Quick and Easy Dishes for Dining Al Fresco

Warmer weather is often welcome for a variety of reasons and dining outdoors can help take that appreciation to the next level. Keeping ingredients lists short and prep time minimal also allows you to spend more time enjoying the sunshine and blue skies al fresco with the ones you love.

Even when you’re short on time, you can take mealtime from the dining room to the deck with an ingredient like Minute Rice Cups. Available in 13 varieties, including White and Brown rice, the convenient, single-serving, Bpa-free cups are ready in just 90 seconds or less. Perfect for taking to the office for lunch or as an on-the-go snack, the cups can also be used as a quick and easy base for nearly any meal occasion.

For example, this simple Fish with Bok Choy features plenty of complex flavors with flaky white fish, crisp bok choy and 100% whole-grain brown rice. The brown rice provides the ideal texture for the ginger, sesame and nutty notes in this dish, and the whole recipe can be on the table in 10 minutes. Because white fish fillets are neutral and mild, they absorb all the flavors from the dish, and are an ideal protein for those with busy schedules due to their short cooking time.

Or, bursting with colors and flavors, this Fiesta Rice satisfies fresh cravings with an irresistible combo of white rice, tomatoes, green onions and creamy avocado. Ready in less than 5 minutes, this dish can also be customized with a different grain variety or extra juicy, sweet cherry tomatoes in place of diced tomatoes. To make this satisfying side a complete meal, simply add grilled chicken or your favorite protein.

To find more quick and easy recipes perfect for enjoying outdoors, visit Minuterice.com.

Fiesta Rice

Prep time: 3 minutes

Cook time: 1 minute Servings: 1

1 Minute White Rice Cup

1 diced tomato

1/2 diced avocado

1 sliced green onion

1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

1 teaspoon lime juice

salt, to taste

black pepper, to taste

Heat rice according to package directions. Set aside.

In bowl, combine tomato, avocado, onion and cilantro.

Add lime juice and salt and pepper, to taste.

Mix thoroughly and serve.

Fish with Bok Choy

Fiesta Rice