Riso Freddo: The Ultimate Cold Rice Salad

Riso Freddo: The Ultimate Cold Rice Salad

Total Cooking and Prep Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 6

Welcome to Cooking Gioia, where we celebrate the joy of Italian cooking with simple, authentic recipes. Today, I’m excited to share a dish that holds a special place in my heart—Riso Freddo, or Cold Rice Salad. This recipe is a beautiful example of how Italian cuisine can transform humble ingredients into a delightful culinary experience.

A Dish with a Story

I remember the first time I tasted Riso Freddo. It was during a small al fresco family lunch at a country house in Italy. The sun was shining, the air was filled with laughter, and Mom served this dish alongside cold grilled meat and fish. It was summer, and this cold rice salad became the star of our lazy afternoon. Even now, when I prepare it, I am transported back to that day, surrounded by family and the laid-back Italian way of living.

Ingredients

3 cups of cooked white rice, warm
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
20 black olives, pitted
1 cup total of two kinds of cheeses (I used provolone and hard mozzarella), cut into small cubes
1 cup of diced ham, or one can of tuna in water, drained
Hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Cook the white rice until it's just tender and still warm. While the rice is cooking, chop the cheeses, ham (or drain the tuna), and hard-boiled eggs. Pit the olives if they aren't already pitted.
Mix Together: In a large serving bowl, combine the warm rice with extra virgin olive oil. Add the olives, cheeses, ham (or tuna), and finely chopped hard-boiled eggs. Mix everything gently but thoroughly.
Serve and Enjoy: You can serve this dish warm as a perfect weeknight supper or refrigerate it overnight and serve it cold for a refreshing lunch. Either way, it’s incredibly easy to make, transport, and enjoy.

Why This Recipe Works

Riso Freddo is a celebration of flavors and simplicity. With no spices or herbs, the dish relies entirely on the quality and taste of its ingredients. The olive oil provides a rich, fruity base that complements the saltiness of the ham or tuna, the briny capers, and the creamy, tangy cheeses. The olives add a slight bitterness, while the hard-boiled eggs bring a touch of richness.

You can customize this dish to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Swap the ham for canned tuna, or experiment with different cheeses to find your perfect combination. Remember to balance a strong cheese with a mild one for the best flavor.

A Nostalgic Favorite

This recipe is copied from the collection typed by my father for my mother and godmother’s adult education Italian cooking class. That class was a hit, and Riso Freddo quickly became a favorite. It still is, and I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too.

Riso Freddo is more than just a dish—it’s a connection to family, tradition, and the simple pleasures of Italian cooking. Enjoy this easy, versatile recipe, and bring a little bit of Italy to your table.

Buon appetito!

Riso Feddo: The Ultimate Cold Rice Salad

Servings: 6

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 20 MinTotal time: 30 Min

Experience the flavors of Italy with Riso Freddo, a simple and delicious cold rice salad. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish, this recipe combines warm cooked rice, extra virgin olive oil, pitted black olives, cubed cheeses (like provolone and hard mozzarella), diced ham (or canned tuna), and finely chopped hard-boiled eggs. Riso Freddo shines without the need for spices or herbs, relying on the quality of its ingredients for flavor. It’s easy to make, transport, and enjoy, bringing a touch of Italian tradition to your table.

Ingredients

Crust

3 cups of cooked white rice, warm
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
20 black olives, pitted
1 cup total of 2 kinds of cheeses (I used provolone and hard mozzarella), cut into small cubes
1 cup of diced ham, or one can of tuna in water, drained
2 hard boiled eggs, finely chopped