Get ready to transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Wild Rice Pear Salad! Imagine a perfect blend of nutty wild rice, sweet juicy pears, and tangy feta cheese that will make your taste buds dance with joy. This isn't just a salad – it's a gourmet adventure that combines wholesome ingredients, vibrant textures, and an irresistible flavor profile that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice
- 2 ripe pears, diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the wild rice thoroughly under cold running water to remove any debris.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the wild rice with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes until the rice is tender but still slightly chewy.
- Once cooked, drain any excess water and spread the rice on a large baking sheet to cool completely. This helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy.
- While the rice is cooling, prepare the pears by washing, coring, and dicing them into small, uniform cubes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled wild rice, diced pears, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts.
- In a small separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the rice mixture and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light lunch.
Tips
- Rice Cooling Technique: Spread your cooked wild rice on a baking sheet to cool quickly and prevent clumping. This ensures each grain remains separate and perfectly textured.
- Pear Selection: Choose ripe but firm pears to maintain a nice crunch and prevent mushiness in your salad.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Customization Options: Feel free to swap walnuts for pecans or add some fresh herbs like mint or parsley for an extra flavor dimension.
- Dressing Tip: Whisk your dressing thoroughly to ensure the olive oil and balsamic vinegar are perfectly emulsified, coating each ingredient evenly.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with a few whole walnuts and a sprinkle of fresh cracked pepper just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
