In the heart of the Upper Midwest lies a culinary gem embodying the spirit of Minnesota's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage - the Classic Minnesota Wild Rice Salad. This delectable dish, deeply rooted in Native American traditions, is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that captivates the senses. The nutty, earthy notes of wild rice, harvested from the pristine lakes and rivers of Minnesota, dance in perfect harmony with the crunch of crisp vegetables, the sweetness of dried fruit, and the tangy dressing. With its vibrant colors, delightful textures, and wholesome goodness, the Classic Minnesota Wild Rice Salad is a celebration of the state's bountiful harvest and culinary creativity.
This article offers a comprehensive guide to crafting this iconic salad, featuring three variations that cater to diverse dietary preferences and taste buds. The first recipe stays true to the traditional version, highlighting the classic combination of wild rice, celery, onion, and red bell pepper tossed in a tangy vinaigrette dressing. The second recipe introduces a vegetarian twist, incorporating roasted sweet potatoes and black beans for added protein and a touch of smokiness. For those seeking a gluten-free option, the third recipe replaces the traditional wheat berries with quinoa, creating a lighter and equally flavorful rendition.
Whether you're a seasoned cook or a culinary novice, these recipes provide clear instructions and helpful tips to ensure success. Detailed ingredient lists, step-by-step instructions, and insightful notes guide you through the process, making it easy to recreate this Minnesota culinary treasure in your own kitchen. So, embark on this culinary journey, savor the flavors of the North Star State, and let the Classic Minnesota Wild Rice Salad take you on a delightful adventure of taste and tradition.
WILD RICE SALAD
Easy to make and tastes wonderful. You can use either turkey or chicken. You can serve it plain, on salad greens, or in a pita. Very versatile. If in season, try substituting black cherries for the grapes.
Provided by GINNYKAE
Categories Salad Grains Rice Salad Recipes
Time 2h
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cook rice according to package directions. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Stir in rice, turkey, onion and grapes until evenly coated with dressing. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
- Before serving, sprinkle slivered almonds over the top of the salad.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 221.2 calories, Carbohydrate 14.3 g, Cholesterol 22.9 mg, Fat 13.4 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 11.4 g, SaturatedFat 1.7 g, Sodium 138.1 mg, Sugar 4.1 g
NORTHWOODS WILD RICE SALAD
This is my Minnesota version of a vintage German slaw served at church suppers. The wild rice has a nutty flavor that's perfect with tangy sauerkraut. -Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch Side Dishes
Time 1h
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Cook wild rice according to package directions. Cool completely., In a large bowl, combine sauerkraut, apple, celery, carrot, onion and cooled rice. In a small bowl, whisk the first five dressing ingredients until sugar is dissolved; stir in herbs. Add to sauerkraut mixture; toss to combine., Refrigerate, covered, at least 4 hours to allow flavors to blend. Stir in walnuts just before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 290 calories, Fat 17g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 747mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (18g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 5g protein.
WILD RICE SALAD
Provided by Ina Garten
Time 1h50m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Place the wild rice in a medium pot with 4 cups of water and 2 teaspoons of salt and bring to a boil. Simmer uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes, until the rice is very tender. Drain well and place the rice back in the pot. Cover and allow to steam for 10 minutes. While the rice is still warm, place it in a mixing bowl. Peel the oranges with a sharp knife, removing all the white pith. Cut between the membranes and add the orange sections to the bowl with the rice. Add the olive oil, orange juice, raspberry vinegar, grapes, pecans, cranberries, scallions, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and the pepper. Allow to sit for 30 minutes for the flavors to blend. Taste for seasonings and serve at room temperature.
MINNESOTA WILD RICE SALAD
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
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 :
WILD RICE SALAD
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
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 PILAF
Steps:
- Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a medium saucepan, add the onion, and cook over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, until translucent. Add 5 cups of water, 2 teaspoons of salt, and the wild rice. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to very low, and simmer, covered, for 50 minutes to 1 hour, until the rice is tender. Drain well.
- Place the drained rice in a bowl, add the remaining tablespoon of butter, the scallions, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and the pepper. Taste for seasonings and serve hot.
MINNESOTA WILD RICE SALAD
Make and share this Minnesota Wild Rice Salad recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Amy DuRay
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 55m
Yield 1 salad, 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- I a bowl, combine rice, eggs, cheese, Miacle Whip olives.
- Mix well.
- Chill for atleast 2 hours.
- Just before serving, add pecans.
- Toss.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 571.1, Fat 25.3, SaturatedFat 8.6, Cholesterol 241.7, Sodium 243, Carbohydrate 62.7, Fiber 6.3, Sugar 3.2, Protein 26.4
COLD WILD RICE SALAD
A refreshing, delicious, colorful wild rice salad that is served cold. Great as a main dish or side dish.
Provided by Karen Quinn
Categories Rice Salad
Time 4h45m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Discard seasoning packets from the rice and place rice in a large saucepan. Stir in chicken broth and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until water is absorbed, about 25 minutes. Spread rice on a baking sheet to cool.
- While the rice is cooling, toast pine nuts in a dry frying pan over low heat until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove to a large bowl.
- Add walnut oil to the same pan, then add walnuts. Toast until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Add walnuts to the pine nuts.
- Add cooled rice to the nuts, along with bell peppers, celery, cranberries, and scallions; toss well.
- Blend rice vinegar, basil, Dijon, garlic, and pepper for dressing in a food processor. Slowly drizzle olive oil and walnut oil through the chute with the motor running until combined.
- Add dressing the the rice salad and toss well. Chill for 4 hours before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 395.3 calories, Carbohydrate 43.5 g, Cholesterol 3.2 mg, Fat 22.1 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 7.1 g, SaturatedFat 2.6 g, Sodium 1296.1 mg, Sugar 8 g
Tips:
- Use the right type of wild rice. There are two main types of wild rice: long-grain and short-grain. Long-grain wild rice is more common and has a nutty flavor. Short-grain wild rice is less common and has a more earthy flavor. Both types of wild rice can be used in this salad, but long-grain wild rice is the more traditional choice.
- Cook the wild rice properly. Wild rice takes longer to cook than white rice. Be sure to follow the package directions for cooking wild rice.
- Use fresh, seasonal produce. The best wild rice salad is made with fresh, seasonal produce. This will give your salad the best flavor and texture.
- Don't overdress the salad. Wild rice salad is best when it is lightly dressed. Too much dressing can overwhelm the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Serve the salad chilled. Wild rice salad is best served chilled. This will help the flavors to meld together.
Conclusion:
Wild rice salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. With its nutty flavor and chewy texture, wild rice salad is a surefire hit. So next time you are looking for a healthy and delicious salad, give wild rice salad a try. You won't be disappointed!
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