Greek Rice Salad

Ingredients

• 12 cups water
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint, plus fresh mint leaves for garnish
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh oregano
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/3 cup chopped red onion
• 3/4 cup torn pitted kalamata or Castelvetrano olives
• 2 medium Persian cucumbers (unpeeled), thinly sliced into half-moons (about 1 cup)
• 1/3 cup roughly chopped banana pepper rings
• 4 ounces Greek feta cheese, crumbled (about 1 cup), divided

Steps

1. Use a 4-quart saucepan to bring 12 cups water and 1 tablespoon salt to a boil over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, cover the rice with cold water in a medium bowl and wash it, agitating the grains by hand for 10 to 15 seconds. Pour the water away and wash once more. Drain and rinse under cold water in a fine wire-mesh strainer for 10 to 15 seconds, then drain completely for about 30 seconds.
2. Cook the drained rice in the boiling water over medium-high heat, uncovered, stirring occasionally until tender, 12 to 14 minutes. Drain well, spread it evenly over a large rimmed baking sheet and cool slightly for about 10 minutes.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk the vinegar, mustard, garlic powder, black pepper and 1 teaspoon salt together. Gradually whisk in 1/4 cup olive oil until an emulsion forms, then set aside.
4. Put the cooled rice in a large bowl and stir in the chopped mint, chopped oregano, 1/4 cup vinaigrette, remaining 1/4 cup olive oil and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set aside. Toss the tomatoes and onion in the remaining vinaigrette and leave uncovered at room temperature for 5 minutes. Toss that tomato mixture, the olives, cucumbers, banana peppers and 3/4 cup feta through the rice mixture. Use the remaining 1/4 cup feta to top the salad, and garnish with mint leaves. Serve warm or at room temperature.