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As the summer sun shines brightly, there's nothing quite like a vibrant and refreshing dish that captures the essence of the season. Zesty Summer Veggie Fried Rice is just that—a colorful medley of seasonal vegetables tossed with fluffy rice, packed with flavor and nutrition. This dish stands out not only for its delightful taste but also for its ability to utilize leftover rice, making it a practical choice for busy summer days when you want something quick yet satisfying.

Fresh Summer Recipes Fried Rice

Discover the vibrant flavors of summer with our Zesty Summer Veggie Fried Rice! This delightful dish features a colorful medley of seasonal vegetables mixed with fluffy jasmine rice, making it both nutritious and delicious. Perfect for quick meals, it uses leftover rice and can be customized with your favorite veggies. With aromatic seasonings like garlic and ginger, this fried rice is a refreshing and satisfying choice for any summer gathering or weeknight dinner.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably cold, day-old rice works best)

1 cup diced cucumber

1 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, and green for color)

1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)

1 medium carrot, finely chopped

3 green onions, sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon ginger, grated

1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh cilantro or basil leaves, for garnish

Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

Prepare the Ingredients: Make sure all your vegetables are diced and ready to go. Cold rice works best, so you can prepare this dish with leftovers from a previous meal.

    Heat the Oil: In a large non-stick skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

      Sauté the Vegetables: Add in the diced carrots and bell peppers to the skillet, stirring occasionally for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Then, toss in the peas and cucumber and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

        Add the Rice: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the cold jasmine rice. Use a spatula to break up any clumps and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes, allowing the rice to slightly crisp at the edges and heat through.

          Flavor It Up: Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Remove from heat.

            Garnish and Serve: Stir in the sliced green onions, then transfer the fried rice to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro or basil leaves. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an added zest.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                20 minutes | 30 minutes | Serves 4

                  Enjoy your colorful, refreshing Zesty Summer Veggie Fried Rice as a light lunch or a side dish to your summer barbecues! 🌼✨