Basmati Rice with Summer Vegetable Salad

1 1/2 cups basmati rice (about 10 ounces) 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter 2 cups chopped sweet onions (such as Vidalia or Walla Walla) 2 1/2 cups water 1 1/2[...]

1 small shallot, chopped 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves Kosher salt, freshly ground[...]