Apple Walnut Wild Rice Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Apple Walnut Wild Rice Salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, combining crisp apples, crunchy toasted walnuts, and nutty wild rice. Tossed in a light maple vinaigrette, it’s perfect for a satisfying lunch or as a side dish. Plus, it holds up well for make-ahead meals, making it an easy and healthy option throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked wild rice
- 1 apple, diced
- ½ cup walnuts, toasted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar until well combined.
- Step 2: Add the cooked wild rice, diced apple, and toasted walnuts to the bowl.
- Step 3: Toss all ingredients together with a wooden spoon until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Step 4: Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Variations
- For extra zest, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the vinaigrette.
- Substitute pecans or sliced almonds for walnuts if preferred.
- Add dried cranberries or raisins for a touch of sweetness and color.
- Use crunchy apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Before serving, give it a good toss to redistribute the dressing and refresh the flavors. This salad is best served chilled but can be enjoyed at room temperature as well.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?
Yes, brown rice is a great substitute and will provide a similar nutty flavor and texture. Just be sure it is fully cooked and cooled before using.
How long should I toast the walnuts?
Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Be careful not to burn them.
PrintApple Walnut Wild Rice Salad Recipe
This Apple Walnut Wild Rice Salad is a hearty and refreshing dish featuring nutty wild rice, crisp diced apples, and crunchy toasted walnuts. Tossed in a light maple vinaigrette, it is a vibrant, make-ahead salad perfect for lunches or side dishes that holds its texture and flavor beautifully for several days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (assuming rice is pre-cooked)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 cups cooked wild rice
- 1 apple, diced
- ½ cup walnuts, toasted
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar until well combined to create a smooth vinaigrette.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the cooked wild rice, diced apple, and toasted walnuts into the bowl with the dressing, using a wooden spoon to gently toss everything together ensuring each component is evenly coated.
- Season and Chill: Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill before serving.
- Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing. Optionally, garnish with extra toasted walnuts or fresh herbs like parsley for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- This salad keeps well refrigerated for 3 to 4 days, making it excellent for meal prep.
- Toss the salad again before serving to refresh the dressing distribution.
- To toast walnuts, spread them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- For added freshness, consider adding chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme before serving.
Keywords: wild rice salad, apple walnut salad, maple vinaigrette, make-ahead salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, lunch salad
