Best 10 Best Wild Rice Salad Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

**Wild Rice Salad: A Symphony of Flavors and Textures**

Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey that tantalizes your taste buds and delights your senses? Look no further than the Wild Rice Salad, a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will transport you to a world of culinary bliss. This versatile dish showcases the nutty and earthy flavors of wild rice, complemented by a vibrant medley of vegetables, herbs, and a tangy dressing that brings everything together in perfect balance. With three variations to choose from, each offering a unique twist on this classic salad, you're sure to find a recipe that suits your palate and preferences. Prepare to be captivated by the simplicity yet sophistication of this dish, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal or a satisfying meal on its own. So, gather your ingredients, let your creativity shine, and let's embark on a culinary adventure with the Wild Rice Salad!

**Recipe 1: Classic Wild Rice Salad**

This classic recipe forms the foundation of the wild rice salad experience, featuring a harmonious blend of wild rice, celery, carrots, red onion, and parsley. Tossed in a tangy dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and salt and pepper, this salad embodies simplicity and elegance.

**Recipe 2: Wild Rice Salad with Dried Cranberries and Pecans**

For those who love a touch of sweetness and crunch, this variation incorporates dried cranberries and pecans, adding a delightful burst of flavor and texture to the classic recipe. The cranberries provide a subtle tartness that complements the nutty flavor of the pecans, while the dressing is subtly enhanced with a hint of maple syrup, creating a flavor profile that is both familiar and exciting.

**Recipe 3: Wild Rice Salad withRoasted Butternut Squash**

This hearty and flavorful variation takes the wild rice salad to a whole new level with the addition of roasted butternut squash. The caramelized sweetness of the squash pairs beautifully with the earthy flavors of the wild rice, while crumbled goat cheese adds a touch of tanginess and creaminess. The dressing, infused with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, brings all the elements together in a symphony of autumnal flavors.

No matter which variation you choose, the Wild Rice Salad promises to be a feast for the senses. Its vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and delectable flavors will make it a favorite in your recipe repertoire. So, get ready to savor this culinary delight and experience the magic of wild rice like never before!

Here are our top 10 tried and tested recipes!

WILD RICE SALAD RECIPE



Wild Rice Salad Recipe image

Wild Rice Salad recipe tossed with orange vinaigrette, crunchy pecans, and sweet grapes. It is a perfect fall salad that can be made ahead and served cold.

Provided by Aysegul Sanford

Categories     Side Dish

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 cups cooked wild rice (cooled *)
1 cup green grapes (cut in half)
2 oranges (peeled and sliced)
1/2 cup scallions (chopped - both green and white parts)
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1 cup pecans
Handful of pomegranate arils for color (optional)
1 tablespoon orange zest (from one orange)
1/2 cup orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed (from one to two oranges))
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Steps:

  • Place cooked and cooled wild rice, grapes, orange slices, scallions, cranberries and pecans in a large salad bowl.
  • In a small mixing bowl, mix orange juice, orange zest, olive oil, salt and pepper.
  • Pour the dressing over the wild rice salad. Give it a toss.
  • Allow it to sit 30 minutes in the fridge for all the flavors to blend before serving. Alternatively, you can make this salad in advance. *

Nutrition Facts : Calories 284 kcal, Sugar 14 g, Sodium 199 mg, Fat 15 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Carbohydrate 37 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 6 g, ServingSize 1 serving

WILD RICE SALAD



WILD RICE SALAD image

The vibrant colours, flavours and textures in this salad are sensational! A great holiday salad or for special occasions. Serves 3 as meal or 5 - 6 as side. Recipe VIDEO below.

Provided by Nagi

Categories     Sides

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 13

150g (5oz / 1 cup) wild rice (, uncooked (Note 1))
120g (4oz) baby rocket / arugula (, roughly chopped (~2 giant handfuls))
1 pomegranate (, seeds only (see video, Note 2))
100g (3.5oz) feta (, preferably soft Danish, crumbled (Note 3))
3/4 cup dried cranberries ((or similar))
3/4 cup roughly chopped toasted pecans
1 cup green onions (, sliced (or chopped red onion))
2 tbsp white wine vinegar ((or cider vinegar, or other clear-ish vinegar))
6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 garlic clove (, minced)
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Steps:

  • Boil 1 litre/quart+ of water in large saucepan (no need to be exact). Add rice, lower heat so it's simmering gently. Cover then cook for 40 minutes (Note 4), or until rice is tender but not super soft (some will burst).
  • Drain then leave to steam dry and cool.
  • Salad
  • Shake Dressing in a jar, set aside for 15 minutes+.
  • Place rocket, rice, cranberries, pecans and green onions in a bowl. Add some of the feta and pomegranate. Pour over most of the Dressing, toss gently.
  • Transfer into serving bowl, top with remaining feta and pomegranate. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 153 g, Calories 361 kcal

WILD RICE SALAD WITH CELERY AND WALNUTS



Wild Rice Salad With Celery and Walnuts image

I think of this lemony salad as a main dish salad, one that makes a perfect lunch; but it would be a welcome addition to a Thanksgiving table.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Time 45m

Yield Serves 4 to 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 quart water, chicken stock or vegetable stock
1 cup wild rice, rinsed
Salt to taste
1/3 cup lightly toasted broken walnut pieces
3 celery stalks, preferably from the heart, thinly sliced on the diagonal (about 1 1/4 cups)
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh sage (2 good-size leaves) (optional)
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, or sherry vinegar
1 small garlic clove, minced
3 tablespoons walnut oil
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons buttermilk or plain low-fat yogurt

Steps:

  • Bring the water or stock to a boil in a large saucepan, add salt to taste and the wild rice. Lower the heat, cover and simmer for 40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and splayed. Drain and toss in a large bowl with the remaining salad ingredients.
  • Mix together the lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper. Whisk in the walnut oil, olive oil, and buttermilk or yogurt. Toss with the wild rice mixture. Taste and adjust seasonings, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 235, UnsaturatedFat 13 grams, Carbohydrate 22 grams, Fat 15 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 5 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 552 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams

WILD RICE SALAD



Wild Rice Salad image

Since I spend part of my summers in northern Minnesota near the wild rice fields. I have tried many recipes featuring this delicious, nutty-flavored grain in the past 46 years. This salad is often requested by family and friends! -Florence Jacoby, Granite Falls, Minnesota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 cup uncooked wild rice
Seasoned salt, optional
2 cups diced cooked chicken
1-1/2 cups halved green grapes
1 cup sliced water chestnuts, drained
3/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
1 cup cashews, optional
Lettuce leaves

Steps:

  • Cook rice according to package directions, omitting salt or substituting seasoned salt if desired. Drain well; cool to room temperature. Spoon into a large bowl; add chicken, grapes, water chestnuts and mayonnaise. Toss gently with a fork. Cover and chill., Just before serving, add cashews if desired. Serve on lettuce leaves or line a bowl with lettuce leaves and fill with salad.

Nutrition Facts :

WILD RICE SALAD



Wild Rice Salad image

This wild rice dish is even better when dressed a day ahead; cover and refrigerate. Then bring to room temperature and garnish with almonds before serving.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Salad Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 cups wild rice, cooked according to package instructions, then drained and rinsed under cold water
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 red apple, cored and cut into 1/4-inch dice
Pinch of ground cloves
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small red onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 celery stalk, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 small carrot, cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup dried currants
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons apple-cider vinegar
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons water
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted

Steps:

  • Place cooked rice in a medium bowl. Melt butter in a medium skillet. Saute apple with cloves, stirring, until golden, about 3 minutes. Transfer to bowl with rice.
  • In same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium. Saute onion, celery, carrot, and garlic, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent and just beginning to brown, about 6 minutes. Transfer to bowl with rice mixture; add currants. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Add vinegars, lemon juice, and the water to skillet; heat, whisking, until reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Whisk in remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Drizzle over salad; toss to combine. Serve, garnished with almonds.

WILD RICE SALAD



Wild Rice Salad image

I recently had this rice salad at a baby shower and everyone wanted the recipe. It's beyond delicious! So many tasty treats in this one. The lady that made it told me she got the recipe from a local chef here in Saratoga Springs.

Provided by ihvhope

Categories     Summer

Time 1h30m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 cup wild rice
4 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
1/4 cup diced yellow bell pepper
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup diced scallion
1/4 cup diced celery
1/4 cup pistachio nut
1/4 cup diced dried apricot
1/4 cup raisins or 1/4 cup currants
1/4 cup cranberries or 1/4 cup cherries
1 tablespoon toasted salted sunflower seeds
1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
3/4 cup olive oil
1 minced garlic clove
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey

Steps:

  • Combine rice, water and salt together in a large pot and bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 50 to 60 minutes.
  • Drain rice and chill.
  • Combine the chilled rice with the vegetables, fruit, and nuts.
  • Whisk vinegar, oil, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, mustard and honey.
  • Starting with 1/3 cup of the dressing add to the rice mixture and blend.
  • Taste and adjust with more or less to suit your personal tastes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 312.9, Fat 22.8, SaturatedFat 3.1, Sodium 602.6, Carbohydrate 25.2, Fiber 2.8, Sugar 7.1, Protein 4.5

WILD RICE SALAD



Wild Rice Salad image

Categories     Salad     Rice     Side     Father's Day     Dinner     Winter     Wild Rice     Gourmet     Vegan     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Dairy Free     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Serves 12

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 pound wild rice
For vinaigrette:
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
3 tablespoons chopped shallot
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 1/2 cups water
2 cups hickory nuts or chopped pecans, toasted
1 1/4 cups chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
3/4 cup dried apricots, thinly sliced
3/4 cup dried cranberries

Steps:

  • Rinse wild rice in a sieve under cold water, then combine with cold water to cover by 2 inches in a 5-quart pot. Simmer, covered, until tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Make vinaigrette while wild rice is simmering:
  • Whisk together juice, shallot, vinegar, mustard, and garlic. Gradually whisk in oil until emulsified and season with salt and pepper.
  • Cook white rice:
  • After wild rice has been simmering 20 minutes, boil white rice and 1 1/2 cups water in a 1 1/2-quart heavy saucepan, uncovered and undisturbed, until steam holes appear on surface, about 8 minutes. Reduce heat to very low and cook, covered and undisturbed, 15 minutes more. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, 5 minutes.
  • Assemble salad:
  • Rinse cooked wild rice in a sieve under cold water and drain. Stir together rices, vinaigrette, nuts, parsley, dried fruit, and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve at room temperature.

MINNESOTA WILD RICE SALAD



Minnesota Wild Rice Salad image

Everyone thinks this is one of my best salads because it features wild rice-a major crop in my home state of Minnesota. Cashews give a subtle nutty flavor.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 1h

Yield 8-10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

6 cups water
3/4 cup uncooked wild rice
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
2-1/2 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 can (8 ounces) pineapple chunks, drained and halved
2 cups sliced celery
1-1/2 cups seedless grapes, halved
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup chutney
3/4 cup cashew pieces

Steps:

  • In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add rice and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cover tightly and simmer for 50 minutes. Cool; drain if necessary. In a large bowl, combine rice, chicken, pineapple, celery, grapes, mayonnaise, chutney and remaining salt. Cover and chill until ready to serve; toss with cashews.

Nutrition Facts :

CHERRY WILD RICE SALAD



Cherry Wild Rice Salad image

While touring Door County, I sampled this salad. As soon as I got home, I wrote the lady who'd made it requesting the recipe. The mix of rice, vegetables and orchard-fresh fruit is a tasty way to remember Wisconsin's premier cherry-growing area. -Yvonne Gorges, New London, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 6-8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 cups fresh snow peas, halved
2 cups cooked wild rice
1 cup cooked long grain rice
1 can (8 ounces) sliced water chestnuts, drained
1 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup thinly sliced celery
1/4 cup chopped green onions
DRESSING:
6 tablespoons sugar
6 tablespoons canola oil
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
4-1/2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 to 2 garlic cloves, peeled
3/4 teaspoon minced fresh gingerroot
3/4 cup cashew halves, toasted

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. For dressing, in a blender, combine the sugar, oil, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic and ginger; cover and process until blended. , Pour over rice mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate until serving. Just before serving, stir in the cashews.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 355 calories, Fat 17g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 188mg sodium, Carbohydrate 48g carbohydrate (23g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

THE WORLD OF RICE SALADS



The World of Rice Salads image

This easy basic recipe for rice salad comes from Mark Bittman's How to Cook Everything Vegetarian. Turning it into an side dish for Japanese, Mexican, or Indian dinners is as simple as following one of the many variations.

Provided by Mark Bittman

Categories     Rice     Salad     Potluck     Side     Citrus     Vegetarian     Vegan     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Tree Nut Free     Peanut Free

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 to 4 cups cooked rice, cooled
1/4 cup chopped scallion
1 small or 1/2 large red or yellow bell pepper, cored, seeded, and chopped
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped carrot
1/4 to 1/2 cup Vinaigrette, made with extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar, plus more as needed
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Put the rice and all the vegetables in a large bowl. Drizzle with vinaigrette and use two big forks to combine, fluffing the rice and tossing gently to separate the grains.
  • Stir in the parsley, taste, and adjust the seasoning or moisten with a little more dressing. Serve at room temperature or refrigerate for up to a day, bringing the salad back to room temperature before serving.
  • Variations:
  • Rice Salad, Japanese Style: Use brown or white short-grain rice. Halve the amount of celery and carrot and finely chop them or shred them on a grater. Add 1 cup cubed firm tofu (preferably baked). Instead of the vinaigrette, toss with 1/4 cup or so of Simple Miso Dipping Sauce (made by whisking together 6 tablespoons miso paste, 3/4 cup warm water or sake, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 tablespoon mirin or honey, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar plus more to taste, and salt to taste). Instead of the parsley, crumble 2 sheets of nori over the rice salad and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons black or white sesame seeds.
  • Rice Salad, Mexican Style: Long-grain or medium-grain, white or brown, all work well here. When blending the vinaigrette, add 1 tablespoon chili powder and 2 tablespoons Mexican crema or mayonnaise. Instead of celery and carrot, add 1 cup chopped fresh tomato. Substitute chopped fresh cilantro for the parsley and, at the same time, add 2 chopped hard-cooked eggs and chopped jalapeƱo chiles if you like. Serve with lime wedges.
  • Rice Salad, Indian Style: Use brown or white basmati rice. When making the vinaigrette, use rice wine vinegar, replace the oil with coconut milk, and add 1 tablespoon curry powder, or more to taste. Instead of the bell pepper, celery, and carrot, add 1/2 cup each cubed cooked potato, cooked cauliflower florets, and green peas (cooked frozen are fine). Substitute cilantro for the parsley.
  • Citrus Rice Salad: Use any rice. Instead of red wine vinegar, make the vinaigrette with freshly squeezed citrus juice-choose from lemon, lime, orange, blood orange, tangerine, pink grapefruit, or a combination. Whatever you use, add 2 tablespoons of the grated zest and 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey to the blender. Do not include the scallion or the vegetables. (You might want to use a little less dressing.) Instead of the parsley, use mint if you like. A handful of chopped almonds or pecans make a nice addition.
  • Tomato Rice Salad: Use any kind of brown or white rice. When making the vinaigrette, eliminate the vinegar and add 1 medium tomato to the blender. Instead of the scallion and other vegetables, add 2 cups chopped fresh tomato (a mixture of heirloom varieties is nice).Instead of the parsley, use chopped fresh basil or mint, or 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives, chervil, dill, or about a tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves.

Tips:

  • For the best flavor, use a mix of wild rice varieties, such as long-grain, short-grain, and red.
  • Rinse the wild rice thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.
  • Cook the wild rice according to the package directions, or use the following method: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup wild rice, 2 cups water, and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
  • While the rice is cooking, prepare the other ingredients for the salad. Chop the vegetables, nuts, and herbs.
  • Once the rice is cooked, let it cool slightly before adding it to the salad. This will help to prevent the salad from becoming too mushy.
  • When assembling the salad, start with the greens and vegetables. Then, add the wild rice, nuts, and herbs.
  • Drizzle the salad with a dressing of your choice. A simple vinaigrette or a creamy dressing would both be delicious.
  • Serve the salad immediately or chill it for later.

Conclusion:

Wild rice salad is a delicious and healthy side dish or main course. It's packed with flavor and nutrients, and it's easy to make. With so many different variations to choose from, there's sure to be a wild rice salad that everyone will enjoy.

Related Topics