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Satay Crispy Rice Salad: Bold, Crunchy, and Full of Flavor

Say hello to your new favorite way to enjoy rice—crispy, nutty, and bursting with flavor. This Satay Crispy Rice Salad is everything you love about Asian-inspired satay flavors, but with a twist: toasted rice, crunchy veggies, and a bold, peanut-infused dressing come together in a dish that’s both hearty and refreshing.

Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this salad is vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and endlessly adaptable. Best of all, it’s a crowd-pleaser—once people try it, they come back for seconds.

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Why This Salad Is So Loved

✔️ Incredible Texture – Crunchy rice + peanuts + fresh herbs = perfection.
✔️ Bold Flavor – Peanut satay dressing with sweet, spicy, and umami notes.
✔️ Wholesome & Balanced – Packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
✔️ Great for Leftovers – It’s even better the next day after the flavors meld.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably a day old, for best crisping)
• 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• ¼ cup roasted peanuts (chopped or whole)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for crisping rice)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Satay Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice or rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons warm water (to thin the dressing)

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How to Make It

Step 1: Crisp the Rice

1. Heat 1 tsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the cooked rice, press it into the pan, and let it crisp for 3–4 minutes. Stir and continue until rice is crispy and golden in spots.

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Step 2: Mix the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, ginger, and garlic.
2. Add warm water, a little at a time, until the dressing is smooth and pourable.

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Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine crispy rice, peas, celery, green onions, cilantro, and peanuts.
2. Pour the dressing over and toss until everything is well coated.

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Step 4: Garnish and Serve

• Top with extra peanuts, fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Serve warm or at room temperature for maximum flavor.

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Customize It Your Way

🥕 Add Veggies – Shredded carrots, cucumber, or red bell pepper for crunch.
🍗 Add Protein – Toss in grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a full meal.
🍚 Switch the Grain – Try quinoa or bulgur for a fun twist.
🌶️ Spice It Up – A drizzle of sriracha or chili oil amps up the heat.

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Why It Works

The crispy rice adds amazing texture, while the satay dressing infuses every bite with peanuty richness and zesty brightness. The combo of crunchy nuts, fresh herbs, and veggies keeps it balanced and vibrant. It’s comfort food with a fresh, healthy spin.

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Tips for Success

• Use cold, leftover rice for the best crisp.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan—crispy rice needs space.
• Make extra dressing—you’ll want to drizzle it on everything.

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Perfect Pairings

🥬 Side Salad – Serve with a crisp cabbage slaw or cucumber salad.
🍹 Drink – Pair with iced tea or a light spritzer for a refreshing balance.
🍢 Starter – Serve alongside satay skewers or veggie spring rolls.

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Final Spoonful: The Ultimate Crunchy Comfort Salad

This Satay Crispy Rice Salad is a bold, flavorful dish that satisfies every craving—nutty, savory, fresh, and a little spicy. It’s real, approachable, and truly beloved by anyone who’s tried it.

Have you made crispy rice dishes before? What’s your favorite satay pairing? Let’s swap flavor ideas!

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