re gearing up for Cinco de Mayo in a few weeks, or you’re planning a Mexican feast, this is a delicious salad (or dip).
Cook ahead of time a bit pot of Costco’s SunWest Organic Sprouted Medley Rice, using leftovers for this salad.
The salad that I made … when we missed the party. Sigh.
ENJOY!
Get the Recipe:
Mexican Rice Salad
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice, I use SunWest Organic Sprouted Medley
- 1 15 ounce can Bush’s Kidney Beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 15 ounce can Bush’s Black Beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 15.25 ounce can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced
- 4 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1-2 lime, zested and juiced (depending on preferred flavor)
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro leaves
- 1 tsp. minced garlic
- 1 tsp. honey
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese, optional
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine the brown rice, kidney beans, black beans, corn, onion, and jalapeno peppers.
- In a small bowl add the olive oil, lime zest and juice, cilantro, garlic, honey, and cumin. Stir until mixed.
- Lightly toss all ingredients with the dressing; sprinkle with salt to taste.
- Refrigerate salad for 1 hour, toss again, and serve.
More rice salad recipes:
Hello and welcome to my home and table!
I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
Amazing dish! I used a can of mixed beans and then left it to “marinate” overnight and served it for lunch the next day at a friend’s house. Everyone loved it. I like the fact that it can be prepped beforehand and then served cold. I had to make another batch that same night for my family because they were disappointed that there weren’t any leftovers from lunch. Delicious to eat right away, but waiting for the marinating is worth it.
So happy you loved it!
To one of the kindest friends I have, your tips are perfect, and clearly something you practice on a daily basis. Love you much!
I have to admit I can be a tad socially awkward. I am shy one on one but outgoing when I am hosting parties. Food is my love language and I really love to feel people. So, of course anytime someone is coming over I am cooking something. I also started a text chain when I am recipe developing so I can share all that love (and extra food) with my friends. It makes me feel good and they get to enjoy some delicious food.
This salad is spectacular. I haven’t had a Mexican salad with rice in it and I am certainly going to add it to my favorite Mexican inspired salad next time.
Great post Sandy!!! I always want to be learning how to be a better friend. Also that its ok and important to evaluate the friendships in yours life.
I ran into a friend at the grocery store one day, and she asked me if we were coming to their party (said I hadn’t responded to their invite… or their follow up invite!) I was so embarrassed. It must have gone to my junk mail… and I hardly ever check that other email address. I was being honest, but it felt very awkward… like I was trying to come up with an excuse!! I hate not being on the ball like that, but I know it happens!! Your salad looks good. I love to have something a little different to bring to a party!
The difference is … I had RSVP’d. Yikes! I agree, we all want be gracious :)