There’s something special about summer—long sunny days, backyard BBQs, and quality time with the people who matter most. Whether you’re hosting a family cookout or planning a casual dinner with loved ones, good food is always at the heart of everything. And that’s where Carolina® Rice comes in. Versatile, easy to cook, and a perfect base for all kinds of dishes, our rice is a summer staple that brings families together, meal after meal.
Why Rice Is a Summer Must-Have
Few ingredients rival rice for adaptability. It fits every flavor, diet, and occasion. From bold and spicy to cool and refreshing, rice makes it easy to mix things up and still serve up something everyone will love.
Fresh and Flavorful Seafood Rice Recipes
Seafood and summer go hand-in-hand, and when paired with rice, you get meals that are light, flavorful, and totally shareable.
Sweet and Tangy Salmon Dish
Whether it’s grilled or baked, salmon is always a summer favorite. This Easy Teriyaki Salmon with Jasmine Rice combines a delicious homemade teriyaki sauce recipe with fragrant Carolina® Ready to Heat Jasmine Rice. The result? A quick and delicious dish for outdoor dining or family dinners.
Spanish Seafood Paella
Paella is the ultimate one-pan dish—and a true showstopper at family gatherings. This Authentic Spanish Paella with Seafood blends mussels, shrimp, monkfish, and saffron-seasoned rice into a colorful, flavorful dish that’s perfect for patio dining.
Shrimp Burrito Bowl – A Seafood Fusion Dish
Craving seafood with a spicy kick? We’ve got just the recipe for you. This Cajun Shrimp Burrito Bowl blends spicy Cajun flavors with prawns and Carolina® Ready to Heat Spicy Jalapeño Rice. Loaded with mango, avocado, red onion, jalapeños, and jumbo shrimp, this dish is simply exploding with flavor.
BBQ & Meat-Based Recipes for the Grill
Getting prepped for another grilling season and looking to add new dishes to your repertoire? Well then, you’ve come to the right place!
Classic BBQ Chicken
Take things up a notch with these BBQ Chicken Skewers, served with Carolina® Ready to Chipotle Rice. They’re smoky, spicy, and ready in 20 minutes. Alternatively, these Garlic Lemon Chicken Kebabs with Green Rice are equally tasty and tempting. Paired with zesty, green rice loaded with herbs and spices, these chicken kebabs might just steal the show this BBQ season.
Pro Tip: Make both rice sides and let your guests choose their favorite!
Summer-Perfect Rice Salads
Refreshing and easy to prep, rice salads are a staple of summer meals. Customizable, colorful, and packed with texture and flavor, salads have the capacity to steal the show at summer cookouts.
Mediterranean Salads
With juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, avocado, and crumbly feta, this Mediterranean-inspired Greek Salad with Black Olives Feta and Tomato is perfect as a side or light main dish.
Vegetarian & Vegan-Friendly Options
Want to go meat-free? Maybe you’re expecting some vegans or vegetarians at your next gathering. Whatever the case may be, these plant-based rice dishes are hearty, satisfying, and great for guests with different dietary needs.
Vegan Tinga Rice Bowl
This bold, flavorful dish trades shredded chicken for chickpeas and hearts of palm, mixed with smoky tomato sauce, garlic, and peppers. It’s spicy, satisfying, and 100% plant-based.
Vegetable Rice Fritters
Crispy, golden, and packed with grated veggies, these rice fritters are made with Carolina® Garlic & Olive Oil Jasmine Ready to Heat Rice—perfect for serving as appetizers or snackable bites at your next cookout.
Make the Most of Seasonal Veggies
Pair rice with fresh seasonal produce for delicious meals all year long:
- Spring: asparagus, peas, radishes
- Summer: zucchini, bell peppers, corn
- Fall: pumpkin, squash, kale
- Winter: carrots, root veggies, dark greens
Try roasting or sautéing for added depth and natural sweetness. It’s a simple way to make your dishes healthier and more flavorful.
Savor Summer at Home
There’s nothing like a home-cooked summer meal shared with the people you love. Whether you’re grilling in the backyard or setting the table indoors, Carolina® Rice is here to help you create unforgettable moments with recipes that #FeelLikeHome.
Looking for more cooking inspiration? Drop by our kitchen to see what we’ve been cooking.
