Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary leftovers into a gourmet masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with delight! This Wild Rice and Turkey Salad is not just another recipe—it's a symphony of textures and flavors that will revolutionize your lunch game. With a perfect balance of hearty wild rice, tender turkey, and a zesty dressing, this recipe is about to become your new obsession. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that looks like it came straight from a five-star restaurant kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cooked turkey, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the wild rice thoroughly under cold running water to remove any debris or excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the wild rice with 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer the rice for 40-45 minutes until the rice is tender and has split open.
- Remove the rice from heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes to allow any remaining moisture to be absorbed.
- Fluff the cooked wild rice with a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool completely to room temperature.
- While the rice is cooling, dice the cooked turkey into small, uniform pieces.
- Finely chop the celery and green onions, ensuring they are cut into small, consistent pieces.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth and well combined.
- Add the diced turkey, chopped celery, dried cranberries, and green onions to the cooled wild rice.
- Pour the mayonnaise and mustard mixture over the rice and other ingredients.
- Gently fold all ingredients together until evenly distributed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve chilled as a light lunch or side dish.
Tips
- Rice Perfection: Always rinse wild rice thoroughly to remove any dust or debris. This ensures a clean, pure flavor and prevents any gritty texture.
- Temperature Matters: Allow the wild rice to cool completely before mixing with other ingredients. This prevents the mayonnaise from breaking and keeps the salad's texture ideal.
- Flavor Enhancement: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a more complex taste profile.
- Protein Flexibility: Don't have leftover turkey? Rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken work wonderfully as substitutes.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad actually tastes better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Texture Tip: For extra crunch, consider adding toasted sliced almonds or sunflower seeds just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 35mg
