Best 3 Contest Winning Wild Rice Apple Salad Recipes

**Savor the Symphony of Flavors: Wild Rice Apple Salad and Its Recipe Variations**

Indulge in a culinary masterpiece that celebrates the harmonious blend of textures and flavors – the Wild Rice Apple Salad. This delightful dish is a symphony of hearty wild rice, crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, tangy cranberries, and a hint of sweetness from honey. Its versatility shines through in the accompanying recipe variations, offering a tantalizing array of options to suit every palate. From a classic dressing of olive oil and vinegar to a creamy Greek yogurt-based dressing, each variation brings its own unique charm to this exceptional salad. Explore the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with the Feta and Kalamata Olive variation, or embrace the warmth of the Southwest with the Black Bean and Corn variation. The possibilities are endless, ensuring that this Wild Rice Apple Salad becomes a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

WILD RICE SALAD

Wild Rice Salad image

Provided by Ina Garten

Time 1h50m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 cup long-grain wild rice (6 ounces)
Kosher salt
2 navel oranges
2 tablespoons good olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tablespoons raspberry vinegar
1/2 cup seedless green grapes, cut in half
1/2 cup pecans, toasted
1/4 cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons scallions, white and green parts, chopped
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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.

APPLE RICE SALAD

Apple Rice Salad image

With the classic combination of apples, celery and walnuts, this creamy side tastes like a jazzed up version of Waldorf salad. It complements most meat entrees or can be served on a bed of lettuce as a vegetarian dish.-Linda Bankauskas, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

3 cups cooked wild rice
2 cups chopped apples
1 cup chopped walnuts
2 celery ribs, chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup unsweetened apple juice
3/4 cup plain yogurt
3/4 cup mayonnaise
4 teaspoons honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine the rice, apples, walnuts, celery, cranberries and juice. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Add to rice mixture and toss to coat. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition Facts :

COLD WILD RICE SALAD

Cold Wild Rice Salad image

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

Ingredients

4 (6 ounce) packages long grain and wild rice mix (such as Uncle Ben's®)
8 ½ cups chicken broth
½ cup pine nuts
2 teaspoons walnut oil
1 cup roughly chopped walnuts
1 medium green bell pepper, minced
1 medium yellow bell pepper, minced
1 medium red bell pepper, minced
1 cup minced celery
1 cup dried cranberries
½ cup thinly sliced scallions
⅔ cup rice vinegar
½ cup coarsely chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup walnut oil

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 rice: Wild rice is the best choice for this salad because it has a nutty flavor and chewy texture that holds up well to the other ingredients.
Cook the rice properly: Be sure to cook the rice according to the package directions. Overcooked rice will be mushy and unpleasant to eat.
Use fresh, crisp apples: Granny Smith apples are a good choice because they are tart and hold their shape well. However, you can use any type of apple that you like.
Choose a flavorful cheese: A sharp cheddar or blue cheese will add a nice flavor contrast to the sweet apples and nutty rice.
Don't be afraid to add other ingredients: This salad is a great way to use up leftover chicken, ham, or vegetables. You can also add nuts, seeds, or dried fruit for a bit of extra crunch and flavor.

Conclusion:

This wild rice apple salad is a delicious and healthy side dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own personal taste. So next time you are looking for a new salad recipe, give this one a try. You won't be disappointed!