Sweet and Savory Wild Rice Salad is the perfect main course or side dish. Make it a meatless main or use it as a delicious side salad.
My husband is a fairly traditional eater, oh, don't get me wrong, he will try anything, but on a normal night at home, Vince wants food that he loves. So whenever I try something new, instead of asking if he likes it, I ask, "Should I make this again?"
Well, this Wild Rice Salad is a home run. Vince loves it and begs me to make it weekly. Be sure to get real wild rice, not mixed with any other rices. It is dark brown, maybe not the most appetizing color, but when those grains bloom in the simmering water, they become chewy little bits of heaven.
And the dressing gives just enough sweet with a good balance of savory to make this a go to as a side dish or light entrée. You can also chop up some cooked chicken breast and add it if you want meat with your meal.
The best part of this salad, in addition to it tasting so yummy, is that wild rice has many health benefits. It's high in fiber, low in calories and sodium and contains an amazing amount of antioxidants, which helps with aging!
Other Side Dishes to Try:
- Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash
- Spinach Potato Salad
- Gulliver's Corn
- Wild Rice with Mushrooms
- Ina Garten Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Orzo Salad with Zucchini and Feta
- Provencal Vegetable Tian
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Wild Rice Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain wild rice, (6 ounces)
- 4 cups water
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 Tablespoons raspberry vinegar, or any fruit vinegar or white wine or champagne vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup seedless green grapes, cut in half
- ½ cup pecans, lightly toasted
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 3 Tablespoons chopped chives
Instructions
- In a medium pot bring the wild rice, water and salt to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat and simmer, for 50 to 60 minutes, uncovered. The rice is done when the grains have “bloomed” a bit and it is tender.
- Holding a lid on top of the pot, drain any remaining water from the rice by leaving a very small opening. Leave the lid on the pot, sealed, and let steam for 10 more minutes.
- In a separate bowl mix together the olive oil, orange juice, raspberry vinegar, salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the warm rice and stir to combine.
- Then mix in the grapes, pecans, cranberries, and chives.
- Taste and adjust seasonings.
- This is best if it is allowed to sit for a while for the flavors to marinate, at least 30 minutes.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and serve at room temperature.
Anna
We are so happy you enjoyed the Wild Rice Salad! Please Tell us about the reviews your family gives it. Have a Gr8 day!
Lee Orr
I had this salad with Kyle and it was a hit! My family is from Wisconsin where wild rice is revered. The wild rice is cooked perfectly so it still has a little crunch. I can't wait to make it for my siblings at a family reunion in July.