Salads prepared with rice are always a good choice, especially during warm-weather months.
Since rice salads are best served at room temperature, they are perfect for toting to picnics. They are also light, quick, easy to prepare, and amazingly versatile. Rice is to a cook, what canvas is to an artist, says Kimberly Park, director of national consumer education for the USA Rice Federation, its versatility shines through in rice salads where the only limit is the creativity of the cook. Park recommends experimenting with rice salads and varying recipes according to the season. For example, toss together rice, grilled asparagus and orange segments for a refreshing springtime salad.