Rice Salad with Tomatoes, Capers and Olive Oil Tuna

Inspired by a rice salad from “Essential Pépin” by Jacques Pépin, this grain-based dish is replete with bold Provençal flavors such as capers and olives. It’s fresh and light, yet substantial and satisfying. To minimize its starchiness, we cook the rice like noodles, in excess salted boiling water, then drain the grains when tender and rinse them. If you’re fond of the flavor of tuna, when making the dressing, substitute 2 tablespoons oil from the cans for 2 tablespoons of the extra-virgin olive oil. The salad is delicious at room temperature or chilled.