Rice is the go-to ingredient for many when planning side dishes for BBQs. This is especially true when you’re catering for large numbers at family gatherings, since rice allows you to create simple yet varied dishes to pass around the table. So, as Canadians get ready to celebrate the May Long Weekend, we thought we’d share with you some of our favourite rice recipes that double up as delicious sides to serve at BBQs. From enticing rice salads to eye-catching appetizers, we’ve got plenty of ideas to inspire your Victoria Day cooking.
Why Do We Celebrate Victoria Day?
In Canada, Victoria Day is celebrated to honour Queen Victoria, whose birthday falls on May 24. In modern times, the holiday has also come to represent the unofficial start of summer, also known as the ‘May Long Weekend’, when families come together, enjoy outdoor activities, and share delicious home-cooked meals.
Rice Salads Perfect for Sharing
Salads are a must-have dish at any family gathering, bringing balance and flavour diversity to meals. What’s more, rice salads are particularly suitable for large gatherings as they’re easy to make and hearty to boot. If you’re looking for a sweet and zesty rice salad with a creamy kick, try this Pomegranate Orange and Feta Wild Rice Salad. The best part is that this salad is so easy to put together. All you need to do is gather pomegranate arils, orange, watercress, and crumbled feta cheese, and mix them with nutty Minute Rice® Long Grain & Wild Rice – Fine Herbs Cups for a complete and crowd-pleasing salad.
Equally enticing is our Green Goddess Rice Salad Recipe. Lovers of leafy greens will appreciate the creative blend of chives, cilantro, basil, dill, avocado, Greek yogurt, and fragrant Minute® Basmati Rice. Why not rustle up both of these salads for your Victoria Day spread? Both are easy to make and ready in minutes.
Light and Tasty Bites
Varying your Victoria Day offerings will enhance everyone’s overall experience of the gathering, so if you’re looking to mix things up, how about trying your hand at our Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe. Made with Minute Rice® Quick Cook Long Grain White, red and yellow peppers, ground beef, and onions, these Mediterranean-style stuffed peppers taste just as great as they look.
Chef’s Tip: Want to make this recipe vegetarian? Simply substitute ground beef for peas, mushrooms, or grated carrot.
No time to prepare a dish like this? No problem. Our Shrimp Tostada makes for an equally appealing dish in half the time. Boasting a mouthwatering medley of staple Mexican ingredients such as avocado, salsa, cilantro, and corn tortilla, you can whip up these tasty tostadas in just 10 minutes thanks to Minute Rice® Mexican Rice Cups.
Hearty Rice Dishes to Pair with Protein
Finally, if you’re looking for rice sides to pair with meat or fish we’ve got two fun and filling dishes you can place in the centre of your spread. This 15-Minute Savoury Rice Pilaf takes inspiration from Asian dishes popular for their mild yet complex flavour profile.
Similarly, albeit from the opposite side of the world, this Spanish Rice Recipe blends tomatoes, peppers, onions, cilantro, and white rice for a feisty and filling side dish guests can help themselves to.
How to Host a Victoria Day BBQ
A successful Victoria Day BBQ isn’t about perfection, it’s about creating a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where everyone can relax and enjoy themselves. Prep what you can in advance so you’re not stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is having fun. Don’t be afraid to call upon your loved ones to help you out with the arrangements. BBQs are fun, but they can be stressful if one person is left to shoulder all the responsibility.
Creating a Fun and Friendly Atmosphere
Set the tone with a comfortable setup—think casual seating, some shade, and music that keeps the energy light and upbeat. If guests offer to help, say yes; sharing the load makes the experience more social and less stressful.
Most importantly, focus on connection over details. Whether it’s kids playing in the yard, stories shared over the grill, or laughter around the table, those are the moments that transform Victoria Day gatherings into lasting memories.
For more tasty recipes and cooking tips, visit our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions about Planning BBQs
Can I prepare rice dishes ahead of time?
Yes! Many rice dishes — especially salads — can be made in advance and stored in the fridge, making them ideal for entertaining.
How much rice should I make for a group?
As a general guide, plan for about ½ to 1 cup of cooked rice per person, depending on how many other dishes you’re serving.
What makes rice a good BBQ side dish?
Rice is versatile, budget-friendly, and easy to customize with different flavours and ingredients, perfect for feeding a crowd.
Can rice dishes be served cold?
Absolutely. Rice salads and chilled dishes are refreshing options for warm-weather gatherings like Victoria Day BBQs.