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Wild Rice and Cranberry Salad

Nutty wild rice tossed with sweet dried cranberries, toasted pecans, celery, and a simple apple cider vinaigrette. An earthy, harvest-style salad perfect for fall and holiday tables.

65 minEasyServes 6290 cal/serving

AmericanSaladStovetopVegetarianDairy-FreeEgg-FreeGluten-FreeLow-SodiumCorn-Free

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups wild rice blend (or pure wild rice), rinsed
  • 3 cups vegetable broth (or water)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup pecan halves, roughly chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
  • 4 green onions (scallions), thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine 1.5 cups rinsed wild rice blend (or pure wild rice) and 3 cups vegetable broth (or water) in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes until the rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Drain any excess liquid and spread on a baking sheet to cool completely.

  2. 2

    While the rice cooks, toast 1/2 cup roughly chopped pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.

  3. 3

    In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 2 tsp pure maple syrup, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper.

  4. 4

    In a large bowl, combine the cooled wild rice, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, toasted pecans, 2 thinly sliced celery stalks, 4 thinly sliced green onions (scallions), and 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley.

  5. 5

    Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss well. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve at room temperature or chilled. The salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Questions

Can I make Wild Rice and Cranberry Salad ahead?

Yes, it takes well to being made ahead. Dressed, it is best the day it is made. Keep the components separate and refrigerated and they hold about two days; dress just before serving.

Can I halve or double Wild Rice and Cranberry Salad?

Yes. As written it serves 6. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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