Dive into a bowl of vibrant flavors with our Fruited Wild Rice Salad! This delightful dish combines the nutty taste of wild rice with the sweetness of apples and cranberries, making it a perfect side or light meal that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a nutritious recipe to brighten your dinner table, this salad is sure to impress. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll be serving up a colorful, mouthwatering salad that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to elevate your salad game? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup diced apples
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
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 vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer the rice for 45-50 minutes or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove the rice from heat and let it stand, covered, for 10 minutes to allow any remaining liquid to be absorbed.
- Spread the cooked rice on a large baking sheet to cool completely, which helps prevent clumping and allows the rice to reach room temperature.
- While the rice is cooling, dice the apples into small, uniform cubes to ensure even distribution in the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled wild rice, diced apples, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil and apple cider vinegar to create a light vinaigrette dressing.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the rice mixture and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste if needed.
Tips
- Rinse the Rice: Always rinse wild rice thoroughly before cooking. This step removes any debris and excess starch, helping to achieve a fluffier texture.
- Broth for Flavor: Using vegetable broth instead of water to cook the rice adds an extra layer of flavor, enhancing the overall taste of your salad.
- Cooling Technique: After cooking, spread the rice on a baking sheet to cool. This prevents clumping and helps the rice reach room temperature faster, making it ideal for salad.
- Uniform Apple Cuts: Dice the apples into small, uniform cubes. This ensures that every bite of the salad has a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Chill to Enhance Flavor: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. A little seasoning goes a long way in enhancing the dish’s overall flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
