Fresh, crunchy, salty, creamy — and the BEST way to use leftover rice
If you’ve got leftover white rice sitting in the fridge, this is your sign to turn it into the most addictive, crunchy, flavour-packed salad ever. The crispy rice adds the perfect texture, the veggies keep it fresh, and the creamy peanut-tamari dressing ties everything together. It’s quick, it’s customizable, and it’s honestly one of my favourite “clean out the fridge” meals.
Serve it on its own or top with prawns or chicken for extra protein!
Why You’ll Love It
- Perfect leftover makeover: Day-old rice turns into crispy, golden deliciousness.
- The textures: Crunchy veggies + creamy avocado + crispy rice = perfection.
- Fresh and flavourful: Dill, green onion, and the tangy peanut dressing brighten everything up.
- Fast & customizable: Add whatever veggies you have, or swap the protein.
- Great for meal prep: Keeps well (minus the avocado).
Crispy Rice Crunch Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing
2
servings20
minutes20
minutes465
kcalIngredients
1–2 cups leftover white rice
1–2 tbsp chili oil
1–2 tsp tamari
1 red bell pepper, diced
½ cucumber, diced
2 green onions, finely sliced
1 small bundle fresh dill, chopped
1 avocado, diced
Optional: cooked prawns or chicken
2 tbsp peanut butter
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1–2 tsp tamari
Water, to thin to desired consistency
Directions
- Make the crispy rice: Preheat the broiler.
- Spread your leftover rice on a baking sheet and drizzle with chili oil + tamari.
- Toss it so every grain gets coated.
- Broil until the rice is crispy and golden – watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.
- Let it cool slightly so it stays crunchy.
- Make the dressing: Whisk together the peanut butter, rice vinegar, and tamari. Add water 1 tsp at a time until the dressing is smooth and pourable.
- Assemble the salad: Add the bell pepper, cucumber, green onion, dill, and avocado to a large bowl.
- Add the crispy rice on top.
- Pour over the peanut dressing.
- Toss toss – enjoy!
- Serve with prawns or chicken if you want extra protein.
Notes
Notes
- Make it spicy: Add sriracha, chili crisp, or red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Make it lighter: Use powdered peanut butter mixed with water.
- Storage: Store without avocado to keep it fresh. Add crispy rice right before serving for the best crunch.
- Try this mandolin to make chopping your veg way easier!
Try This Next
Looking for something more hearty? Try out my Marry Me Chicken & Potatoes
Share Your Version
If you make this Crispy Rice Salad, I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram or TikTok (@ItsKristinsKitchen) so I can share your creations.
