Best 10 Wild Rice And Apricot Salad Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey with our exquisite Wild Rice and Apricot Salad, a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. This vibrant salad artfully combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with the sweet tartness of dried apricots, creating a harmonious balance that is both refreshing and satisfying. Accented with the crunch of toasted almonds and the tangy zest of lemon vinaigrette, this salad transcends the ordinary, offering a delightful symphony of flavors in every bite.

In addition to this delightful main recipe, we present a collection of equally enticing variations to cater to diverse preferences and dietary needs. For a vegan twist, substitute crumbled tofu for the feta cheese in the Classic Wild Rice and Apricot Salad. If you prefer a gluten-free option, opt for quinoa or brown rice instead of wild rice in the Quinoa and Apricot Salad or the Brown Rice and Apricot Salad. And for those seeking added protein, consider incorporating grilled chicken or shrimp into the Apricot Chicken and Wild Rice Salad or the Apricot Shrimp and Rice Salad.

Each recipe is carefully crafted to deliver a unique taste experience, ensuring that there's a perfect salad for every palate. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, preparing a light lunch, or simply seeking a healthy and flavorful meal, these Wild Rice and Apricot Salad variations offer endless possibilities to delight your senses.

Let's cook with our recipes!

WILD RICE SALAD



Wild Rice Salad image

Provided by Ina Garten

Time 1h50m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

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.

APRICOT-PECAN WILD RICE



Apricot-Pecan Wild Rice image

Dried apricots add sweetness and color to this dish. Seasoned with sage and thyme, the down-home dish is sure to have guests asking for seconds at your house, too.-Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 50m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1-1/2 cups finely chopped onions
1-1/2 cups finely chopped celery
4 teaspoons canola oil
5 cups cooked wild rice
3/4 pound dried apricots, coarsely chopped
1-1/3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans, toasted
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon rubbed sage
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • In a nonstick skillet, saute onions and celery in oil for 5 minutes or until tender. Transfer to a large bowl. Stir in the remaining ingredients. , Spoon into a 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 10-15 minutes longer or until lightly browned.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 204 calories, Fat 6g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 282mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

MINNESOTA APRICOT WILD RICE SALAD



Minnesota Apricot Wild Rice Salad image

Provided by Midwest Living

Categories     Food

Time 5h

Yield 8 side-dish servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 ¼ cups (8 ounces) uncooked wild rice, rinsed and drained
3 cups chicken broth or water
½ cup thinly sliced green onions
⅓ cup dried apricots, cut into thin strips
¼ cup chopped red sweet pepper
2 tablespoons snipped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 teaspoons honey
¼ cup canola or salad oil
Salt and ground black pepper

Steps:

  • In a medium saucepan, place wild rice. Add chicken broth. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 40 to 45 minutes or until rice is tender; drain. Transfer to a large bowl. Add green onions, apricots, sweet pepper, and cilantro; stir to combine.
  • In a small bowl, stir together vinegar, orange juice, and honey. Using a wire whisk, slowly whisk in oil. Pour dressing over rice mixture; toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and ground black pepper. Cover; chill at least 4 hours before serving. Store, covered, in refrigerator up to 4 days. Makes 8 side-dish servings.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 189 calories, Carbohydrate 25 g, Fat 8 g, Protein 6 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 332 mg

WILD RICE AND APRICOT SALAD



WILD RICE AND APRICOT SALAD image

Categories     Salad     Fruit     Side

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 c wild rice, uncooked
3 c watere
5 shallots, halved (about 1/4 lb)
2 tsps olive oil, divided
1/2 c thinly sliced green onions
1/2 c dried apricots, cut into 1/4" strips
2 Tbsps chopped fresh parsley
2 Tbsps water
2 Tbsps balsamic vinegar
1/4 tsp grated orange rind
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper

Steps:

  • Wash wild rice in 3 changes of hot water; drain. Combine rice and 3 c water in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 45 mins. Drain and set aside. Toss shallots with 1 tsp oil in a shallow baking dish. Bake at 400 degs for 20 mins or until shallots are softened and edges are dark brown. Combine rice, shallots, green onons, apricots and parsley in a bowl; toss gently, and set aside. Combine remainng tsp oil, 2 Tbsp water and next 4 ingredients in a bowl; stir with a wire shisk. Pour over rice mixture; toss gently.

CHICKEN WILD RICE SOUP



Chicken Wild Rice Soup image

I'm originally from Minnesota, where wild rice grows in abundance and is very popular in recipes. This creamy chicken and wild rice soup has been part of our Christmas Eve menu for years. To save time, I cook the chicken and wild rice and cut up the vegetables the day before. -Virginia Montmarquet, Riverside, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner     Lunch

Time 1h

Yield 14 servings (3-1/2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 quarts chicken broth
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, chopped
1 cup finely chopped celery
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1/2 cup dry white wine or additional chicken broth
3 cups cooked wild rice
2 cups cubed cooked chicken

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, combine the first 9 ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes., In Dutch oven, melt butter; stir in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in broth mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Whisk in soup and wine. Add rice and chicken; heat through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 154 calories, Fat 6g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 27mg cholesterol, Sodium 807mg sodium, Carbohydrate 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 10g protein.

ARUGULA SALAD WITH GRILLED APRICOTS AND PISTACHIOS



Arugula Salad With Grilled Apricots and Pistachios image

Pungent arugula contrasts beautifully with fruit of all kinds. Grilling the apricots deepens their flavor and makes them stand out against the arugula even more. You'll be able to make this beautiful salad only during the summer's short apricot season, and even then, you should buy the fruits at the farmers' market so you can sample them to make sure they are juicy and sweet.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     dinner, lunch, quick, salads and dressings, appetizer

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 cups arugula, preferably wild arugula, washed and spun dry
Scant 1/4 cup pistachios (about 1 ounce), lightly toasted and chopped
1 tablespoon chopped slivered basil leaves
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
Salt and freshly ground pepper
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 ounces goat cheese or feta, crumbled
8 small or 6 large ripe apricots

Steps:

  • Heat a griddle over a hot grill or burner, or preheat an indoor grill.
  • Combine arugula, half the pistachios, and basil in a large bowl.
  • Whisk together vinegars, salt and pepper, and 3 tablespoons of the olive oil.
  • Cut apricots in half and remove pits. Brush cut side with remaining olive oil. Grill for about 2 minutes on the cut side, until seared but intact. Remove from the heat.
  • Toss together arugula mixture, dressing and half the apricots. Arrange on a platter. Arrange the remaining apricots, goat cheese or feta and remaining pistachios over the top, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 247, UnsaturatedFat 15 grams, Carbohydrate 13 grams, Fat 20 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 6 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 345 milligrams, Sugar 9 grams

WILD RICE SALAD WITH DRIED CHERRIES



Wild Rice Salad with Dried Cherries image

This wild rice side dish is bursting with flavor, thanks to cherries, garlic, and ginger.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains     Rice Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups wild rice
1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
6 tablespoons olive oil
2 large shallots, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 piece (4 inches) peeled fresh ginger, very thinly sliced into rounds
2 cups dried sour cherries
1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, some coarsely chopped, some left whole

Steps:

  • Stir together rice, 6 cups water, and 1 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover, and simmer until rice is tender and beginning to burst, about 45 minutes. Drain.
  • Stir sugar, lemon juice, and vinegar in a small bowl; set aside. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add shallots, garlic, ginger, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring constantly, until shallots are translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in cherries and 1/2 cup water. Cook until cherries are plump, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in sugar mixture.
  • Stir together cherry mixture and rice in a large dish. Cover; let stand at least 1 hour (or refrigerate overnight). Just before serving, stir in parsley.

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.

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.

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.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients. Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make your salad taste its best. Look for wild rice that is plump and firm, and apricots that are ripe and juicy.
  • Cook the wild rice properly. Wild rice takes longer to cook than white or brown rice, so be sure to follow the package directions carefully. Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove any excess starch.
  • Let the rice cool completely before assembling the salad. This will help to prevent the rice from becoming mushy.
  • Use a variety of colors and textures in your salad. This will make it more visually appealing and interesting to eat. Some good options include chopped nuts, dried fruit, fresh herbs, and roasted vegetables.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different dressings. A simple vinaigrette is always a good choice, but you could also try a creamy dressing or a tangy citrus dressing.

Conclusion:

Wild rice and apricot salad is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. It's a great way to use up leftover wild rice, and it's also a great option for a packed lunch or picnic. With its sweet and savory flavors, this salad is sure to please everyone at your table.

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