Are you tired of boring, bland side dishes that leave you wanting more? Prepare to be amazed by this Nutty Wild Rice Salad that's about to revolutionize your dining experience! Bursting with rich, toasted walnuts, sweet dried cranberries, and a zesty homemade dressing, this recipe is not just a salad – it's a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing and your guests begging for the recipe.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the wild rice thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris or excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed wild rice with vegetable broth. 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 most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove the rice from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow any remaining liquid to be absorbed.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and transfer it to a large mixing bowl to cool to room temperature.
- While the rice is cooling, toast the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Set aside to cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Add the toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and chopped parsley to the cooled rice.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the rice mixture and gently toss to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve cold or at room temperature as a side dish or light lunch.
Tips
- Rinse the wild rice thoroughly to remove any excess starch and ensure a fluffy texture.
- Toast the walnuts carefully – watch them closely to prevent burning, as they can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds.
- Allow the rice to cool completely before adding other ingredients to prevent wilting and maintain the perfect texture.
- For the best flavor, make this salad ahead of time and let it chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Feel free to customize by adding other nuts like almonds or pecans, or swap dried cranberries for dried cherries for a unique twist.
- Use high-quality olive oil and fresh herbs to elevate the overall taste of the salad.
- This dish is versatile – serve it as a side, a light lunch, or even as a vegetarian main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
