Name: Rice Salad with Merguez and Preserved Lemon Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup jasmine rice; 1½ cup water; salt; ½ cup extra virgin olive oil; 2½ tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice; ¼ preserved lemon; 2 clove garlic; 1 tbsp harissa; ¾ tsp ground cumin; ½ fennel bulb; ⅓ cup picholine olives; 1 lb merguez sausage; 1 pt grape tomatoes; 1 cup flat leaf parsley

Experience a delightful explosion of flavors with this enticing Rice Salad with Merguez and Preserved Lemon Dressing Recipe. This vibrant and hearty dish combines tender rice, sizzling merguez sausage, tangy preserved lemon dressing, and a medley of fresh ingredients for a truly unforgettable taste.

Photos of Rice Salad with Merguez and Preserved Lemon Dressing Recipe

The key ingredients of this recipe are Merguez Sausage and Preserved Lemon. Merguez is a red, spicy mutton-based sausage from North African cuisine that's not commonly found in everyone's home. If you can't find it in your local supermarket, visit a specialty food shop or a Middle Eastern butcher. Preserved lemons, another star ingredient of this recipe, are lemons that have been pickled in salt and their own juice. They're a common ingredient in Moroccan cuisine and can be found at specialty food stores.

Key Ingredients for Rice Salad with Merguez and Preserved Lemon Dressing

Jasmine rice: The base of the salad, it's light and fluffy when cooked, absorbing the flavors of the dressing.

Merguez sausage: A spicy North African sausage that adds a robust flavor.

Preserved lemon: Used in the dressing, it gives a unique, tangy flavor.

Extra virgin olive oil: Used in cooking the sausage and also in the dressing.

Fresh lemon juice: Adds a zesty kick to the dressing.

Garlic: Enhances the flavor of the dressing.

Harissa: A spicy chili paste that adds heat to the dressing.

Ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor to the dressing.

Fennel bulb: Adds a crunchy texture and refreshing flavor to the salad.

Picholine olives: A French olive variety that gives a bitter, nutty flavor.

Grape tomatoes: Provides sweet, juicy bursts in the salad.

Flat leaf parsley: Used for garnishing, it brings freshness to the dish.

One reader, Kerk Himes says:

This rice salad with merguez and preserved lemon dressing recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are a delightful fusion of tangy and spicy, and the textures are so satisfying. It's a refreshing and hearty dish that's perfect for any occasion. I highly recommend trying it out!

Kerk Himes

Cooking Techniques Required for This Recipe

How to cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with the water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook over low heat until the rice is tender, about 18 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and transfer to a medium bowl.

How to make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk all but 1 teaspoon of the olive oil with the lemon juice, preserved lemon, garlic, harissa, and cumin. Pour the dressing over the rice and toss well.

How to prepare the merguez sausage: In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Add the merguez sausage and cook over moderately high heat, stirring once or twice, until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage to the salad.

How to serve the rice salad: Stir in the tomatoes and parsley and serve. The rice salad can be prepared several hours ahead and served at room temperature.

How To Make Rice Salad with Merguez and Preserved Lemon Dressing

This savory rice salad is packed with spicy merguez sausages, all tossed in a medley of tomatoes, fennel, and picholine olives, for a filling lunch meal!

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 18 minutes

Total: 28 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1cupjasmine rice
1½cupwater
salt
½cupextra virgin olive oil
2½tbsplemon juice,fresh
¼preserved lemon,(see Recipe Notes)
2garlic clove,minced
1tbspharissa
¾tspground cumin
½fennel bulb,cored and finely diced
⅓cuppicholine olives,pitted
1lbmerguez sausage
10ozgrape tomatoes,(1 pint), halved
1cupflat leaf parsley,coarsely chopped

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with the water and ½ teaspoon of salt.
Bring to a boil, cover and cook over low heat for about 18 minutes until the rice is tender. Fluff the rice with a fork and transfer to a medium bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk all but 1 teaspoon of the olive oil with the lemon juice, preserved lemon, garlic, harissa and cumin.
Pour the dressing over the rice and toss well. Add the fennel and olives and season lightly with salt.
In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Add the merguez sausage and cook over moderately high heat for about 8 minutes, stirring once or twice, until browned and cooked through.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage to the salad. Stir in the tomatoes and parsley.
Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Make Ahead: The rice salad can be prepared several hours ahead and served at room temperature.
Preserved lemons are a common Moroccan ingredient made from lemons that have been preserved in lemon juice and salt for several days, until very soft. Look for them at specialty food shops.

Nutrition

Calories: 545.41kcal
Fat: 41.03g
Saturated Fat: 10.09g
Monounsaturated Fat: 23.14g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.09g
Carbohydrates: 32.05g
Fiber: 2.29g
Sugar: 2.43g
Protein: 12.47g
Cholesterol: 43.85mg
Sodium: 767.31mg
Calcium: 59.80mg
Potassium: 452.35mg
Iron: 3.36mg
Vitamin A: 83.39µg
Vitamin C: 27.00mg

Crucial Technique for Perfectly Cooking Merguez Sausage

When preparing the merguez sausage, ensure to heat the oil in the skillet first before adding the sausage. This will help to sear the sausage, locking in the juices and enhancing the flavor. Also, stirring the sausage only once or twice during cooking allows it to brown evenly without breaking apart. Remember, the key is to achieve a well-cooked sausage with a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Rice Salad with Merguez and Preserved Lemon Dressing

Prep ahead: Cook the rice and prepare the dressing in advance to save time when assembling the salad later.

Multitask: While the rice is cooking, you can prepare the dressing and chop the fennel and olives to streamline the process.

Efficient cooking: Cook the merguez sausage and prepare the remaining salad ingredients while the rice is cooking to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.

Organized workspace: Keep all your ingredients and tools organized and within reach to avoid wasting time searching for items while cooking.

Quick cleanup: Clean as you go to avoid a big mess at the end, making the post-cooking cleanup much faster.

Use kitchen tools: Utilize kitchen tools like a food processor or mandoline to quickly chop and prepare ingredients, saving time and effort.

Substitute Ingredients For Rice Salad with Merguez and Preserved Lemon Dressing Recipe

jasmine rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa is a nutritious alternative to rice and provides a similar texture and flavor profile. It also adds a nutty taste to the salad.
merguez sausage - Substitute with vegetarian sausage: For a vegetarian option, you can use vegetarian sausage to replace the merguez sausage. It will still provide a savory and flavorful element to the salad.
picholine olives - Substitute with green olives: Green olives can be used as a substitute for picholine olives, as they offer a similar briny and slightly tart flavor that complements the dish.
fennel bulb - Substitute with celery: Celery can be used as a substitute for fennel bulb to add a crunchy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor to the salad.
preserved lemon - Substitute with fresh lemon zest: Fresh lemon zest can be used as a substitute for preserved lemon to provide a citrusy and tangy flavor to the dressing.
harissa - Substitute with smoked paprika and cayenne pepper: A combination of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper can be used to replicate the spicy and smoky flavor of harissa in the dressing.
grape tomatoes - Substitute with cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes can be used as a substitute for grape tomatoes, as they offer a similar sweet and juicy flavor to the salad.
flat leaf parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can be used as a substitute for flat leaf parsley to add a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the salad.

How to Beautifully Present This Rice Salad Dish

Elevate the rice: Mold the cooked jasmine rice into a perfect round shape using a small ramekin or a ring mold to create a visually appealing base for the dish.
Artful drizzling: Drizzle the preserved lemon dressing in a zigzag pattern over the rice using a squeeze bottle or a small spoon, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
Merguez arrangement: Arrange the cooked merguez sausages in a crisscross pattern on top of the rice, creating a visually striking focal point for the dish.
Garnish with precision: Place the grape tomatoes and picholine olives strategically around the plate, paying attention to color balance and visual appeal.
Herbaceous touch: Sprinkle the chopped flat-leaf parsley over the dish, adding a vibrant pop of green and a fresh aroma to the presentation.
Fennel finesse: Thinly slice the fennel bulb and use it to create a delicate, decorative border around the edge of the plate, adding a touch of elegance to the overall presentation.
Final flourish: Finish the dish with a light dusting of ground cumin for a subtle, aromatic finish that ties the flavors together.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Merguez and Preserved Lemon Rice Salad

Medium saucepan: A medium-sized cooking pot with a handle and a lid, used for boiling, simmering, and cooking grains, pasta, and sauces.
Small bowl: A small container used for mixing and whisking dressings, sauces, and marinades.
Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for blending and mixing ingredients together, especially for dressings and sauces.
Fork: A utensil with prongs used for fluffing rice and mixing ingredients.
Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan with sloping sides, used for frying, searing, and sautéing ingredients.
Slotted spoon: A spoon with slots or holes, used for draining and serving foods cooked in liquid.
Serving bowl: A large bowl used for serving salads and dishes.
Cutting board: A flat surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Knife: A sharp tool used for slicing and cutting ingredients.
Measuring cup: A tool used for accurately measuring liquid and dry ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Small spoons used for measuring small amounts of ingredients.
Lid: A cover for the saucepan used for cooking rice.
Slotted spoon: A spoon with slots or holes, used for draining and serving foods cooked in liquid.

Storing and Freezing Tips for Rice Salad with Merguez and Preserved Lemon Dressing

To store leftover rice salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld and develop over time, making it even more delicious the next day.
If you want to prepare the rice salad ahead of time, cook the rice and mix it with the dressing, fennel, and olives. Store this mixture in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, cook the merguez sausage, and add it to the salad along with the tomatoes and parsley.
To freeze the rice salad, it's best to freeze the components separately. Cook the rice, mix it with the dressing, and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw the rice mixture in the refrigerator overnight before using.
The cooked merguez sausage can also be frozen separately for up to 2 months. Slice the sausage and freeze it in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw the sausage in the refrigerator before reheating and adding to the salad.
It's not recommended to freeze the fresh fennel, tomatoes, or parsley, as they may become mushy and lose their texture upon thawing. Add these fresh ingredients to the thawed rice and sausage mixture just before serving for the best results.

How To Reheat Leftover Rice Salad

The best way to reheat leftover rice salad is to let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to soften slightly.
If you prefer your salad warm, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the rice to become mushy.
Alternatively, you can reheat the salad in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or water to prevent the rice from sticking and stir gently until warmed through.
If the salad seems dry after reheating, drizzle a little extra olive oil or lemon juice over the top and toss to combine.
For best results, remove the merguez sausage from the salad before reheating. Slice the sausage and reheat it separately in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and slightly crispy. Add the sausage back to the salad just before serving.
If you have any leftover preserved lemon dressing, drizzle it over the reheated salad for an extra burst of flavor.
Garnish the reheated salad with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of cumin for a bright, fresh finish.

Interesting Fact About Merguez Sausage

Merguez sausage is a spicy, flavorful North African sausage made with lamb or beef and a blend of spices such as paprika, cumin, and harissa. It adds a unique and delicious taste to the rice salad with preserved lemon dressing.

Is Making This Rice Salad Recipe at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this rice salad with merguez and preserved lemon dressing recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of ingredients in your area. The use of merguez sausage and preserved lemon may be pricier, but the dish serves 4 and can be quite filling. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25. Rating: 8/10.

Is This Rice Salad Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

The rice salad with merguez and preserved lemon dressing recipe is a flavorful and intriguing dish, but it may not be the healthiest option. Here's why:

The recipe uses a significant amount of olive oil, which is high in calories and fat. While olive oil is a healthier fat option, consuming too much can still lead to weight gain and other health issues.
Merguez sausage, although delicious, is typically high in saturated fat and sodium. Consuming excessive amounts of these nutrients can increase the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
The preserved lemon and olives add a unique flavor profile but also contribute to the overall sodium content of the dish.

On the positive side, the recipe incorporates some healthy ingredients:

Jasmine rice is a whole grain that provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Fennel and parsley offer dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Grape tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C and other beneficial compounds.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of olive oil used in the dressing, or replace some of it with a lower-calorie alternative like lemon juice or vinegar.
Opt for a leaner protein source, such as grilled chicken or shrimp, instead of merguez sausage. If you prefer to keep the sausage, choose a lower-fat variety or reduce the portion size.
Rinse the preserved lemon and olives to remove some of the excess sodium.
Increase the proportion of vegetables in the dish, such as adding more fennel, tomatoes, or other colorful veggies like bell peppers or carrots. This will boost the fiber, vitamin, and mineral content while reducing the overall calorie density.
Use brown jasmine rice instead of white for added fiber and nutrients.

By making these adjustments, you can enjoy the delightful flavors of this rice salad while promoting a more balanced and nutritious meal.

Editor's Opinion on This Flavorful Rice Salad Recipe

This recipe for rice salad with merguez and preserved lemon dressing is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of jasmine rice, merguez sausage, and preserved lemon dressing creates a harmonious balance of savory and tangy notes. The addition of fennel, olives, and tomatoes adds a refreshing crunch, while the parsley brings a burst of freshness. The use of harissa and cumin infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic spice. Overall, this dish is a culinary adventure that transports the palate to the vibrant streets of Morocco.

Enhance Your Rice Salad with Merguez and Preserved Lemon Dressing Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Root Vegetables: Try roasting a medley of root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes for a colorful and flavorful side dish.

Grilled Eggplant with Yogurt Sauce: Grill slices of eggplant and serve with a tangy yogurt sauce for a delicious and healthy side dish.

Fruit Salad with Mint: Combine a variety of fresh fruits such as strawberries, pineapple, and kiwi, and toss with a refreshing mint-infused dressing for a light and fruity side dish.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love This Rice Salad

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs before grilling for a delicious and healthy side dish.

Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken: Rub the chicken with a mixture of lemon, garlic, and herbs before roasting to create a flavorful and juicy main course.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Combine chia seeds, coconut milk, and fresh mango for a creamy and tropical dessert that's perfect for a light and refreshing treat.

Spicy Lentil Soup: Simmer lentils with aromatic spices, vegetables, and broth for a warming and hearty soup that's perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly day.

Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Rice Salad with Merguez

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory and satisfying, these stuffed mushrooms are filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. They make the perfect bite-sized appetizer for any occasion.

Bruschetta: This classic Italian appetizer features crispy bread topped with a vibrant mixture of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and tangy balsamic glaze. It's a refreshing and light option to start off any meal.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth after a savory meal.

Berry Parfait: Layered with creamy yogurt, fresh berries, and crunchy granola, this berry parfait is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. It's a light and refreshing option for a post-dinner treat.

Why trust this Rice Salad with Merguez and Preserved Lemon Dressing Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, ensuring a memorable dining experience. The combination of merguez sausage and preserved lemon creates a tantalizing blend of savory and tangy notes, while the aromatic cumin and harissa infuse the dish with a delightful warmth. The use of picholine olives and fennel adds a refreshing crunch, complementing the tender jasmine rice and juicy grape tomatoes. With the expertise of a seasoned chef, this recipe promises a harmonious symphony of Mediterranean-inspired flavors, earning the trust of discerning food enthusiasts.

Share your thoughts on this Rice Salad with Merguez and Preserved Lemon Dressing recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section. Let's discuss any tweaks or variations you'd make to this flavorful dish!

FAQ:

What is merguez sausage and where can I find it?

Merguez sausage is a spicy North African sausage made with lamb or beef. It's flavored with a blend of spices such as paprika, cumin, and harissa. You can find merguez sausage at specialty butchers, Middle Eastern or North African markets, or well-stocked grocery stores.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rice salad several hours ahead of time and serve it at room temperature. This makes it a convenient dish for entertaining or meal prep.

What can I substitute for preserved lemons if I can't find them?

If you can't find preserved lemons, you can substitute with fresh lemon zest and a small amount of lemon juice. The flavor won't be exactly the same, but it will still add a bright, citrusy element to the dressing.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to the merguez sausage?

Absolutely! You can substitute the merguez sausage with grilled halloumi cheese or marinated and grilled tofu for a delicious vegetarian option.

Can I use a different type of rice for this salad?

While jasmine rice works beautifully in this recipe, you can also use basmati rice or long-grain white rice as alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time and water ratio according to the specific type of rice you choose.