After winter’s relentless wrath, there’s nothing quite like witnessing the spring thaw, the return of sunshine, and the kaleidoscope of produce arriving in the supermarket. A joyful celebration of new beginnings, Easter goes hand-in-hand with spring’s fresh energy.
To properly toast to the season, gather friends and family for an Easter feast. A meal that highlights color, flavor and the season’s abundance of prime ingredients, it’s also a time to indulge in Easter side dishes built to wow.
Meals that traditionally center around a baked ham, roast fish or leg of lamb, the best Easter dinners also involve a number of irresistible sides. From pert salads to luxe casseroles, they add texture, variety and decadence to the meal.
For a new twist perfect for any modern table, we’ve let tradition lead the way, then infused classic dishes with the goodness of RiceSelect® Grains.
Recipes built around RiceSelect® Pearl Couscous, RiceSelect® Orzo, RiceSelect® Royal Blend Rice and more, these menu additions blend tried-and-true with innovation in truly delectable ways.
It’s never too early to plan your Easter gathering. Get started today, with RiceSelect® Grains and a tantalizing selection of recipes designed to wow!
Green Goddess Pearl Couscous Salad
A color that screams spring, green runs through every morsel of this zippy RiceSelect® Pearl Couscous salad. Featuring a collection of green-hued delicacies—from fennel and green beans to cucumber, avocado and more—plus a tangy yogurt dressing punched up with green onions, lemon, herbs, Dijon, and feta, this salad tastes every bit as good as it looks.
Couscous and Swiss Chard Tabbouleh
After a season of soups, spring is a great time to embrace a rainbow of snappy, crisp vegetables.
Blended into this RiceSelect® Couscous salad, Swiss chard, tiny tomatoes, onions, chili pepper and herbs are perfectly balanced by a generously spiced lemon vinaigrette in this sunny take on traditional tabbouleh.
Ceviche with Royal Blend Rice
If you’re reluctant to make seafood the star of your Easter table, try it in a side, instead! In this punchy dish, fresh white fish is dressed with plenty of olive oil and lime, then mixed with slivers of red onion and chili peppers.
Served with seasoned RiceSelect® Royal Blend Rice and creamy avocado, it’s simultaneously refreshing, comforting, savory and surprising!
Wild Rice Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
An elegant appetizer for a crowd, these savory stuffed mushrooms blend the nutty goodness of RiceSelect® Royal Blend Rice with tender portabella mushrooms and Italian sausage. Easily doubled for larger gatherings, this recipe can also be prepped ahead of time, then baked once guests arrive.
Creamy Feta and Chickpea Pearl Couscous
Deliciously creamy (with a lemony, chili-spike kick!), this 15-minute side is a host-friendly addition to any Easter menu.
Ideal for vegetarians or meat eaters, this hearty salad relies on chickpeas, bouncy RiceSelect® Pearl Couscous, feta, veggies and a slew of spices for its satisfying texture and flavor.
Greek Orzo Salad
RiceSelect® Tri-Color Orzo is a tender, colorful base for a collection of Mediterranean-style ingredients in this peppy side.
Ideal with salmon, ham or turkey, this dish combines lemon and herb dressing with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives and feta for a salad that’s zingy, light and sure to disappear in minutes.
Brown Rice and Shiitake Pilaf
Made with the season’s first asparagus, sautéed mushrooms and whole-grain RiceSelect® Texmati Brown Rice, this warm side beautifully links winter and spring.
Add this to your menu, alongside vibrant platters of vegetables, salads, scalloped potatoes and your favorite main, and satisfy every craving.
Garden Veggie Couscous
The bold flavors of balsamic vinegar and parmesan cheese are the first things you’ll notice in this tasty warm salad.
Ingredients that perk up RiceSelect® Pearl Couscous, sautéed peppers and onions, fresh tomatoes and herbs, they’re just the thing to snap tastebuds to attention, at Easter and beyond.
Layered Caprese Rice Salad
Incredibly versatile, this sophisticated dish can be plated individually or served family-style.
Inspired by the classic combination of juicy heirloom tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and basil, this layered salad is enhanced with a generous portion of RiceSelect® Texmati White Rice. Whichever way you serve it, it’s a gorgeous, refreshing option that’s guaranteed to delight.
Spring Greens Risotto
Made with a host of snappy green vegetables, this RiceSelect® Arborio Rice risotto is a devastatingly delicious vegetarian main or side. Though it may seem daunting, this straightforward recipe comes together without fuss.
To retain the dish’s bright color and depth of flavor, make the homemade dandelion pesto and risotto at the last possible minute.
Broccoli and Rice Casserole
In the revered tradition of ooey gooey side dishes, this ultra-comforting white rice casserole is loaded with savory aromatics, veggie florets and enough cheese to turn a get-together into a memorable bash.
Expecting a swarm of guests? Don’t hesitate to double this popular recipe.
Southwest Quinoa Salad
Spice up your Easter table with this brisk Tex-Mex RiceSelect® Tri-Color Quinoa salad! A flavorful, protein-packed blend of quinoa, beans, corn, citrus and avocado, every tidbit is kissed with sweetened orange vinaigrette.
Alongside fish, ham or turkey, this dish is a must-have.