How do you make rice crispy for salad?

Use cold, day-old rice , press it into a hot, oiled skillet, and cook undisturbed for 5–7 minutes. Flip and repeat. The starches dry out and crisp beautifully!

What’s in spicy tahini dressing?

A bold mix of: Tahini Lemon or lime juice Garlic Maple syrup or honey Chili crisp or sriracha Warm water to thin Salt & pepper to taste This combo creates a creamy, nutty, slightly sweet, and spicy dressing that pairs beautifully with crisped grains and crunchy veggies.

Can I use leftover rice for this recipe?

Yes — it’s actually preferred. Leftover rice is drier and firmer , which helps it brown and crisp without becoming mushy.

Is crispy rice salad served warm or cold?

Either! Serve warm for contrast (crispy rice vs. cold veg) or chilled for a refreshing texture. It works both ways and is great for lunch prep or next-day leftovers.

What’s the secret to perfectly crispy rice?

The key to achieving crispy, golden rice is to use cold, day-old rice . Freshly cooked rice holds too much moisture and will steam rather than crisp. Spread the rice in an even layer in a hot, well-oiled skillet, then press it down with a spatula and let it cook undisturbed for 5–7 minutes. That untouched time allows the bottom layer to caramelize and crisp properly. It’s the magic that transforms this into a real crispy rice salad with spicy tahini dressing .

Can I use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice and quinoa both work well and crisp up beautifully if dry and cold. Quinoa brings extra protein and a nutty flavor, while brown rice adds chewiness and fiber. These swaps keep your crispy rice salad with spicy tahini dressing hearty, healthy, and gluten-free.

How long does the salad keep in the fridge?

For best results, store each component separately: keep the crispy rice, chopped veggies, and tahini dressing in airtight containers . The salad components will stay fresh for up to 3–4 days . Reheat and re-crisp the rice in a skillet or air fryer before serving to bring it back to life.

Is this recipe spicy?

It can be — but it’s totally up to you! The level of heat depends on what spicy element you use in the dressing. Chili crisp, sriracha, harissa, and cayenne can all be adjusted to taste. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a small amount and build from there. That’s the beauty of a crispy rice salad with spicy tahini dressing — it’s endlessly customizable.

10 Bold Reasons to Love This Crispy Rice Salad with Spicy Tahini Dressing

Description

This Crispy Rice Salad with Spicy Tahini Dressing is packed with crunch, creamy heat, and plant-based power. A bold, healthy salad that’s perfect warm or cold.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked white rice (chilled)
3 tbsp olive oil (divided)
½ tsp kosher salt
1 small garlic clove (grated)
3 tbsp tahini
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp hot sauce or chili crisp
1 tsp honey
1 Persian cucumber (thinly sliced)
1 medium carrot (shredded)
¼ cup fresh mint leaves
¼ cup cilantro leaves
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

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Instructions

Use cold, cooked rice for best texture
Heat oil in a nonstick or cast iron skillet
Spread rice in a flat layer and press down with spatula
Cook undisturbed until golden and crispy (7–10 minutes)
Whisk tahini, lemon juice, soy sauce, garlic, hot sauce, and honey in a bowl
Add warm water 1 tsp at a time to thin to desired consistency
Adjust spice level to taste
Toss sliced cucumbers and carrots with fresh herbs
Drizzle half the dressing
Break crispy rice into chunks, place on top
Drizzle remaining dressing and sprinkle sesame seeds

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Lunch
Method: Pan-fried
Cuisine: Fusion (Middle Eastern–Asian)