Fruit & Nut-Filled Wild Rice Salad Recipe

Looking for a showstopper salad that’s both nutritious and a feast for the eyes? This Fruit & Nut-Filled Wild Rice Salad is truly a celebration of vibrant produce and crunchy nuts, bound together by a bright citrus dressing. Sweet grapes, zesty orange, chewy dried apricots, and toasted walnuts tumble through tender wild rice, all perched atop crisp butter lettuce. It’s a salad that’s as fun to put together as it is to eat, and one that you’ll find yourself craving for lunch, dinner, or even special gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of ingredients to whip up this stunning salad, and every single one plays a delicious role—adding color, crunch, sweetness, or a pop of freshness. Gather these pantry staples and fresh produce items, and you’ll be well on your way to a new favorite.

• Wild Rice: Earthy and toothsome, it’s the canvas and heart of our salad—choose long-grain wild rice for that fabulous texture.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for flavor; seasoning the rice properly makes every bite pop.
• Navel Oranges: Their brightness and juicy segments bring the salad to life; don’t forget the zest for an extra zing.
• Olive Oil: Adds a silky richness, helping all the tastes meld together in the dressing.
• Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice: Offers lovely citrus notes and freshness to the dressing.
• Vanilla & Date Balsamic Vinegar: This unique vinegar is sweet and tangy, balancing all the sweet and savory notes beautifully.
• Seedless Green Grapes (halved): These add juicy bites and a delightful contrast of color.
• Walnuts (toasted): Toasting brings out their nuttiness and ups the crunch factor—absolutely don’t skip this.
• Diced Dried Apricots: For wonderful chewy sweetness that complements the citrus and grape.
• Scallions (chopped): Adds mild oniony freshness and lovely flecks of green.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: A little sharp heat to round out all those fruity flavors.
• Butter Lettuce: The perfect lush bed for the Fruit & Nut-Filled Wild Rice Salad, soft and subtle so the other ingredients can shine.

How to Make Fruit & Nut-Filled Wild Rice Salad

Step 1: Cook the Wild Rice

Start by rinsing your long-grain wild rice under cool water, then place it into a medium pot along with 4 cups of water and 2 teaspoons of kosher salt. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is very tender and some grains may “burst.” Drain the rice thoroughly, put it back in the pot, and cover for 10 minutes to let it steam. This step makes the rice fluffy and perfect for soaking up that gorgeous dressing.

Step 2: Prepare the Citrus and Dressing

While your rice is cooking, grab those gorgeous navel oranges. Zest one orange before peeling both (removing all the bitter white pith), then segment or cut into bite-sized pieces. Fresh zest and juice dial up the flavor in the salad. Whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed orange juice, and Vanilla & Date Balsamic Vinegar—this trifecta forms a sweet-tart dressing that’ll make every bite of your Fruit & Nut-Filled Wild Rice Salad sing.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

Take your warm, freshly steamed rice and transfer it into a large mixing bowl. Add the orange zest, orange segments, olive oil mixture, grape halves, toasted walnuts, diced apricots, scallions, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and a generous grind of black pepper. Give everything a gentle but thorough stir, ensuring every grain is kissed with flavor and each piece of fruit and nut is well distributed throughout the mix.

Step 4: Let the Flavors Mingle

It’s tempting to dig right in, but trust me—let the salad sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature. This gives the wild rice a chance to absorb all that citrusy, fruity goodness and melds the sweet, tart, and nutty notes into a harmonious whole. Taste for seasoning and adjust salt or pepper if needed.

Step 5: Serve Over Lettuce

Place whole leaves of crisp butter lettuce on a serving platter or individual plates, then generously heap the Fruit & Nut-Filled Wild Rice Salad on top. The cool, silky lettuce cradles the hearty salad beautifully and adds a refreshing crunch with every bite.

How to Serve Fruit & Nut-Filled Wild Rice Salad

Garnishes

Dress up your platter with extra fresh orange zest or a scattering of more toasted walnuts and sliced scallions for a burst of color and aroma right before serving. A handful of pomegranate seeds also makes a festive touch during the holidays!

Side Dishes

This salad is hearty enough to be a main event but also shines alongside grilled chicken or salmon. For a full vegetarian spread, serve it next to roasted veggies or a savory chickpea stew. The sweet-savory balance of the Fruit & Nut-Filled Wild Rice Salad pairs wonderfully with tangy cheeses and fresh breads.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon the salad into individual lettuce cups for a stunning party appetizer or picnic side. You can also layer it in clear glasses, parfait-style, with extra fruit and nuts between layers for a gorgeous make-ahead lunch. An edible bowl made from a hollowed-out orange is another delightful touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extras? The good news is that the Fruit & Nut-Filled Wild Rice Salad keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If possible, store the butter lettuce separately so it stays crisp and fresh until serving.

Freezing

While cooked wild rice itself can be frozen, the best flavor and texture of this salad comes from making it fresh. Freezing is not recommended, as the fruit can become mushy and the nuts lose their crunch once thawed.

Reheating

This is a salad best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you want to warm up just the rice before assembling the salad (say, for a cozy winter version), simply microwave the rice for a minute, then toss with the other ingredients.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice in this salad?

You’ll get the best chewy texture and nutty flavor from long-grain wild rice, but if you need a substitute, a mix of wild and brown rice works well. Experimenting with black or red rice can create colorful alternatives, but always adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What if I can’t find Vanilla & Date Balsamic Vinegar?

No worries! You can use regular balsamic vinegar and, if you like, add a spoonful of honey or maple syrup plus a splash of vanilla extract to mimic its unique sweet notes.

Can this salad be made vegan?

Absolutely—this Fruit & Nut-Filled Wild Rice Salad is naturally vegan as long as your vinegar choice contains no hidden animal-derived ingredients. Just double-check your pantry items.

What’s the best way to toast walnuts?

Simply spread walnuts on a baking sheet and toast them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for around 8 minutes, shaking the pan once halfway through. Let them cool before chopping and adding to your salad—they’ll be extra flavorful and crisp.

Can I make Fruit & Nut-Filled Wild Rice Salad ahead of time for a party?

Yes! This salad actually tastes even better after resting. Prepare all the components up to a day ahead, and assemble just before serving to keep the flavors fresh and the lettuce crisp.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to bring more color and crunch to your table, the Fruit & Nut-Filled Wild Rice Salad is a must-try—lively, wholesome, and crowd-pleasing. Whether enjoyed at a family dinner or packed up for a special picnic, there’s every reason to make this feel-good staple part of your regular rotation!

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