Mardi Gras Rice Salad

Total Time: 45 mins Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 1 1/3 cups water
• 2/3 cup uncooked rice
• 8 slices bacon
• 1/2 cup ham, cubed
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped
• 1/4 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup fresh tomato, chopped
• 1/2 cup italian salad dressing
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 minced garlic clove

Recipe

• 1 prepare the rice in a medium saucepan, by bringing the water to a boil. stir in rice. cover and reduce heat. simmer 20 minutes.
• 2 after the rice is done and cooled, in a large bowl combine cooked rice with with ham, bacon, celery, tomato, onion, and bell pepper. toss well.
• 3 in a small bowl, prepare the dressing by whiskin together salad dressing, thyme, chili powder, salt, and garlic.
• 4 pour over salad and toss to coat.
• 5 cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. add crumbled bacon immediately prior to serving.