Best 5 Walnut Rice Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our delectable Walnut Rice Salad, a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes the taste buds and nourishes the body. This vibrant salad boasts a harmonious blend of textures and colors, featuring tender rice, crunchy walnuts, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing that elevates each ingredient to new heights.

With three enticing variations to choose from, this recipe offers a versatile culinary experience that caters to diverse preferences. The Classic Walnut Rice Salad embodies simplicity and elegance, featuring a medley of fresh vegetables and a zesty lemon-tahini dressing. Craving something a bit more substantial? The Mediterranean Walnut Rice Salad incorporates sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives, transporting your taste buds to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean. And for a taste of the Orient, the Asian Walnut Rice Salad introduces a symphony of flavors with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a hint of ginger.

Each variation of this salad promises a unique culinary adventure, making it an ideal dish for potlucks, picnics, or simply a satisfying lunch or dinner. Prepare to be amazed by the harmonious interplay of flavors, textures, and colors in this Walnut Rice Salad.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

WILD RICE, CRANBERRY AND WALNUT SALAD



Wild Rice, Cranberry and Walnut Salad image

Wild rice is actually the seed of an aquatic grass, native to North America. High in protein and carbohydrates and low in fat, it has a distinctive nutty taste and dark brown colour, and is often added to rice mixes for visual appeal and flavour. To cook rice in the microwave, place rice in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 cups of hot water. Microwave on high (100%) for 11 to 14 minutes or until liquid has mostly evaporated. Stir rice with a fork to separate grains.

Provided by Sonya01

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup basmati rice pilaf (we used Tilda brand, see tip)
1 cup dried cranberries
2 sticks celery, thinly sliced
1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Steps:

  • Cook rice in a large saucepan of boiling water, following packet directions, until tender. Drain. Set aside to cool (see note).
  • Combine rice, cranberries, celery and walnuts in a bowl.
  • Place oil and vinegar in a screw-top jar. Season with salt and pepper. Secure lid. Shake to combine. Drizzle over salad. Toss to combine. Serve.

FETA, CRANBERRY AND WALNUT RICE SALAD



FETA, CRANBERRY AND WALNUT RICE SALAD image

Categories     Salad     Side     Quick & Easy     Healthy     Simmer

Yield 4 people

Number Of Ingredients 10

One 4 oz. package Farmhouse® Long Grain & Wild Rice Herb & Butter
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup walnut pieces, toasted
1/2 cup scallions, thinly sliced
One 11 oz. can mandarin oranges, drained
3 oz. feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing:
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Prepare rice according to package directions. Cool. In small bowl, place cranberries and cover with hot water. Let stand for 5 minutes; drain. In separate small bowl, combine dressing ingredients. Combine cranberries, walnuts, scallions, oranges and feta cheese. Add to rice. Add dressing and toss. Chill at least 20 minutes for flavors to blend.

WALNUT RICE SALAD



Walnut Rice Salad image

Rice blends with walnuts, onions, chopped apple and a curried lemon dressing in this versatile salad. It could be a main luncheon salad in warm weather or a change-of-pace complement to a poultry or fish dinner any time of year.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 10-12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

5 cups cooked rice
1-1/2 cups chopped walnuts
1 large tart apple, chopped
1 cup chopped green onion
1 large carrot, grated
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
DRESSING:
1/3 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
2 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 cup vegetable oil

Steps:

  • Combine the first six ingredients. Combine the juice, honey, mayonnaise, garlic, salt and curry powder; gradually whisk in the oil. Just before serving, drizzle over rice salad.

Nutrition Facts :

PEAR & WALNUT RICE SALAD



Pear & Walnut Rice Salad image

This comes together very quickly as I make the rice the night before when making dinner and then just set out to bring back to room temp. Best served at room temp.

Provided by Debbwl

Categories     Brown Rice

Time 5m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 cups cooked brown rice
1 large pear, cored and diced (firm works best)
3 green onions, sliced
1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
1/3 cup blue cheese, crumbled
1/3 cup raspberry vinaigrette dressing
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
dried craisins or cherries, for garnish

Steps:

  • Combine all ingredients in medium bowl; toss to coat. Garnish with dried craisins or dried cherries and serve immediately.

CURRIED WALNUT RICE SALAD



Curried Walnut Rice Salad image

"As a busy wife and mother of eight, I'm always on th look out for tasty and nutritious recipes," shares Rhoda Wenger of Pilot Mountain, North Carolina. "With its mild curry flavor, nutty crunch and veggie garnish, this one easily passed my test!"

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

1-3/4 cups brown rice, cooked and cooled
1 medium cucumber, diced
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 large carrot, shredded
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
3 tablespoons fat-free mayonnaise
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons honey
1 teaspoon curry powder
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
4 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients. In another bowl, whisk mayonnaise, oil, lemon juice, honey, curry powder, garlic, salt and pepper; stir into rice mixture. Just before serving, stir in nuts. Garnish with tomatoes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 198 calories, Fat 7g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 276mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 5 minutes. This will enhance their flavor and make them more crunchy.
  • If you don't have any fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley instead. Use about 1 tablespoon of dried parsley for every 1/4 cup of fresh parsley.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables to the salad, such as diced cucumber, shredded carrots, or chopped bell pepper.
  • You can also add a protein source to the salad, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
  • For a vegan version of the salad, omit the feta cheese and use a plant-based dressing.

Conclusion:

This walnut rice salad is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is packed with flavor and nutrients, and it is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you are looking for a healthy and satisfying salad, give this walnut rice salad a try.

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