This Wild Rice Salad with Apples and Dried Cherries is a delightful dish that adds a burst of flavor and texture to your Thanksgiving table. The combination of nutty wild rice, crisp apples, and sweet dried cherries creates a refreshing and satisfying salad.
Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, this recipe is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for your Thanksgiving gathering.
Thanksgiving Wild Rice Salad Recipe
This salad features a base of cooked wild rice mixed with diced apples, dried cherries, and a tangy vinaigrette. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and serves 6 people, making it a wonderful addition to any holiday meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
- 3 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 medium apple, diced (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Wild Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the wild rice and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Drain any excess liquid and let cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, diced apple, dried cherries, chopped nuts, red onion, and parsley.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Chill and Serve: For best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy this refreshing dish at your Thanksgiving feast!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 220kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
