Save to Pinterest This Wild Rice Harvest Salad is a vibrant celebration of autumn, bringing together the earthy, nutty flavors of wild rice with the sweetness of dried cranberries and the crunch of toasted pecans. Tossed in a zesty apple cider vinaigrette, it creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors that works beautifully as a festive side dish or a satisfying light lunch.
Save to Pinterest The foundation of this dish is wild rice, which provides a unique, chewy texture that stands up perfectly to the bright acidity of the vinaigrette. Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and thyme add layers of aromatic depth, ensuring every bite is fresh and flavorful.
Ingredients
- Grains: 1 cup uncooked wild rice, 2 cups water, 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Fruits & Nuts: 2/3 cup dried cranberries, 2/3 cup pecans (roughly chopped and toasted), 1 small apple (diced)
- Fresh Produce & Herbs: 2 green onions (thinly sliced), 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped), 2 tablespoons fresh chives (chopped), 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Vinaigrette: 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Rice
- Rinse the wild rice under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine wild rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 40–45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and some grains have burst. Drain any excess water and let cool slightly.
- Step 2: Toast the Pecans
- While the rice cooks, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant. Set aside.
- Step 3: Prepare the Vinaigrette
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup or honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
- Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
- Add the cooked wild rice, cranberries, toasted pecans, apple (if using), green onions, parsley, chives, and thyme to the bowl. Toss gently to combine and coat with the vinaigrette.
- Step 5: Season and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Using a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid is crucial for perfectly cooked wild rice. Don't skip rinsing the rice beforehand, as it helps remove any debris and ensures the grains remain distinct rather than clumping together.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegan-friendly version, simply opt for maple syrup instead of honey. You can add extra creaminess by crumbling in some goat cheese or feta, or swap the pecans for toasted walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nutty profile.
Serviervorschläge
This salad is a fantastic accompaniment to roasted poultry like chicken or turkey, making it a wonderful addition to holiday menus. For a vegetarian meal, it can be served in larger portions as a light and healthy main course.
Save to Pinterest With its beautiful seasonal colors and sophisticated blend of savory and sweet, this Wild Rice Harvest Salad is a versatile dish that brings the best of autumn textures to your table. Enjoy it fresh for a nutritious meal that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long does wild rice take to cook?
Wild rice typically takes 40-45 minutes to cook. Rinse it first, then simmer in salted water until the grains are tender and some have burst open. Drain any excess water before cooling.
- → Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is excellent for meal prep. You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually meld beautifully when left to sit overnight.
- → What can I substitute for pecans?
You can easily swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds if you prefer. Toast any nuts or seeds in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes to bring out their natural flavor and add crunch.
- → Is this salad vegan?
The salad as written is vegetarian and can be made vegan by using maple syrup instead of honey in the vinaigrette. Always double-check packaged ingredient labels for any non-vegan additives.
- → How can I enhance the creaminess?
Add crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese to increase creaminess and add a tangy flavor that complements the vinaigrette beautifully. This also makes it more substantial as a main course.
- → What's the best way to serve this salad?
Serve at room temperature for the best flavor, or chill for up to 2 hours before serving. It pairs wonderfully with roast chicken, turkey, or stands alone as a hearty vegetarian meal.