This Satay Crispy Rice Salad is a bold, texture-packed dish that brings together crispy golden rice, fresh veggies, and a creamy, savory peanut satay dressing. It’s the perfect harmony of crunch, creaminess, and zing—ideal for a light meal, crowd-pleasing side, or vibrant lunch bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines warm crispy rice with cool, crunchy vegetables
Tossed in a rich, flavorful peanut satay dressing
Packed with protein and fiber
Great for meal prep or make-ahead lunches
Vegan-friendly and gluten-free adaptable
Full of textures—creamy, crispy, crunchy, and fresh
Customizable with your favorite toppings or add-ins

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crispy rice:

Cooked rice (preferably day-old)
Oil (vegetable, sesame, or olive oil)
Salt, to taste

For the salad:

Shredded red cabbage
Carrot, julienned or shredded
Cucumber, sliced
Bell pepper, thinly sliced
Scallions, thinly sliced
Fresh cilantro or mint
Roasted peanuts, chopped (optional for topping)
Lime wedges, for serving

For the peanut satay dressing:

Creamy peanut butter
Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
Fresh lime juice
Maple syrup or honey
Garlic, minced
Ginger, grated
Warm water (to thin)
Optional: chili flakes or sriracha for heat

directions

Make the crispy rice: Heat oil in a nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Spread the cold rice into the pan in an even layer. Let it cook undisturbed for 5–8 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy. Flip or stir to crisp more edges if desired. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, carrot, cucumber, bell pepper, scallions, and herbs.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, maple syrup, garlic, ginger, and chili (if using). Add warm water a little at a time until the dressing reaches a pourable consistency.
Assemble the salad: Toss the vegetables with some of the dressing until lightly coated. Gently fold in crispy rice or layer it on top for added texture.
Serve: Top with chopped peanuts and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately for best crunch.

Servings and timing

Serves 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time (for crispy rice): 8 minutes
Total time: About 25 minutes

Variations

Add Protein: Top with grilled chicken, tofu, shrimp, or tempeh.
Different Grains: Try with quinoa, bulgur, or farro for a twist.
Fruit Add-Ins: Toss in mango slices or pomegranate seeds for sweetness.
Spicy Boost: Add more chili or sriracha to the dressing.
Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of peanut butter.

storage/reheating

Store the salad and crispy rice separately in airtight containers.
The salad will keep fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat the rice, crisp it again in a pan before serving to bring back the crunch.
Dressing can be stored for up to a week in the fridge—just stir before using.

FAQs

Can I make the crispy rice ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best served fresh. Re-crisp it in a hot skillet before assembling the salad.

What type of rice works best?

Day-old jasmine or basmati rice works great. The grains are dry enough to crisp nicely.

Is this salad vegan?

Yes, as long as you use maple syrup and plant-based add-ins.

Can I use pre-made satay sauce?

You can, but homemade gives you better control over flavor and ingredients.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use tamari instead of soy sauce and double-check other ingredients.

What veggies can I swap in?

Try snap peas, radish, shredded lettuce, or even kale—whatever’s fresh!

Can I use brown rice?

Absolutely. Brown rice crisps up nicely and adds a nutty flavor.

Does the dressing keep well?

Yes, it can be refrigerated for up to a week. Thin with water if it thickens.

How do I keep the rice crispy?

Keep it separate until just before serving, or layer it on top of the salad.

Can I serve this warm?

Yes, the warm crispy rice pairs beautifully with the cool salad for a comforting contrast.

Conclusion

Satay Crispy Rice Salad is the ultimate combo of fresh, crunchy, and creamy—all tossed in a rich, zesty peanut sauce. Whether you’re looking for a hearty plant-based meal or a creative side dish, this salad is an easy, satisfying way to bring bold flavor and fun texture to your table.