Imagine a salad that's not just a side dish, but a flavor explosion that transforms your entire meal experience! This Wild Rice Salad with Apples and Walnuts is about to become your new obsession - a perfect blend of nutty wild rice, crisp apples, and crunchy walnuts that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or simply looking for a delicious and easy-to-prepare dish, this recipe promises to be a game-changer in your culinary repertoire.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the wild rice thoroughly under cold running water to remove any debris or excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the wild rice with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until the rice is tender but still slightly chewy.
- Once cooked, remove the rice from heat and let it stand covered for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool completely.
- While the rice is cooling, toast the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Dice the apple into small, uniform cubes, keeping the skin on for added texture and nutrition.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Add the diced apple, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese to the cooled wild rice.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing and nutritious side dish or light lunch.
Tips
- Rice Perfection: Rinse your wild rice thoroughly to remove any excess starch and ensure a fluffy, separate texture.
- Toasting Magic: Always toast your walnuts before adding them to the salad. This simple step enhances their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
- Apple Selection: Choose a crisp, slightly tart apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich ingredients.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad actually tastes even better after sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Customization Tip: Feel free to swap out ingredients - try pecans instead of walnuts or goat cheese instead of feta for your own unique twist.
- Serving Suggestion: For the best texture, serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, and avoid overcooking the wild rice to maintain its delightful chewy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
