Cold Rice with Tuna, Zucchini, and Lemon

Name: Cold Rice with Tuna, Zucchini, and Lemon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Whole rice 1.6 cups; Zucchini 2 cups; Tuna in oil (drained weight) 4.5 oz; Lemon peel 1; Lemon juice 3 tbsp; Garlic 2 cloves; Mint 6 leaves; Extra virgin olive oil to taste; Fine salt to taste; Black pepper to taste

it es fr de br

Gluten Free
Lactose Free

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Serving: 4
Note + cooling time

PRESENTATION

Zucchini really makes this cold rice salad pop. Seriously good. Especially when you want something light and fresh, but also packed with flavor. I gotta say, in Italy, especially along the gorgeous coast, people really love dishes like tuna rice salad. When it is hot—who wants to linger in the kitchen, right? The way those tender zucchini cubes mix with the moist rice is just perfect for that summer vibe. And look, the salty bite of good-quality tuna keeps everything balanced. What really brings it all together is that fresh grated lemon zest—it's got a bit of a tangy kick without being heavy. Whether you’re off for a picnic, chilling with friends, or just need something quick after a long day, this summer rice salad is gone in no time.

In Italy, simplicity is key. And here's the thing: that’s why this zucchini rice salad feels so easy-going and fun. Different regions put their own spin on it—some add more tuna, others toss in olives or fresh herbs. But the basics? Pretty much the same: cool rice, soft zucchini, and that lemony lift. Every bite has a real refreshing taste, the kind you want on a hot afternoon or at a family get-together. Oh, and a chilled rice dish like this? Perfect for swapping in whatever you have on hand. Folks sometimes do a quick sauté of the veggies for extra golden flavor or use couscous instead of rice for a new twist. That's the Italian way, honestly—using simple stuff to make meals that are tasty and never fussy. So when you want an Italian rice salad that’s a bit special but still super chill, this one hits the spot. Really, everyone ends up happy and full. Plus, it’s versatile enough for any occasion—no question—making it a staple in many Italian homes during the summer months.

How to prepare Cold Rice with Tuna, Zucchini, and Lemon

To prepare cold rice with tuna, zucchini, and lemon, first cook the rice in boiling water, salted to taste, for 12 minutes (or as indicated on the package) 1. Once cooked, drain the rice 2, place it in a bowl, season with extra virgin olive oil 3, mix, and let it cool.

Proceed to the zucchini: wash them, trim them, and cut them in half lengthwise. First, cut them into slices 4, then into strips about 3/8 inch wide 5, and finally into cubes 6.

Heat a drizzle of oil in a pan with 2 cloves of garlic 7, let it sauté for a minute and add the zucchini 8. Season with salt 9 and pepper. Let it cook for a couple of minutes, and in the meantime, squeeze the lemon to extract the juice.

Deglaze the zucchini with the lemon juice 10 and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, then let them cool 11. Now, add fragrance to the rice with the lemon zest 12.