Are you looking for a nutritious and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than wild rice salads! Wild rice, a type of grain that’s high in fiber and protein, pairs perfectly with a variety of ingredients to create delicious and healthy dishes. From sweet and tangy cranberries to savory feta cheese, we’ve got you covered with our collection of 18 flavorful wild rice salad recipes.
Whether you’re looking for a simple side dish or a more substantial main course, these salads are sure to satisfy your cravings. With ingredients like roasted butternut squash, crispy pecans, and creamy avocado, you’ll be spoiled for choice. And the best part? These recipes are all easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of our favorite wild rice salad recipes that showcase the versatility and nutritional benefits of this amazing grain. From classic combinations to international-inspired flavors, we’ve got you covered with these 18 mouthwatering recipes.
Wild Rice Salad with Cranberries and Pecans
This hearty salad combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans, making it a perfect side dish for any occasion. The tangy dressing brings all the flavors together in harmony.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked wild rice, cranberries, and pecans.
2. If using feta cheese, crumble it on top of the salad.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar and olive oil.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Mediterranean Wild Rice Salad with Feta and Olives
Mediterranean Wild Rice Salad with Feta and Olives: A flavorful and nutritious side dish that combines the nutty taste of wild rice with the salty tang of feta cheese, all wrapped up in a medley of Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked wild rice, crumbled feta cheese, sliced olives, and chopped parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice. Pour the dressing over the rice mixture and toss to coat.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (prep) + 0 minutes (cook)
Asian-Inspired Wild Rice Salad with Ginger Dressing
This vibrant salad combines nutty wild rice with a medley of colorful vegetables, crunchy nuts, and a zesty ginger dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this recipe is a flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional salads.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1 cup sliced red bell pepper
– 1 cup sliced cucumber
– 1/2 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 1/4 cup toasted almonds
– 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked wild rice, mixed greens, red bell pepper, cucumber, and scallions.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Top with toasted almonds and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Wild Rice and Kale Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
This hearty salad combines nutty wild rice with curly kale and a tangy lemon tahini dressing, perfect for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 2 cups curly kale, stems removed and chopped
– 1/2 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon tahini
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked wild rice, chopped kale, red onion, and feta cheese (if using).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, tahini, and garlic until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Roasted Butternut Squash and Wild Rice Salad
This hearty salad combines the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the nutty flavor of wild rice, perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
– 1 cup wild rice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tbsp honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place it on a baking sheet, cut side up.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 45 minutes or until tender.
4. Cook wild rice according to package instructions.
5. In a large bowl, combine roasted squash, cooked wild rice, parsley, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Toss to combine.
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Wild Rice Salad with Apples and Walnuts
This hearty salad combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with the crunch of walnuts, sweet crispness of apples, and tanginess of a citrus-herb dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 1 large apple, diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked wild rice, diced apple, and chopped walnuts.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, olive oil, and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the rice mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (assuming cooked wild rice)
Southwest Wild Rice Salad with Black Beans and Corn
This flavorful salad combines the nutty taste of wild rice with the bold flavors of the Southwest, featuring black beans, corn, and a hint of lime. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 1 cup cooked black beans, rinsed and drained
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked wild rice, black beans, corn kernels, and cilantro.
2. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and toss to coat.
3. Sprinkle cumin, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. If using jalapeño, add it to the salad and stir.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (excluding cooking time for wild rice and black beans)
Wild Rice and Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Lime
This vibrant salad combines the nutty flavors of wild rice and quinoa with the creamy richness of avocado, all tied together with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Perfect for a light and refreshing lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked wild rice and quinoa.
2. Add the diced avocado, red bell pepper, and chopped cilantro to the bowl.
3. Squeeze the lime juice over the top and toss gently to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (prep time included)
Wild Rice Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Balsamic Glaze
This hearty salad combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with the sweetness of roasted vegetables, all tied together with a tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild rice
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
– 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and cubed
– 1 large zucchini, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cook wild rice according to package instructions.
3. Toss sweet potato, bell pepper, and zucchini with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until tender.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked wild rice, roasted vegetables, and garlic.
5. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the top and toss to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Wild Rice and Chickpea Salad with Herbs
This hearty salad combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with creamy chickpeas, fresh herbs, and a hint of tanginess. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained and rinsed
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked wild rice, chickpeas, and chopped parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice.
3. Pour the dressing over the rice mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (assuming cooked wild rice)
Wild Rice Salad with Mango and Cashews
Elevate your salad game with this exotic fusion of flavors and textures! This refreshing wild rice salad combines the nutty goodness of wild rice, the sweetness of mango, and the crunch of cashews for a truly unique taste experience.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup toasted cashews
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked wild rice, diced mango, and chopped cilantro.
2. Sprinkle toasted cashews over the top of the salad and toss gently to combine.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and squeeze lime juice over the salad.
4. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (prep) + no cooking time needed for ingredients
Wild Rice and Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese
This refreshing salad combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with the earthy taste of spinach, topped with crumbly goat cheese. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked wild rice and fresh spinach leaves.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
3. Pour the dressing over the rice and spinach mixture; toss to combine.
4. Top with crumbled goat cheese and chopped pecans.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Wild Rice Salad with Grilled Chicken and Honey Mustard Dressing
This hearty salad combines nutty wild rice with juicy grilled chicken, crunchy veggies, and a tangy honey mustard dressing. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 2 tablespoons honey mustard dressing (see below)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked wild rice, grilled chicken, red bell pepper, and red onion.
3. Drizzle honey mustard dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Top with mixed greens and serve.
Honey Mustard Dressing:
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
Wild Rice and Beet Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
This hearty salad combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with the natural sweetness of roasted beets, all tied together with a tangy orange vinaigrette. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 2 large beets, peeled and roasted (see notes)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked wild rice, roasted beets, parsley, and feta cheese (if using).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, olive oil, and white wine vinegar.
3. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time:
– Roasting beets: 45-50 minutes at 425°F (220°C)
– Total preparation time: 20 minutes
Wild Rice Salad with Cucumber and Dill
This refreshing salad combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with the cooling taste of cucumber and the brightness of fresh dill. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this recipe is quick to prepare and packed with nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 2 cups diced cucumber
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked wild rice, diced cucumber, and chopped fresh dill.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Pour the dressing over the rice mixture and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Wild Rice and Lentil Salad with Tahini Dressing
A hearty and nutritious salad that combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with the comforting warmth of lentils, all wrapped up in a creamy tahini dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild rice
– 1 cup cooked green or brown lentils
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Tahini dressing (see below)
Tahini Dressing:
– 1/2 cup tahini
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook wild rice according to package instructions.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, mixed greens, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic.
3. Add cooked wild rice to the bowl and toss to combine.
4. Drizzle with Tahini Dressing (see below) and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Wild Rice Salad with Pomegranate and Pistachios
This flavorful salad combines the nutty taste of wild rice with sweet pomegranate seeds, crunchy pistachios, and tangy feta cheese. Perfect as a healthy side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 1/2 cup fresh pomegranate arils (seeds)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup toasted pistachios, chopped
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked wild rice, pomegranate arils, parsley, and pistachios.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice. Pour the dressing over the rice mixture and toss to coat.
3. Crumble feta cheese over the top of the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (cooking wild rice), 5 minutes (preparing dressing)
Wild Rice and Smoked Salmon Salad with Lemon Dill Dressing
This refreshing salad combines the earthy flavor of wild rice with the rich taste of smoked salmon, topped with a bright and citrusy lemon dill dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 6 oz smoked salmon, flaked
– 2 tablespoons freshly chopped dill
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1/2 cup mixed greens
– Lemon Dill Dressing (recipe below)
Lemon Dill Dressing:
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook wild rice according to package instructions.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked wild rice, flaked smoked salmon, chopped dill, and crumbled feta cheese (if using).
3. In a small bowl, whisk together Lemon Dill Dressing ingredients until well combined.
4. Pour dressing over the salad mixture and toss to coat.
5. Top with mixed greens and serve immediately.
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Summary
Discover 18 delicious and nutritious wild rice salad recipes that are perfect for any occasion. From classic combinations like cranberries and pecans to international inspirations like ginger dressing and Mediterranean flavors with feta and olives, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy seasonal twists like roasted butternut squash and apple-walnut pairings, or try new flavor profiles with black beans and corn, avocado and lime, or grilled chicken and honey mustard. Whether you’re looking for a light and refreshing side dish or a satisfying main course, these wild rice salads are sure to impress.