Wild Rice and Cranberry Salad Recipe

As autumn leaves begin to fall, our kitchens become warm havens of culinary creativity and comforting flavors. The Wild Rice and Cranberry Salad is a perfect embodiment of the season, blending nutty wild rice with the tangy sweetness of dried cranberries, the crunch of almonds, and a zingy lemon vinaigrette. This dish is not only a delight to the senses but also an expression of family togetherness and the joy of sharing a hearty, homemade meal. Whether it’s a family dinner or a festive gathering, this salad will undoubtedly steal the spotlight.

Ingredients

• 1 cup wild rice
• 3 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup toasted almonds, sliced
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Rinse wild rice under cold water. In a medium saucepan, bring water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed wild rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, dried cranberries, toasted almonds, parsley, and green onions.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the wild rice mixture and toss to coat evenly.
5. Serve the salad in a deep, rustic dish, garnished with extra parsley and lemon zest if desired. Enjoy the flavors and textures of this autumnal delight!

Helpful Tips

• To save time, prepare the wild rice a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
• For a nut-free version, substitute the almonds with sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
• To add a bit more sweetness, consider incorporating diced apples or pears.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious the next day!

Complementary Dishes and Drinks

This Wild Rice and Cranberry Salad pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or even a hearty vegetable stew. For a refreshing beverage, serve with a glass of chilled white wine or a sparkling apple cider.

We hope this rustic Wild Rice and Cranberry Salad recipe brings as much warmth and joy to your table as it does to ours. Share your creations using #ZynahzRecipes or tag us on Instagram. We would love to see how you make this dish your own. Don’t forget to leave your feedback on our website www.zynahz.com, subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious updates, and follow Zynahz on social media for daily inspiration. Happy cooking!