Explore the deliciously fresh Pesto and Citrus Rice Salad, an Italian recipe perfect for summer meals.

Pesto and Citrus Rice Salad

Imagine diving your fork into a colorful mix of crunchy yellow zucchini, juicy cherry tomatoes, flavorful olives, tender tuna, and fresh mozzarella balls, all enveloped in a citrusy pesto that exudes sunshine and lightness. This is the Pesto and Citrus Rice Salad, a dish that must grace your summer table!

This delightful twist on the classic rice salad is the perfect blend of taste and creativity, thanks to the pesto enriched with orange and lemon zest that elevates every ingredient with simplicity. With just a few steps and seasonal ingredients, you’ll serve a unique and appetizing dish perfect for enjoying cold at the office, a picnic, or a buffet. The Pesto and Citrus Rice Salad will win everyone over at the first bite.

Also, discover these rice salad recipes:

• Rice Salad with Parsley Pesto and Seafood
• Mango and Pineapple Rice Salad
• Rice Salad with Citrus, Spinach, and Shrimp
• Greek Rice Salad

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup yellow zucchini, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup olives, pitted and sliced
• 1 can tuna, drained
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
• 1/2 cup pesto
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, olives, tuna, and mozzarella.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the pesto with the lemon and orange zest.
3. Pour the citrus pesto over the rice salad mixture and gently toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Total Time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian