It’s that in-between season where the evenings turn just a touch cooler as we experience that definite shift away from the brightness of summer to something more cozy and comforting.
And, whilst we are still in a salad mood, we’re thinking they should add extra depth of flavour, a nutritional boost, a sense of fullness and a punch of crunch.
Needless to say our scrumptious Mushroom and Crispy Rice Salad is the one we turn to. It’s the perfect side dish, can double up as a light lunch and the flavoursome dressing makes it one of our favourite salad picks.

Ingredients
Method
For the Dressing:
- Combine the peanut butter and hot water and whisk. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Taste to adjust seasoning and then set aside until serving.
For the crispy rice:
Preheat oven to 200˚C.
- Place cooked rice in a bowl with the soy sauce, sesame oil and gochujang. Mix the seasoning thoroughly into the rice with your hands so every grain is covered.
- Transfer to a baking tray lined with baking paper. Spread the rice out in a thin layer.
- Transfer to a baking tray lined with baking paper. Spread the rice out in a thin layer.
- Bake for 10 minutes and then agitate, flipping the rice over to evenly brown all the grains. Bake for another 10 minutes until brown and crispy.Set aside to cool.
For the salad:
- Combine all of the salad ingredients except for the lettuce leaves and peanuts together in a large bowl. Season with a little salt and pepper, mix. Add the crispy rice and pour over the dressing. Toss to mix well.
- Assemble dressed salad on a large serving platter. Plate lettuce leaves alongside the chopped salad. Scatter with peanuts and serve with lime wedges on the side and enjoy!