This Tuscan braised rice salad is a simple yet flavour-packed dish made with oven-braised rice, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, spinach, basil, and toasted pine nuts.

Warm, hearty, and full of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, this rice salad works perfectly as a light lunch, side dish, or easy vegetarian dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Mediterranean flavours
• Easy oven-baked rice method
• Great warm or cold
• Perfect for meal prep
• Vegetarian-friendly

What Makes This Rice Salad Special?

Unlike traditional rice salads, the rice in this recipe is gently braised in stock in the oven, giving it extra flavour and a soft, fluffy texture.

Combined with lemon dressing, parmesan, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes, every bite is savoury, fresh, and satisfying.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

Rice Base

• Sun-dried tomatoes in oil
• Red onion
• Garlic
• Medium-grain white rice
• Vegetable stock cubes
• Boiling water

Fresh Additions

• Lemon rind
• Lemon juice
• Grated parmesan
• Baby spinach
• Fresh basil
• Pine nut pepita mix

How to Make Tuscan Braised Rice Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced).

Heat tomato oil in a flameproof baking dish over medium heat.

Cook onion until soft and golden.

Add garlic and rice and cook briefly until fragrant.

Step 2: Braise the Rice

Dissolve stock cubes in boiling water.

Pour into the rice mixture and bring to a boil.

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes until rice is tender.

Allow to stand covered for 5 minutes.

Cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

Whisk together lemon rind, lemon juice, and remaining tomato oil.

Season to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Transfer rice to a large bowl.

Add parmesan, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and half the toasted nut mixture.

Drizzle over dressing and toss gently.

Step 5: Serve

Top with remaining nuts, extra basil, and shaved parmesan.

Serve warm or chilled.

Tips for Best Results

• Use medium-grain rice for best texture
• Keep the foil tightly sealed while baking
• Toast nuts and seeds for extra crunch
• Add extra lemon juice for freshness
• Serve slightly warm for best flavour

Serving Suggestions

This Tuscan rice salad pairs perfectly with:

• Grilled chicken or salmon
• Garlic bread
• Roasted vegetables
• Mediterranean platters

Final Thoughts

This Tuscan braised rice salad is fresh, comforting, and packed with vibrant Mediterranean flavours. The combination of fluffy rice, parmesan, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes makes it both nourishing and satisfying.

Whether served as a main dish or side, it’s an easy recipe that feels elegant while requiring minimal effort.