Refreshing And Flavorful Wild Rice Salad

I’m excited to share this amazing Cold Wild Rice Salad recipe with you! This dish is one of my favorite recipes, and I’ve been making it for years. It’s easy to prepare, healthy, and full of flavor. The combination of wild rice, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing make it a great side dish for any meal. Plus, it’s perfect for summer barbecues or potlucks! So if you’re looking for a delicious and impressive dish that’s sure to be a hit, give this Cold Wild Rice Salad recipe a try.

Cold Wild Rice Salad Recipe

Ingredients

• 1. 4 (6 ounce) packages long grain and wild rice mix (such as Uncle Ben’s®)
• 2. 8 ½ cups chicken broth
• 3. ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 4. ½ cup walnut oil
• 5. ½ cup pine nuts
• 6. 2 teaspoons walnut oil
• 7. 1 cup roughly chopped walnuts
• 8. 1 medium green bell pepper, minced
• 9. 1 medium yellow bell pepper, minced
• 10. 1 medium red bell pepper, minced
• 11. 1 cup minced celery
• 12. 1 cup dried cranberries
• 13. ½ cup thinly sliced scallions
• 14. ⅔ cup rice vinegar
• 15. ½ cup coarsely chopped fresh basil
• 16. 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 17. 1 clove garlic, minced
• 18. ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Place long grain and wild rice mix in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour chicken broth over the rice and stir to combine. Cover dish with foil and bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes.
• While the rice is baking, heat the olive oil and walnut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and walnuts and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine the minced green, yellow, and red bell peppers, celery, dried cranberries, scallions, rice vinegar, basil, Dijon mustard, garlic, and black pepper.
• Once the rice is finished baking, remove from oven and fluff with a fork. Allow to cool slightly before stirring into the vegetable mixture.
• Add the cooked nuts and stir to combine. Serve the cold wild rice salad at room temperature or chilled. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Serving size: 1/6 of recipe
• Calories: 292
• Fat: 16.3g
• Carbohydrates: 28.3g
• Protein: 5.2g
• Sodium: 94mg
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Saturated Fat: 2.2g
• Dietary Fiber: 2.5g
• Sugars: 6.4g

What is the history of wild rice and how has it been incorporated into salads?

Wild rice is an aquatic grass native to North America, with some varieties also found in Asia. It has been a staple of Indigenous cultures in North America, who have incorporated wild rice into their diets for generations. In recent years, wild rice has become increasingly popular in salads, due to its nutty flavor and chewy texture.

Wild rice is a traditional ingredient in many Indigenous dishes. In fact, it has been an important part of the Ojibwe diet for centuries, and is still harvested today in the Great Lakes region. It is also a popular ingredient in salads, often combined with ingredients such as nuts, vegetables, and herbs. Wild rice adds a unique flavor and texture to any dish, making it a great choice for salads.

Wild rice salads are a great way to get creative in the kitchen. They are versatile, allowing for endless combinations of ingredients and flavors. Popular combinations include wild rice, nuts, vegetables, and herbs, as well as fruits like strawberries and cherries. The nutty flavor of the wild rice pairs well with these ingredients, making for a delicious and nutritious meal.

Wild rice is a nutritious and delicious addition to any salad. Not only is it a great source of fiber and protein, but it is also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Furthermore, wild rice is low in calories, making it a great choice for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy diet.

Wild rice is an incredibly versatile ingredient, and its use in salads is evidence of this. With its nutty flavor and chewy texture, wild rice adds a unique flavor to any dish. It is also a great source of nutrients, making it a great choice for those looking for a healthy and delicious meal.

How does the texture and flavor of wild rice contrast with other ingredients in a cold salad?

Wild rice has a chewy texture and nutty flavor that stands out in a cold salad.

• This contrasts with the crunchy texture and fresh flavor of vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes.
• The creamy, slightly sweet flavor of the dressing complements the nutty flavor of the wild rice.
• The combination of textures and flavors creates a unique and satisfying salad.

What are the nutritional benefits of wild rice, and how do they contribute to the overall health benefits of salads?

Wild Rice is a nutrient dense grain that is rich in fiber, iron, zinc, and magnesium.

• It is known to promote healthy digestion and help regulate blood sugar levels.
• It is also a great source of antioxidants, which help to protect the body from cellular damage and reduce inflammation.
• Wild rice is high in protein which helps to keep you feeling full for longer and is an important part of any balanced diet.
• The fiber content of wild rice helps to reduce cholesterol levels, which in turn can reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Wild rice contains a significant amount of B vitamins, which are essential for energy production and metabolism.
• Eating wild rice as part of a salad can provide a nutritious boost of vitamins and minerals, as well as helping to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

What are some creative ways to serve and present a cold wild rice salad?

There are a variety of creative and delicious ways to serve and present a cold wild rice salad. From simple garnish ideas to creative plating techniques, this versatile dish can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for making a visually appealing and tasty cold wild rice salad that is sure to impress.

• Garnish the salad with edible flowers for a pop of color. Edible flowers like nasturtiums, marigolds, or pansies can give the salad a beautiful and delicate touch.
• Plate the salad in a hollowed out vegetable or fruit. Hollow out a roasted bell pepper, squash, or melon and fill it with the salad. This is a great way to add a unique presentation to the dish.
• Serve the salad as part of a composed platter. Arrange the salad with a combination of other colorful vegetables, nuts, and herbs for a vibrant and tasty dish.
• Top the salad with pickled vegetables. Pickling vegetables is a great way to add flavor complexity and texture to the salad. Try adding pickled carrots, turnips, or beets for a tangy and crunchy kick.
• Add a drizzle of homemade vinaigrette. For a finishing touch, make a simple vinaigrette or dressing and drizzle it over the salad. This will add a flavorful and visually pleasing touch.

Cold wild rice salad is a versatile dish that can be served and presented in many creative ways. From garnishes to plating techniques, there are endless possibilities for making the dish look and taste great.

What are some unique flavor combinations that can be used with wild rice in a cold salad?

One of the great things about wild rice is its versatility when it comes to flavor combinations. There are plenty of unique options to choose from when making a cold wild rice salad. Here are a few to get you started:

• Lemon, parsley, and mint: This light and refreshing combination pairs the tartness of lemon with the bright aromatics of parsley and mint.
• Orange, basil, and walnut: The sweetness of orange, the earthiness of basil, and the crunch of walnuts come together to create a truly unique flavor experience.
• Ginger, cilantro, and peanuts: For a bit of an Asian-inspired twist, try this combination of spicy ginger, fresh cilantro, and crunchy peanuts.
• Apple, sage, and pecan: This sweet and savory combination is perfect to enjoy during the fall. The tartness of the apples is balanced by the earthiness of the sage and the crunch of the pecans.

No matter which flavor combination you choose, a cold wild rice salad is sure to be a hit with family and friends.