Wild Rice Salad with Fresh and Dried Cranberries in Maple Vinaigrette
Serves 8 (easily cut in half or expanded for a crowd).
Note: This salad is great for a party. Make it ahead and it will keep a day or two in the refrigerator. Add cooked diced chicken or ham for a satisfying entree. You may end up with a little extra vinaigrette; use it for another dish. From Beth Dooley.
• 1 c. wild rice
• 1/2 c. fresh cranberries
• 1/4 c. apple cider vinegar
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 1/3 c. maple syrup
• 1/2 c. walnut or vegetable oil
• 2 to 3 tbsp. cranberry or orange juice, if needed
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 c. toasted pecans
• 1/4 c. dried cranberries
• 1/4 c. diced white part of green onions, plus 1-inch of the green parts
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions
Wash the rice thoroughly by putting it in a colander and running under cold water until the water runs clear. Turn the wild rice into a large heavy saucepan and add enough water to cover by 2 inches (about 4 cups). Set over high heat, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until the rice kernels begin to open, about 20 to 35 minutes for hand-harvested rice (45 minutes or longer for cultivated rice). Be sure it doesn't become too mushy. Drain the rice and fluff with a fork. Set aside.
Put the fresh cranberries into a small pot and add just enough water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce heat and simmer until the cranberries just begin to pop, about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, garlic, mustard and maple syrup. Whisk in the oil in a slow, steady stream. If the emulsion is too thick, slowly add a little cranberry or apple juice.
Place the cooked rice, cooked cranberries, red pepper, pecans, dried cranberries and all parts of the green onions into a bowl and toss with just enough dressing to lightly coat.
Nutrition information per serving:
Calories280Fat17 gSodium51 mg
Carbohydrates32 gSaturated fat2 gCalcium24 mg
Protein4 gCholesterol0 mgDietary fiber3 g
Diabetic exchanges per serving: 1 bread/starch, 1 other carb, 3 ½ fat.
