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Wild Rice Salad with Dried Cherries, Walnuts, and Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Medium pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup uncooked wild rice
  • 3 cups water
  • 1/2 cup dried cherries
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
  • 1 large apple, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the wild rice under cold water, then combine it with 3 cups water in a medium pot. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 45 minutes until the rice is tender and some grains have split. Drain any excess water and let the rice cool to room temperature.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the dressing emulsifies.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled wild rice, dried cherries, toasted walnuts, diced apple, diced celery, and sliced green onions.
  • Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  • Let the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving so the flavors can settle.

Notes

Toast the walnuts ahead in a dry skillet for extra depth, and dice the apple just before mixing so it stays crisp. This salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, making it ideal to prepare the night before a gathering. If you want a bit more chew, swap half the wild rice for farro. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Equipment: Medium pot, Mixing bowl, Whisk