Ina Garten Wild Rice Salad

Ina Garten Wild Rice Salad features nutty wild rice, crunchy pecans, sweet dried cranberries, fresh scallions, and a zesty orange vinaigrette. The mix of textures—chewy rice, crisp nuts, and tender fruit—creates a vibrant bite. Named for its star ingredient, wild rice, this salad balances earthy, sweet, and citrusy flavors beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup wild rice – Cook it until tender but still slightly chewy.
• ½ cup pecans – Toast them lightly for a rich, nutty crunch.
• ½ cup dried cranberries – Add a pop of sweetness and chewiness.
• 2 scallions – Slice them thin for a mild onion bite.
• ¼ cup orange juice – Brighten up the flavors with fresh citrus.
• 2 tbsp olive oil – Bring it all together with smooth richness.
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar – Add a subtle tangy kick.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Balance all the flavors just right.

How To Make Ina Garten Wild Rice Salad

1. Prepare the wild rice. After giving it a thorough rinse, cook it for 45 minutes in salted water until it becomes soft. After draining, allow to cool.
2. Toast the pecans. In a dry pan, cook over medium heat until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden, turning frequently. Allow them to cool.
3. Blend the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Put the salad together. Put the scallions, cranberries, pecans, and wild rice in a big bowl. Add the dressing.
5. Serve after tossing. Be sure to thoroughly coat everything by gently mixing. After 15 minutes of sitting, savor it!

Ina Garten Wild Rice Salad Recipe Tips:

• Wild Rice Salad in the Mediterranean. Replace the sun-dried tomatoes with cranberries and the toasted almonds with pecans to give this salad a Mediterranean flair. For a creamy contrast, add some crumbled feta cheese. Add chopped cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for added freshness. For a tangy boost, substitute lemon juice for orange juice. For a herbaceous touch, add oregano and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. This version has a lovely blend of textures and strong, acidic flavors. For a cool taste, serve it cold.
• Wild Rice Salad Packed with Protein. Add grilled chicken or chickpeas to make this salad a full meal. For a crisp taste, substitute diced apples for the cranberries. If you want a richer crunch, use walnuts rather than pecans. To add extra healthy fats and a creamy texture, add slices of avocado. To improve the flavors, use orange juice instead of lime juice. This recipe offers a good balance of flavor, fiber, and protein. Savor it for lunch or dinner whenever you are in the mood for something substantial but cool.
• Inspired by Asia Salad with Wild Rice. Use sesame oil instead of olive oil to add a toasted richness and infuse Asian characteristics. For a luscious sweetness, use slices of mandarin orange instead of cranberries. For crunch, add thinly sliced red cabbage and shredded carrots. For a buttery mouthfeel, use cashews rather than nuts. For a subtle tang, use rice vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar. For a nutty finish, sprinkle sesame seeds on top. The sweet, tart, and umami flavors are all expertly balanced in this version.

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers?

1. In The Fridge: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keep the dressing separate to maintain freshness. Stir before serving to redistribute flavors. For best taste, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before eating.
2. In The Freezer: Freeze the wild rice alone in a sealed bag for up to three months. Avoid freezing the full salad to prevent texture loss. Thaw in the fridge overnight and mix with fresh ingredients before serving. Add the dressing just before eating for the best flavor.
3. To Reheat: Enjoy this salad cold or at room temperature for the best taste. If warming, microwave the rice alone for 30 seconds. Then, mix in the other ingredients and toss gently. Avoid overheating to keep the nuts crunchy and the flavors fresh.

Ina Garten Wild Rice Salad Recipe Nutrition Facts

Protein: This salad provides about 20g of protein from wild rice and pecans.
Carbohydrates: The total carbohydrate content is around 120g, mostly from wild rice and dried cranberries.
Fiber: This dish offers about 10g of fiber, promoting good digestion.
Fats: It contains approximately 50g of healthy fats from olive oil and pecans.
Sugars: The natural sugars amount to about 20g, mainly from cranberries and orange juice.
Vitamin C: This salad delivers about 30mg of Vitamin C, thanks to fresh orange juice.
Iron: You get around 4mg of iron, mostly from wild rice and pecans.
Calcium: The dish provides about 80mg of calcium, supporting strong bones.
Potassium: This recipe includes roughly 400mg of potassium, helping with muscle function.
Magnesium: The salad contains about 100mg of magnesium, promoting relaxation and heart health.
Antioxidants: Dried cranberries and olive oil offer plenty of antioxidants, supporting overall wellness.

Try More Recipes:

• Jamie Oliver Roast Vegetable Salad
• Ina Garten Lobster Salad
• Pioneer Woman Beef Stew
• Pioneer Woman Crockpot French Onion Soup